The Bible frequently calls believers to meditate. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person as one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Joshua 1:8 instructs us to meditate on God's Word day and night. Biblical meditation is clearly commended — but it differs significantly from other forms.

The Core Distinction: Filling, Not Emptying

Eastern meditation and many modern mindfulness techniques encourage emptying the mind — releasing thoughts, achieving a state of mental blankness, or merging with a universal consciousness. Biblical meditation, by contrast, involves actively filling the mind with God's Word, His character, and His works. It is deliberate, focused thinking on truth.

A Specific Object: God and His Revelation

The Hebrew word for meditate (hagah) means to murmur, ponder, or reflect. It is like a cow chewing its cud — going over and over something to extract its nourishment. When we meditate on Scripture, we read a passage slowly, think deeply about its meaning, turn it over in our minds, and ask God to reveal its application to our lives.

Transformation and Obedience

The purpose of biblical meditation is not relaxation or self-improvement (though those may be secondary benefits). The purpose is knowing God more deeply and being conformed to His image (Romans 12:2). Psalm 119:15 says, "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways."

Practical Ways to Practice Biblical Meditation

Read a short passage of Scripture slowly, multiple times. Ask questions: What does this reveal about God? About me? About how to live? Memorize key verses and turn them over in your mind throughout the day. Pray the passage back to God, making it personal. Journal your reflections.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly... But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." — Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV)

Christians need not fear the word "meditation." The practice is deeply biblical. The key is to ensure that our meditation is rooted in Scripture and directed toward the living God, not toward self or emptiness.