SHE MEDITATES!

Meditation

When most people think of meditation, Middle Eastern and New Age philosophy come to

mind. We see meditation often spoken about as a person quieting their minds in a seated

position. This is really unfortunate!

Christians are called to meditate, biblically. This is to ponder the truths of Scripture. We see

examples of this throughout the Bible. We must learn to do as David did (Psalm 1), meditate

day and night.

THE DIFFERENCE

There is a big difference between what the world calls meditation, and what the Bible calls

meditation.

Worldly meditation is to 'calm' the mind of the meditator by focusing on their breathing

and/or a soothing sound. The goal is to be in the 'now.' Thoughts are to be dismissed if

recognized. The goal is to create a space where the brain is clear of thoughts. Attention is

to continually be brought back to the body, not the mind. It is very 'body' centered.

Biblical meditation is entirely different. As Christians, we are to actually think! That is the

core of meditation for us. We are to pick a verse or an attribute of God and think deeply

about it. The goal is to deliberately set our minds on the Word. We are searching for more

treasures than we see at first glance. The intention is to hide God's Word in our hearts. We

accomplish this by thinking! It is 'thought' centered.

WHY

There are many reasons to meditate. One main reason is that God tells us to. Another

reason is that we have the promise of being blessed.

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of

sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on

his law he meditates day and night..." Psalm 1:1-6

Although reading the Bible is something all Christians know to do, meditating seems to be

easily neglected. Dear sister, we need both, just like our body needs both food and

digestion.

We can think of reading the Bible or biblical truths as eating. The Bible is our food. We must

read to stay spiritually fed. The question is, how often do we digest? That is what meditation

is for the Christian. Reading is eating, and meditation is digesting the Word of God.

What good is a meal if the body doesn't benefit from the nutrients? This is the same with

meditation. When reading the Bible, it 'tastes good,' but if we don't meditate, it never gets

digested. Therefore it never actually gets walked out by the believer.

Thomas Brooks made a great point when he wrote, "It is not the person who reads most,

but the one who meditates most, that will prove the sweetest, wisest, happiest, and

strongest Christian."

Another writer, John Snyder, said, "Without meditation, you will be like a person always

looking at food, studying food, and talking about food...but never eating it!"

Both are great ways of illustrating the importance of biblical meditation.

WHEN

Many people believe reading the Bible first thing in the morning is the best time. We see

Jesus doing so! (Mark 1:35) We also read of morning devotions in the psalms. (Psalm 5:3).

However, there are no hard and fast rules.

It really depends on the person. I used to say, first thing in the morning, hands down! I don't

think that anymore. I do believe praying and setting the heart on God in the morning in

some way is very important.

But, as for reading and meditation, Some may find themselves so tired trying to concentrate

with a foggy brain in the mornings. I used to just not be a morning person! I was much more

alert at night, so that's when I chose to meditate. Others can't keep their eyes open at night.

You should choose a time that is personally good for you to quiet yourself before the Lord. It

should be when you can give God the best of your focus.

HOW

You could look up article after article on methods of biblical meditation. The primary key is

to think deeply about a chosen verse or topic. Consider the topic of choice from different

angles. Carefully think about how you might apply what you are meditating on to your life.

Luke 2:19 shows Mary thinking deeply about the circumstances surrounding Christ.

"Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

Meditating involves

reflection in mind and heart on truths.

When we meditate on something, it becomes a part of us. As we continue to think about a

verse over and over again, it will naturally unveil more truths that we can grasp. We will then

be hiding the Word in our hearts. When we meditate, "We think about something, and then

we think about it again," is what I once heard.

I am a practical girl! I usually need examples. As I mentioned, you could search and find

tons of methods. However, I will share a short example.

EXAMPLE

For one, the focus should be specific! You wouldn't want to meditate on the subject of the

entire gospel. It's too broad. Let's pick a familiar verse.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1.

●

He is my Shepherd. What is a shepherd? A person who takes care of their sheep.

He tends to their needs, leading them and feeding them. (You could do even more

research here).

●

How does this apply to me? Well, I don't have to lead myself. I know that today, God

will lead me and take care of me. I don't have to worry about my needs.

●

What about sheep? What are their characteristics? Sheep are not very smart

animals. They wander easily. The Shepherd has to keep careful watch over them, or

else they will get lost.

●

How does this apply to me? I am prone to wander. I am not as smart as I think I am.

He knows all things, and I am limited in understanding. I must trust my Shepherd's

leading...even when I don't understand.

●

Who is my Shepherd? The Lord! He, Who leads me, created the world. He is the

Ruler of all things. He carefully watches me so that I don't wander into danger.

●

I shall not want...but why? I will be given everything I need.

●

How has this truth affected me in the past? I see how He has led me in the past,

though I didn't always recognize it. I can praise Him for guiding me.

●

How will this truth affect me in the future? I can place my hope in the fact that The

Lord is my Shepherd. There is comfort and security in this truth.

You could think of that verse for much longer, but you see the point. You are asking

questions, pondering, debating, and digesting biblical truths.

BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

God wants us to not just read the Bible, but it is to be written on our hearts. It should be

hidden in us. Then, we will begin to see fruit in our lives. We will start delighting in His Word.

The Bible will be more than words, but a treasure.

I have seen significant changes in my heart just from practicing biblical meditation.

Do you think this may be something you could add to your quiet time? I hope you can!

There are so many riches you will find when you start digging into His Word.

CHALLENGE

If you are up for it, pick a truth to meditate on this week.

Here are some examples: God is King, Christ is the Great High Priest, God is ever-present,

Christ is the Bridegroom, God is patient. You can choose your own.

Share this with someone you know! May God's Word become yours.