Christian Meditation: Is There Such a Thing?

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord and on His Law he meditates day and night." -- Psalm 1:1-2

Psalms 1 teaches the believer to meditate on God's Law day and night. The "Law" spoken of in this passage is what the Psalmist called God's Word. David wrote most of the Psalms around 900 BC and the only written Scripture at the time was the first five books of the what we now call the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These five books were called the "Law" at the time of David's writing. So David is teaching us to meditate on the Bible, God's revelation of Himself to man. When is the last time you were encouraged to meditate? Most churches shy away from the idea of meditation fearing people will confuse Biblical meditation with eastern varieties. But, proper meditation is important to the believer in Christ! A blessed life is promised to those who will meditate on God's Word regularly.

Eastern meditation encourages its adherents to empty their mind and think of nothing. This process allows the mind to become a playground of demonic influence and many folks have had altered states of "consciousness" by following such practices. This type of meditation should never be a part of the believers life!

Christian meditation is the filling of the mind with the Word of God. When believers meditate they open their mind to the Holy Spirit and allow opportunity for God's Word to indwell the deepest recesses of their soul. When believers meditate they offer their mind, heart and soul to God's Spirit. Christian meditation gives believers a better understanding of God's Word and helps them to better apply it to their life. Deeper understanding and application of God's Word then helps the follower of Christ to more readily obey God's will for his or her life.

Take time this week to meditate on God's Word. Read a passage, go to a quiet place, ask God to teach you and then consider what you have read. Allow time for God to bring understanding and application to the passage you read in your devotional time with Him. If you have never meditated upon God's Word you will be pleasantly surprised by the blessing such spiritual discipline can bring to your life!

James