Picture in your mind what it would mean to go “meditate” on something. Do you see yourself spending hours in the woods thinking, reading and praying? Or are you walking on a beach every morning, contentedly sorting through your thoughts? Maybe you are sitting in a quiet chair with your favorite mug, full of steaming flavored coffee.
Who has time for that?!
Even if you don’t spend hours in the woods, on a beach or in a favorite chair, you meditate more than you think. (If you tend to be a worrier, you are already very good at it!) Meditation is simply spending time in prolonged thought on a topic.
Some people, like me, can find themselves obsessing over situation. Obsessing is a negative form of meditation and it's interesting that our enemy can often take something that can be good and turn it around for bad. For example, if you tend to worry over something, think over and over about it, figure out multiple ways out of it and have a hard time letting go of the thoughts, then you are meditating in a negative way. But if you choose to concentrate on Scriptures, the attributes of God, His faithfulness to you in the past and other such positives, then you are meditating in a healthy way.
Our Psalms study groups are currently looking at Psalms with the word meditation in them. In a quick search of Bible gateway, the word meditate appears 16 times in the Psalms. It seems that God wants us to spend time in prolonged thought on His word.
The good news is, you don't have to spend hours in the woods to do this. You can creatively focus on Him and His word throughout the day. Try some of these ideas:
Keep a copy of the Scriptures with you (on a phone, in your purse, at your desk.) Read a few verses during breaks (such as visiting the rest room!)
Listen to positive and healthy podcasts and music instead of radio talk shows that concentrate on stirring up anger or silliness.
Post Scriptures in various key locations in your home or workspace.
Talk to your family and friends about biblical matters. Make it a habit, for example, to discuss your church's sermon from last week or Bible lessons your children may have had in Sunday school.
Subscribe to biblically-based blogs and e-newsletters so your technology is regularly watered with God-honoring content. If you are into apps, find some that provide inspirational thoughts for the day or Bible verses of the day.
With a little thought, you can make sure your life is anchored in God daily so you can more easily turn to meditating on Him when you are tempted to instead worry, strive or figure things out on your own.
Challenge: in the comment box, put a Scripture that has the word “meditate” in it. All commenters will be entered into a drawing for a fun little gift through the mail. Deadline Monday, August 8 at midnight.
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Psalm 145:5
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
Psalm 104:34
May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:15
Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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. Joshua 1:8 NIV - This was part of the message given Sunday at our fellowship.
Psalm 39: 2-3
2 So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
Beverly Wheeler
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.
Psa 119:97 "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day."
Psalm 55:22-23 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.