We hear the word "meditation" and think of a bunch of hippies in a drum circle or suburban moms attending a yoga class, but there is actually something good in it for everyone. Meditation is something that is proven to have positive impacts on your outlook on life and general disposition. The idea of meditation isn't just chanting "hoooooooooh-mmmm" while sitting Indian-style; it's supposed to get you to reflect on yourself and process your inner thoughts.
Scriptural meditation is a bit different from what we traditionally think of, but it's still incredibly useful. Instead of learning to focus on yourself, you read the scriptures and then pause to reflect on its application to your life. It's a deeply personal form of Bible study where you consume the Word, then internalize it.
Take a look at this passage from the Book of Joshua...
6 “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their ancestors to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)
When God communicates to Joshua, he relates being "strong and courageous" (v 6, 7, and 9) with meditating on the Word (v8). The Hebrew word for "meditate" used here is derived from hagah which is also used to describe contemplating, devising, and imagining. It is a word that describes something much more meaningful than simply memorizing Bible verses or filling out a work book.
Reflect on some of the Bible studies you have completed. How did it impact you personally? Was it more meaningful when you were learning more empirical facts about the Bible or when you stopped to contemplate it's role in your life? Sometimes, in our attempt to be good, little Christians, we forget that the purpose of the Bible isn't to be completed like a college text book. It is divinely inspired by God and we should pause for a moment in its presence to meditate on its role in our emotions, our desires, our struggles, our victories, and our daily thoughts.
If you haven't tried it yet, crack open you Bible, read just a little bit of it, and meditate on its place in your life. Truly dwell in the presence of the Word of God. Perhaps in doing so you will find a better sense of peace and focus by internalizing the goodness our God has to offer.
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