Meditating On Scripture

When I was growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, I was told meditating was bad. New age philosophies had become the new rage as people centered themselves through thoughts. It took me a while before I understood that meditating on God’s Word was a good thing. At that time, I was still reading the Bible to check a Christian box that God wanted me to check. Reading a chapter a day was more like a chore than anything else. As I got older, I changed how I approached the Bible. I pray before and during my time of reading to open my heart and my understanding. I also read until I hear God speaking to me through it. Sometimes it’s the first verse, and other times it may be an hour or more. I don’t stop until I feel like God speaks to me through it.

Once that happens, I then begin meditating on it. Personally, I use the WORD method. I ask myself, “What is God saying in this verse to me or to others?” I meditate on that question and go through multiple scenarios. Then I Observe the keys and context of the verse. Why did God put that in the Bible? Why is it important? I then meditate on the Relevance and application of it. How do I apply it? What happens if I do? How can I help others apply it? Finally, I Declare it over my life and pray that God would help me live it out. Taking this approach to meditating on Scripture has propelled me forward in my relationship with God. When God tells us to meditate, it’s not about opening our palm and connecting our thumb with our index finger while we sit with our legs crossed. It’s about reflecting on His Word and finding out what He’s saying so we can draw closer to Him.

Here are some Bible verses on meditating.

1. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So that I will meditate (focus my thoughts) on Your wonderful works.

Psalms 119:27 AMP

2. I will remember your great deeds, Lord; I will recall the wonders you did in the past. I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on all your mighty acts.

Psalm 77:11-12 GNT

3. Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

Psalms 1:1-2 AMP

4. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Joshua 1:8 NLT

5. I long for more revelation of your truth, for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees.

Psalms 119:48 TPT

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash