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Biblical Meditation

The Bible mentions meditation about 30 times. It is a fact that scripture tells us to "meditate." But the word "meditate" has more than one meaning. What the Bible says to do is meditate on God's word. Fill your thoughts with God's word. Think about how it relates to other parts of God's word. Think about how it relates to your life. Biblical meditation is ACTIVE... engaging your mind, stirring up your thoughts, digging into the depths of God's word. Biblical meditation is like a personal Bible study.

What is promoted as meditation today is VERY different from Biblical meditation

What has come into our churches is eastern meditation... also known as Spiritual Formation, New Age or Hinduism. Instead of filling your mind, you are to empty your mind. That's not always stated up front, but that is what is taught. Here are some of the characteristics of this satanic practice:

• Be still... be calm, slow down your racing thoughts... focus inward. A Bible verse that is commonly referenced is Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." But this verse IS NOT telling you to be calm and meditate! Psalm 46 is about trusting God in times of trouble. Don't get all agitated and upset. Know that you can trust God no matter what is happening. God is in charge. Trust the Lord.
  
  
• Repeat a short Bible verse or the name of Jesus over and over. This sounds Biblical. What could be better that saying the name of Jesus? (Filling your mind with His word is better!) The purpose of this is to empty your mind. In Hinduism this is called a mantra...something that is said repetitively so as to empty your mind.
  
  
• Have quiet, repetitive background music playing. At times, instead of quiet music, there will be just the same note (or cord) quietly playing for minutes at a time. This helps put your mind into an empty, trance-like state. If you are in a church and they are doing this, RUN out the door!
  
  
• Having dim lights or candle light is common. The dimness helps to produce a spiritual feeling.

Eastern meditation feels good. It gives you an emotional high... which is what it is designed to do. The ultimate goal is to hear the small, still voice of god speaking to you in the quiet of your mind. Wow! Now you are an important person, god is speaking directly to you. That's the feeling it is designed to produce and it is not Biblical. God speaks to us through His word. And besides, have you ever read anywhere in scripture about God speaking in a small, quiet voice that is difficult to hear? No! If God speaks, everyone He wants to hear Him WILL hear Him.

Christian meditation is an ACTIVE thought process, giving ourselves to the study and understanding of His word.

More Information

What is Christian meditation? (GQ)

Meditation That Honors God (GTY)

Elements of Productive Bible Study: Meditate (GTY)