How to Meditate on the Word of God

Reading the Bible is a fundamental part of growing as a Christian. Reading the Bible can inspire us to go deeper with the Word of God. We benefit from studying, memorising and meditating on the Word of God. These activities come from reading the Word of God and wanting more. Reading is simply asking, "What does the Bible say?". We can better answer this question through study, memorisation and meditation. These disciplines help us go from knowing what the Word says to understanding what the Word says. Only then can we apply it.

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free - John 8:32 NKJV

In John 8:32 the word know means to become acquainted with. It indicates more than superficial knowledge. Jesus said this knowledge of the truth comes from abiding in His Word (see John 8:31). Meditating on the Word of God is one means of abiding or continuing in Jesus.

Meditating on the Law of the Lord - Psalm 1

Psalm 1 describes the blessedness of meditating on the Word of God. Engaging with the Word of God yields multiple benefits. Psalm 1:2 describes someone who meditates on the law of the Lord day and night. Verse one tells us this person is blessed.

The Hebrew word translated as blessed means blessedness and happiness. It comes from a word which means to be straight which can refer to being right, level or happy. Therefore, Psalm 1 speaks of the joy of right living and the blessedness of staying on the right path.

We cannot keep ourselves on this right path without God. Through His Word, God leads us there and through the transformative power of the Word, God keeps us there. Meditating on what we read in the Bible helps us live according to the Word. The more we understand it the more we can live by it - which is what we are designed for. See Matthew 4:4.

Why Meditate on the Word of God?

If we read Psalm 1:1 without considering Psalm 1:2 we might think the blessing comes from what we avoid. It is correct that ungodly company can lead us astray (1 Corinthians 15:33). However, just as Biblical meditation is not about emptying ourselves, the blessing of meditating on the Word of God does not come solely because of what we avoid or separate ourselves from. No, it comes because of what we choose to focus on instead.

Focusing on avoiding the influence of the ungodly, sinner and scornful alone can cause us to rely on our perceived relative goodness to save us. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we are good because we are not as bad as someone else. Being morally good does not make us righteous (right with God). It puts us no closer to God's path than the ungodly because no one comes to the Father except through Jesus - the Way, the Truth and the Life (see John 14:6). Moral goodness is always relative and also influenced by culture and norms that are subject to change with times and seasons. God does not change so His standard and means of righteousness never will.

The truth is that God's blessing is attached to our choice to replace the influence of the ungodly (and the source of ungodliness) with Him. We can do this by meditating on the Word (and the source of the Word). As we meditate on and prioritise the Word and wisdom of God, it turns us from worldly paths and systems. The eyes of our understanding are enlightened as we know God better (Ephesians 1:17-18). Understanding is key to real and lasting change.

Meditating on the Word of God is a method of focusing on the Word of God instead of the way of the world. We walk towards what we focus on. We follow, stand and sit with Jesus, the Living Word of God, as we meditate on Scripture. This is abiding.

In Deuteronomy 30:15-20 God tells the Israelites to choose life. God presents them with two options - life and death - and tells them to choose life. None of us want to choose death, but unless we choose life that is what we are doing. It is not sufficient (or possible) to not choose death. We must intentionally choose life. Jesus is that Life and we find Him in the Word.

As they run towards our gate or in the park, I always tell my children, "Look where you are going." Why? Because even if there are no hazards in their way, they are more likely to trip if they keep looking back at me sitting on a bench or strolling behind them. It causes a division in focus as they try to go in one direction while looking in another. So it is with with spiritual things. Meditating on Scripture is practising and developing a singular focus on the Word of God - the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We may begin to practice this discipline during specific times such as our morning devotion but after enough consistency, we can do it anywhere, at any time.

How to Meditate on the Word of God

Biblical meditation is always on the Word of God, the wonders of God or the works of God as found in His Word. The idea is to fill our mouths, hearts and minds with God.

Psalm 1:3 tells us that meditating on the Word of God leads to flourishing, fruit and favour. This is echoed in Joshua 1:8 (NKJV):

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success

The word translated as meditate here and in Psalm 1 means to ponder while talking to yourself. It means to mutter or murmur. Meditating on the Word of God starts with our mouths. Our words are powerful because God created our reality with words (Hebrews 11:3). We are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27-26) so we have the power to create with words. If we consistently speak His Word out of our mouths (meditate on it day and night), it will change us and cause us to be aligned with God's plan. This is why we will have "good success".

Other words in the Bible are translated as meditate. Studying them helps us have a fuller understanding of Biblical meditation. More on these in future posts.

Mutter the Word

My favourite way to meditate on the Word of God is to use the Dwell Bible app. I can select and repeat a verse, passage or book, repeat one of their many curated playlists or make my own playlist to play on a loop. There is a good and growing choice of translations and voices and I can easily slow the playback speed to help me speak along with or repeat after what I am listening to.

Write the Scriptures

We can Write the Scriptures with a contemplative heart. We write slower than we read so writing Scriptures slows us down. We cannot skim-read while copying text accurately. To accurately copy a Bible passage we must pay attention to both reading and writing the text. If we are distracted by internal or external things we will make mistakes when writing. Trust me, I know. By requiring us to train our focus as we read the Word and copy it, Scripture writing lends itself to Scripture meditation.

A good way to focus as you Write the Scripture is to read it-speak it-write it. First, read and speak the whole verse. Next, read then speak the first few words of the verse then write them down, read and speak the next few words then write them down, until you get to the end. Once finished, read and speak the verse again. You can compare what you have written with what you have read at the same time. Finally, spend some time muttering the passage while thinking about the meaning. You may also wish to personalise it and make it a prayer.

Blessing In Action: How to Meditate on the Word of God

Here are some Scriptures relating to meditating on the Word of God. Look them up. Consider how meditating on the Word of God impacts you and your relationship with God. Share the verses with others and discuss their meaning and significance for your walk with God.