What does the Bible have to say about meditation?
Our walk with God was never meant to be boring. Practicing Christian Meditation through intentional study of the Bible is one of the best ways we can deepen our relationship with God and understand the Scriptures better.
Christian Meditation is the practice of reading, speaking, thinking about, and contemplating our marvelous God through His Word. To best understand what Christian meditation is, let’s head to the Bible to see what it has to say.
A Christian Perspective on Meditation
The first time the word “meditate” in the Bible is in Genesis 24:63 which reads:
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.
In this passage, Isaac was communing with God in a field. We can only assume what he was contemplating, but one can imagine! What if Isaac was meditating on the wondrous story of creation, reciting God’s words which were spoken to his father Abraham, or praising the Lord for the miracle of his own birth, given that his mother brought him into the world when she was 90 years old. (See Genesis 21:1-7!)
Meditation on God is a continuous theme in scripture. The Psalmists urge God’s people to meditate on His Word so they don’t forget the wonders He has done.
Bible Verses About Meditation
The word most commonly used when describing meditation in the Bible is “haga” which means to meditate, imagine, or mutter. This Hebrew word is used in passages like:
His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:2
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. - Joshua 1:8
When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night. - Psalm 63:6
As we can see in these Bible verses about meditation, the authors of the Psalms were adamant in their encouragement to make a habit out of Biblical meditation. These writers often challenge the reader to meditate on God’s Word and remember what God has done in their lives, so that they can tell future generations of the Lord’s faithfulness.
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. - Psalm 145: 4- 5
Bible Verses to Use in Meditation
We want to share some Bible verses for meditation. Meditating on these scriptures can deepen your relationship with God and comfort you, no matter what season you find yourself in.
Scriptures for Meditation When You Are Worried
Struggling with anxiety, worry, or fear of the future? Here are some Bible verses for meditation during your quiet time with the Lord.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - John 14:27
Related Post: 21 Bible Verses When You Feel Anxious or Worried
Bible Verses for Meditation When You Are Hurting
We all know that life can be tough. Thankfully, God’s Word is full of scripture to meditate on when you are hurting. We are praying that God will comfort you as you read these promises.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:13-14
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3
Related Post: How to Have Peace in an Angry World
Scripture for Meditation When You Need Hope
Hope is a priceless commodity in today’s world and thankfully, the Bible has no shortage of passages to inspire hope and squash hopelessness.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. - Ephesians 1:18 -19
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint - Isaiah 40:31
Related Post: Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer
Conclusion
Meditation on God’s word is one of the best ways to memorize the Bible, deepen our relationship with God, and increase our hope no matter what season we find ourselves in.
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