Using Biblical Meditation for Spiritual Growth

Using Biblical Meditation for Spiritual Growth

The Bible pronounces a blessing upon those who meditate on God’s Word:

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 1:1–2 ESV)

Therefore, I would encourage you to consider using meditation as a way develop your spiritual growth.

When we talk about meditation, some may think of any of a multitude of different behaviors. Some may think it is the repetition of a certain sound or word.  Others may think it is entering into a blank state of mind.  But these things are not what biblical meditation is about.  Biblical meditation has nothing to do with humming or chanting.  It has nothing to do with seeing if you can fold the body into some weird position or any of the other things you may have heard were connected to meditation.  In other words, biblical meditation has nothing to do with Eastern religions and transcendental meditation.  They are not the same.  Let me describe biblical meditation for you.

Simply put, biblical meditation involves using the mind to focus on a biblical concept.  Biblical meditation is FOCUSED THINKING about such things as God, His words, laws, works and deeds.  Meditation is not something weird or scary.  It is simply obeying a basic command of God like, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 KJV) or, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7 ESV).  It comes with a promise: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7 ESV).

So when we understand what biblical meditation is, it helps us understand the scriptures:

  • Proverbs 23:7 “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (KJV)
  • Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”

We would all do well to pray the prayer of David:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

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