Meditation, a practice often associated with Eastern religions, is also referenced in the Bible. The Bible’s perspective on meditation is about filling the mind with God’s word and reflecting on His truths. It is seen as a way to grow closer to God, discern His will, and align one’s thoughts with His. Meditating on the Scriptures is encouraged, allowing believers to ponder God’s teachings and apply them to their lives.
Jesus, depicted as frequently retreating to quiet places to pray and meditate, sets an example for Christians to follow.
Curious about how the ancient wisdom of the Bible intersects with meditation, a practice often viewed through an Eastern religious lens? Unravel the links between meditative practices and biblical teachings and discover a whole new spiritual perspective!
What Does the Bible Say About Meditation?
Meditation in the Bible isn’t about emptying the mind but about filling it with thoughts of God and His word. It’s a reflective and contemplative practice, centered on God’s truths, that helps believers internalize and live out the teachings of the Bible. It’s not silent or passive; it’s an active engagement with Scripture.
In the Bible, the practice of meditation is depicted as pondering over God’s law and His works, contemplating His teachings, and seeking understanding and wisdom. It is considered a way to grow spiritually and to draw closer to God, fostering a deep and intimate relationship with Him.
The word “meditate” is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Psalms, indicating its importance in the spiritual life of a believer. For instance, Psalm 1:2 speaks about the blessed man whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night.”
Meditation is allowed and encouraged as it nurtures faith and helps in discerning God’s will. It’s about aligning one’s thoughts and actions with the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament. It is not associated with sin, as long as it is in line with God’s view and does not involve elements that contradict the Christian faith. For example, Christians are cautioned against practices that involve the invocation of spirits or focus on self-enlightenment devoid of God.
In essence, Christian meditation is about being immersed in thought about God’s word, his love, his character, and his works, allowing believers to experience a more profound understanding of their faith and a closer relationship with God.
Bible Verses About Meditation
- Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” This verse emphasizes the importance of meditating on God’s law and its role in guiding actions and decisions.
- Psalm 1:2: “But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Here, meditation on God’s law is depicted as a source of delight and a means to grow in understanding and wisdom.
- Psalm 19:14: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” This verse reflects the desire to have one’s words and meditations align with God’s will and be pleasing to Him.
- Psalm 104:34: “May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.” In this Psalm, the psalmist expresses a longing for his meditation to bring joy to the Lord.
- Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” In this New Testament verse, Paul encourages believers to fill their minds with things that are true, noble, right, and pure, reflecting the essence of Christian meditation.