MEDITATION: THE BIBLE WAY OF MEDITATING

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The concept of meditation has been mostly appropriated to other religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism and other eastern religions. Sadly, some Christians today have never practiced meditation the bible way, and typically when you ask some believers how many of them meditate on a regular basis, the answer is only a few. 

There are many forms of meditations encompassing practices from different traditions, cultures, spiritual disciplines, and religions which are not in line with the concept of biblical meditation. Some of them include:
  1. Silent meditation which involves simply sitting in quiet without thoughts for anything.
  2. Calming meditation which involves focusing on a particular object which could be your breath, a mantra, a visualization without focus on God and His Word.
  3. Yoga meditation which may include sitting calmly on a rug, and/or listening to sonorous music.
Biblical meditation is not even primarily for relaxation, although you may find it calming and comforting. It is not about controlling your breathing, although there may be times when deep breaths are helpful. It is never mindless; instead meditation means that your mind is focused on God and His Word.

Most references to meditation occur in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms and most of them refer specifically to meditating on God, His words, His ways, His commandment and His deeds.

In ancient Hebrew meditation, God commanded the people to frequently meditate, speak, recite the scripture in a low murmur in their homes, beds, streets etc. 

(Deuteronomy 11:18 ESV) You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

(Joshua 1:8 KJV) 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.

The Hebrew words wə·hā·ḡî·ṯā which was translated "but you shall meditate" were derived from two Hebrew root words; "hagah" which means “to utter in a low sound" and "śı̂yach" which means "to be occupied with". There are some other words in the Bible that are translated as a form of meditate, depending on their context including speak, utter, study, imagine, muse and solemn sound. Some of the verses in King James Version of the Bible where these words are translated are:
  • Meditate - (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2; 63:6; 77:12; 143:5, Isaiah 33:18)
  • Speak, speaketh - (Psalms 35:28; 37:30, Proverbs 8:7)
  • Imagine - (Psalms 2:1; 38:12)
  • Studieth - (Proverbs 15:28; 24:2)
  • Mutter, muttered - (Isaiah 8:19; 59:3)
  • Roaring - (Isaiah 31:3-4)
  • Talk - (Psalms 71:24)
  • Utter, uttering - (Job 27:4, Isaiah 59:13)
  • Solemn sound - (Psalms 92:3)
  • Prayer - (Job 15:4)
The bible way of meditation is therefore about uttering words in a low sound and to occupy one's mind with God's word, laws and His divine acts.

(Psalms 77:11-12 KJV) I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

It is the repetitious going over of God's word, law deeds in one's mind. It is the constant recollection of God's past deeds by the hearing and studying of Scripture. It is also a prayerful reflection on the Word of God. 

This type of meditation produces confidence in God and His Word. It produces a deeper intimacy with Jesus. It makes the person practicing it to be fruitful, prosperous and productive.

(Psalms 1:1-3 KJV) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

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