❤ ❤ HAPPY VALENTINE’S MONTH! ❤ ❤
This month we will focus on the second Spiritual Discipline of Biblical Meditation.
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What is Meditation?
Merriam-Webster defines meditation as “to engage in contemplation or reflection; to engage in mental exercise.
Cambridge defines it as “the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed.”
Meditation is often misunderstood; it is frequently associated with self-help methods that encourage emptying the mind. However, biblical meditation offers a different approach. Instead of creating a void, this form of meditation invites individuals to focus on God’s Word and His truths. By concentrating on Scripture and prayer, believers cultivate awareness, calmness, and mental clarity, drawing closer to God. This depth of focus not only enriches spiritual life but also fosters a sense of peace that surpasses worldly distractions. Ultimately, biblical meditation highlights the importance of filling the mind with divine presence rather than leaving it open to negative influences.
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The Mind
The mind is the part of the soul that thinks, not a bodily organ. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Jesus stressed that our minds should be focused on God and free from covetousness, envy, hatred, lust, and nothingness. Our soul will still have a mind in Heaven even if we pass away before the bodily resurrection, but it will be separate from our body and brain.
The Bible has over 160 references to the mind. This signifies that God cares greatly about what happens in our thoughts and minds.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:3-9
“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.” Deuteronomy 11:18
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13
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The Heart
The word “heart” occurs over one thousand times in the Bible. It denotes a person’s center for both physical and emotional-intellectual-moral activities; sometimes it is used figuratively for any inaccessible thing.
According to Scripture, the heart is a representation of our inner self.
It serves as the command center for all emotions, thoughts and choices. Every action in a Christian’s life must come from the heart, which serves as the ship’s helm and determines the direction of the individual’s life.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45
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What is Biblical Meditation?
Biblical meditation is a profound practice that invites individuals to engage deeply with God, His works, and His Word. Essentially, it requires setting aside time to carefully reflect on Scripture, seeking divine insight into its meaning for our lives. This approach starts with reading Biblical passages slowly and deliberately so that we may understand their context before considering how they apply to our own lives.
Through this reflective approach, we not only grow in understanding but also cultivate a closer relationship with God, making His teachings more relevant and impactful in our daily lives.
What is involved in Biblical meditation?
- Reading: Reading a portion of Scripture
- Praying: Asking God to emphasize a particular verse or passage
- Reflecting: Considering the meaning of the verse or passage
- Applying: Putting the passage into practice
Types of Biblical Meditation (Bible Study)
- The Biographical Method
This method develops a character sketch about a specific person in the Bible. The Bible mentions over twenty-nine hundred people, some by name only.
- The Expositional Method
This is studying individual Bible books verse by verse, using observation, interpretation, and application guidelines.
- The Survey Method
This is studying the Bible books as a whole to become acquainted with general information, investigating the author, theme, location, time of the writing, and why it was written
- The Topical Method
With this method, you will use a Bible Concordance, and topical Bible guide for specific verses about specific topics throughout the Bible.
- The Word Study Method
Some terms may be unfamiliar to someone who is a new Christian. Understanding concepts like justification, sanctification, imputation, redemption, and propitiation is essential for understanding God’s salvation. God desires for us to comprehend them. You can find these words and see their usage by utilizing a Bible concordance.
- The Devotional Method
Devotions are personal studies for personal inspiration and encouragement, focusing on Bible reading, prayer, and devotional books. They deepen our relationship with God and draw closer to Him. Typically, devotions include reading the Bible, praying, and maybe reading a devotional book with a short message.
A popular devotional style Bible study method is the S.O.A.P method. I have listed the steps below:
S.O.A.P Method
S – Scripture
Write down the Bible passage you’ll be studying. Writing the verse out helps you to focus on the Scripture passage.
O – Observe
Examine the passage and write down what you observe.
- What stands out to you in the passage?
- Who is it written by? Who is it written to?
- What’s something you didn’t notice before?
- What context is it written in?
- Is there repetition, comparison, or contrast?
A – Application
Apply God’s Word to your life in a practical way. How can you apply this passage to your daily life?
P – Prayer
Respond to God’s Word with your heart.
In order for the seed—the Scripture you just studied—to take root and bear fruit, pray that it lands on fertile ground in your heart. Give thanks to God for His qualities that were made clear in the reading. Confess any sin that has surfaced throughout this study period. Give Him thanks for His care and His Word. Additionally, ask the Holy Spirit to keep helping you grow in your walk with Christ.
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalms 119:15-16
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Psalm 77:12
The Importance of Biblical Meditation
Meditation plays a crucial role in the life of a believer, serving as the vital link between knowledge and obedience as highlighted in scriptures like Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 119:98-100. Many Christians may have extensive biblical knowledge, yet they can still feel spiritually unfulfilled without the practice of biblical meditation (Bible Study). As highlighted in Colossians 3:16-17, true meditation enables Christ’s words to dwell within us, leading to joy, gratitude, and obedience. Meditation, along with prayer, combats the law of sin, guiding believers towards a deeper spiritual maturity and a more fulfilling Christian life.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:16-17
In order to truly transform us and empower us to walk in trust and obedience, meditation instills the truth of God’s Word deep inside our souls. The main reason that most Christians don’t continue to grow spiritually is that they don’t practice true biblical meditation. You can greatly enhance your relationship with Christ, spiritual development, and wisdom by making Biblical meditation an essential component in your toolkit of spiritual practices.
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I pray that you will continue to be conscious of God’s presence throughout the month as you journal His Word and that you will sense His presence in every area of your life.
Memory Verse Challenge: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I would like to challenge you to join me in memorizing Scripture this year. Each month will have a new verse or verses to memorize. If you accept the challenge, please let me know. I would love to hear from you.
You can download a copy of the monthly Journaling Scripture Plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SD-Bible-Meditation.pdf
References:
- Life Application Study Bible: King James Version. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2004. Print
- Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714. (1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : wherein each chapter is summed up in its contents: the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs; each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations. Peabody, Mass. :Hendrickson Publishers
- https://enduringword.com/#commentary
- Meditate Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
- MEDITATION | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
- Spiritual Disciplines, Part 4: What is Biblical Meditation? – From the Study
- What Does the Bible Say about the Mind? – From Christianity.com
- https://www.barbourbooks.com/articles/howtostudythebible?srsltid=AfmBOop2yUxQBQGe8JYGD6jkKaxrrpz-mVCZ2DI17Z4cubn2LZKPtmCF
- https://enjoyingthejourney.org/a-devotional-discipline-writing-the-scriptures/
