Meditation is a practice that has been around for thousands of years.
Many people associate it with Eastern religions, but the Bible also speaks about meditation.
Unlike secular or mystical meditation, biblical meditation is focused on God, His Word, and His truth.
So, what does the Bible say about meditation?
Is it something Christians should practice?
How is biblical meditation different from other forms of meditation?
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about this powerful practice and how it can deepen our relationship with God.
Biblical Meditation Is About Focusing on God
When many people hear the word meditation, they picture sitting in silence, emptying the mind, and focusing on breathing.
While that is a common idea in many cultures, biblical meditation is different.
In Scripture, meditation is about filling the mind with God’s truth, not emptying it.
Psalm 1:2 says, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
This verse shows that biblical meditation involves thinking deeply about God’s Word.
Instead of clearing the mind, it is about directing thoughts toward God’s wisdom.
Meditation, according to the Bible, is a way to draw closer to God, understand His will, and apply His teachings to everyday life.
The Bible Commands Meditation on God’s Word
Meditation is not just encouraged in the Bible—it is commanded.
Joshua 1:8 says, 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.
God instructed Joshua to meditate on His law so that he would live wisely and walk in obedience.
The purpose of biblical meditation is not just to gain knowledge, but to live according to God’s will.
Psalm 119:15 reinforces this, saying, I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
Meditation is a way to immerse oneself in Scripture and let it shape the heart and mind.
Meditation Helps Us Know God More Deeply
Spending time meditating on God’s Word helps believers know Him better.
Psalm 46:10 says, be still, and know that I am God.
In a busy world filled with distractions, biblical meditation allows people to pause, reflect, and focus on God’s presence.
It is not about mindlessly repeating words, but about thoughtfully considering who God is and what He has done.
When people take time to meditate on Scripture, they begin to see God’s faithfulness, love, and wisdom in a deeper way.
This kind of meditation strengthens faith and brings peace to the soul.
Meditation Transforms the Mind
The Bible teaches that what we think about shapes who we are.
Romans 12:2 says, do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Meditation on God’s Word renews the mind and helps believers think in ways that align with His truth.
When people meditate on Scripture, they replace fear with faith, worry with trust, and confusion with clarity.
Philippians 4:8 gives a great guide for meditation:
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.
Meditation helps people focus on God’s goodness, rather than the negativity of the world.
Jesus Took Time to Be Still and Pray
Jesus, the Son of God, often withdrew from crowds to spend quiet time with the Father.
Luke 5:16 says, but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
While Jesus did not need to meditate in the way humans do, He modeled the importance of quiet reflection and communion with God.
Spending time alone with God in prayer and meditation strengthens faith and provides spiritual renewal.
If Jesus made time for stillness and reflection, His followers should do the same.
Meditation Leads to Greater Peace
Life can be overwhelming, filled with stress, worry, and uncertainty.
Meditation on God’s Word brings peace in the middle of life’s chaos.
Isaiah 26:3 promises, you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
When people focus their thoughts on God, instead of their problems, they experience His peace.
Psalm 119:97 says, oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
This shows that meditation is not just a one-time practice, but a daily habit that brings continual peace and joy.
Meditation Helps Us Remember God’s Faithfulness
Throughout the Bible, people are reminded to reflect on what God has done.
Psalm 77:11-12 says, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.
Meditating on God’s past faithfulness builds faith for the future.
When believers take time to reflect on how God has worked in their lives, they develop greater trust in Him.
How to Practice Biblical Meditation
Biblical meditation is simple, but it requires intention.
Here are some practical ways to meditate on God’s Word:
Find a quiet place. Set aside time to be alone with God, free from distractions.
Read Scripture slowly. Choose a verse or passage and read it carefully, thinking about what it means.
Repeat and reflect. Say the verse out loud, write it down, or think about how it applies to your life.
Pray through the Scripture. Ask God to reveal His truth and guide your heart.
Memorize key verses. Hiding God’s Word in the heart makes it easier to meditate on it throughout the day.
Meditation is not about rushing through Scripture—it is about soaking in God’s truth and letting it transform the heart.
The Difference Between Biblical and Secular Meditation
Many forms of meditation today focus on emptying the mind or achieving a sense of inner peace through self-awareness.
While some relaxation techniques can be beneficial, biblical meditation is different.
Instead of emptying the mind, it is about filling the mind with God’s truth.
Instead of seeking personal enlightenment, it is about seeking God’s wisdom.
Instead of trusting in oneself, it is about trusting in God.
Joshua 1:8 makes this distinction clear—meditation is meant to help believers obey and follow God’s ways, not just find personal peace.
Meditation Strengthens Faith and Obedience
James 1:22 says, do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Meditation is not just about thinking deeply—it is about living differently.
When believers meditate on Scripture, they are reminded to obey God’s commands and live according to His will.
Psalm 119:11 says, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Biblical meditation strengthens faith, deepens obedience, and leads to a life that honors God.
Final Thoughts
The Bible speaks clearly and often about meditation.
It is not a mystical practice, but a powerful way to focus on God’s Word, renew the mind, and grow in faith.
Unlike secular meditation, which centers on self-awareness, biblical meditation centers on God’s truth.
When practiced consistently, it brings peace, wisdom, and spiritual strength.
God calls His people to meditate on His Word day and night, letting it guide their thoughts and actions.
By spending time reflecting on Scripture, believers draw closer to God and experience His presence in a deeper way.
In a world filled with distractions, biblical meditation is a life-changing practice that keeps the heart and mind focused on what truly matters—knowing and loving God.