Call to meditate

I meditated a lot in my early 20s, before I surrendered my will to Christ Jesus as the Savior of my soul. When I came to Christ, I realized that my meditations were in the Eastern mysticism tradition, steeped with humanism, false beliefs, and the pursuit of...

I meditated a lot in my early 20s, before I surrendered my will to Christ Jesus as the Savior of my soul. When I came to Christ, I realized that my meditations were in the Eastern mysticism tradition, steeped with humanism, false beliefs, and the pursuit of pseudo-enlightenment found in Hinduism. No matter how much I meditated, until I accepted the salvation only offered through Jesus Christ, the transformation I needed and wanted did not happen.

When I became a Christ-follower, I stopped meditating, for fear of giving Satan and his demons an opportunity to control my mind. Christian mentors helped me realize this was a valid concern. Waging spiritual warfare, I began a deep study of the Bible and memorized many powerful Bible verses. Repeating them over and over again in my prayer times, I did not realize that I was, in fact, engaging in effective Christian meditation. Now, many years later, I realize that this meditation (the deep reflection on Bible passages and verses, and the process of committing them to memory) was indeed Biblically-based meditation.

Most devoted Christ-followers meditate on a daily basis. Some, like me, may not realize that’s what they’re doing. People tend to fear what they don’t understand, and meditation is generally misunderstood by most Christians. However, God’s Holy Word is very clear and gives us specific instructions. Let’s look at them.

BIBLICAL BASIS FOR MEDITATION

Here are ten Holy Scriptures that inform us on 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.”

Psalm 1:1-2 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Psalm 77:12 – “I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Psalm 104:34 – “May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”

Psalm 119:15 – “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”

Psalm 119:27 – “Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 119:97 – “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”

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.”

1 Timothy 4:15 – “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them so that your progress may be evident to all.”

From these Bible verses, it is evident that meditation, when rooted in God’s Word, is not only permitted but encouraged. It’s a powerful means to commune with Christ, reflect on His word, and grow in spiritual maturity. As we align our meditation with God’s truth and purpose, we are shielded from falsehood and deceit, and our minds are illuminated with Christ’s divine wisdom.

CONCLUSION

Let us embrace Holy Spirit-led meditation wholeheartedly and immerse ourselves every day in the depths of God’s Word. For in these meditations, we find strength, clarity, and purpose.

Consider the following ten suggested actions that Christ-followers can take to better meditate on God’s Word:

1. Daily Reading: Start the day by reading a passage from the Bible. This provides fresh material to meditate upon.
2. Set Aside Quiet Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for meditation. Early mornings or late evenings might be ideal as they’re often quieter.
3. Find a Peaceful Location: A serene environment, such as a quiet room, a garden, or a park, can help eliminate distractions.
4. Use a Journal: Writing down your thoughts and reflections on Scripture can deepen your understanding and provide insights during your meditation.
5. Pray Before You Begin: Ask God for clarity, understanding, and wisdom as you meditate on His Word.
6. Start Small: If you’re new to meditation, start with shorter passages or specific verses. As you grow in your practice, you can meditate on larger portions or entire chapters.

Memorize Scripture: Committing verses to memory allows you to meditate on them wherever you are, even without your Bible.
Engage Your Senses: Listen to calming Christian music or nature sounds, light a candle, or use essential oils to create a soothing atmosphere conducive to meditation.
Reflect on Life Application: Consider how the Scripture passage applies to your current life circumstances. Ask yourself, “What is God saying to me through this verse?”
Practice Deep Breathing: Deep, intentional breathing can help calm the mind and facilitate a deeper connection with God’s Word.
FOR ADDITIONAL HELP IN CHRIST-LED MEDITATION

Here are some ways you can be supported as you grow your ability in Christian meditation:

Join a Meditation or Bible Study Group: Sharing insights and reflections with fellow Christ-followers can deepen your understanding and provide different perspectives.
Use Meditation Apps: There are Christian meditation apps available that can guide you through Scripture-based meditations.
Stay Consistent: Make meditation a regular practice. Like any other discipline, the more you do it, the better you become at it.
Seek Out Resources: Books, online articles, and sermons about Biblical meditation can offer guidance and insight into deepening your practice.
Practice Being Present: Let go of past regrets and future anxieties. Focus solely on the present moment and what God is revealing to you through His Word.
Be Patient: Some days, meditation may feel more fruitful than others. Trust that God is working in you, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
The goal of Christian meditation is to deepen your relationship with God, understand His Word better, and apply His teachings in your daily life.

Father God, may we approach Christ-led meditation with an open heart and a willing spirit. May God’s Word transform us from the inside out. And may all that we do be for your glory and your honor. We pray this in the Holy and Blessed Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Your aspiring servant,

Daniel M.

August 21, 2023

POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: For ease of reference, all scriptures quoted are from the NIV.

If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.