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Biblical; Meditation

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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)


WORRIED? ANXIOUS?

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THE ANSWER IS...


Jesus does not promise to take away all your troubles. He promises those will get worse. But, Jesus does promise to free you from worry and anxiety.

How does that work?

The Bible says, Be anxious for nothing... (Philippians 4:6) Why? When you trust Jesus, no matter what happens in this life, you will spend eternity with God... and that is VERY GOOD.

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:28

Who can destroy your body and soul? Only God. (Not Satan) However, God does not send you to hell, you do that when you disobey God. However, God created hell, aka. the lake of fire, the second death (Revelation 21:8).

You can be rescued. Jesus Christ (God) died on the cross to save all those who believe in Him... all those who trust Him to pay their just penalty for disobeying God.

Trust in Jesus and you'll know your time on earth is like a wisp of smoke that vanishes in the wind. Trust that Jesus did pay YOUR penalty for sin. Repent. Turn away from disobeying God.

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31) and there will no longer be a reason for worry or anxiety.