Real Meditation

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

When many people hear the word meditation, they think of Eastern mysticism - some guru on a mat with his legs crossed, humming or muttering. But the eastern mystics didn’t create meditation; God did. They just perverted it. Meditation is vital for spiritual growth as a Christian.

Reading Scripture is beneficial, but if we're not careful, we might read the Bible like a novel or just see it as a task to check off, instead of viewing God’s Word as a guide for life that shows us what to do and how to do it. Reading or hearing the Word can introduce you to the truth, but meditation will engrave the concepts deep in your heart. 

The Hebrew word for meditate (hagah) means to murmur, ponder, or speak softly to yourself. It’s like chewing on God’s Word and digesting it until you extract all the nuggets, nutrients, and truth. When you just read it, you might learn what the Bible says about situations. But when you meditate, you understand how God’s kingdom works.

God made a promise to Joshua that still holds today. God assured that meditation will lead to action (“observe to do”) and that action will bring prosperity and success.

Meditation isn’t something only pastors and the “spiritually elite” believers can do. This is what every believer who desires lasting victory in their life should do. So slow down, dig deep, and let His Word saturate your spirit until it overflows in power and wisdom.

Practical Application

As you read the Word today, don’t just pass over the words and move on. Pause, reflect, and consider the context in which it was written and how it relates to your life today. Take time to truly understand the Word, not just read it.

Psalm 119:15; Deuteronomy 6:6