Why Meditation Matters
Psalm describes the “happy” person as one whose “delight is in the instruction of the Lord, and on his instruction he meditates day and night.” The Hebrew word for “meditate” here isn’t about emptying your mind, but about filling it—chewing on God’s words, letting them shape your thoughts, desires, and actions. It’s not a legalistic box to check, but a way of life that leads to true happiness and resilience. Our delight is what we meditate and feed on! If you are hearing this and that’s not you today—you don’t delight in God’s word. That’s okay! Where you are today does not have to be where you are tomorrow! That’s gospel! That’s good news! Treat this like an experiment.
What Is Biblical Meditation?
Biblical meditation means pondering God’s Word with a receptive heart, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in you through those words. It’s not about speed-reading a chapter, but about letting a phrase or verse sink deep—turning it over in your mind, asking questions, and inviting God to speak.
Try to meditate by choosing a small portion of Scripture. Maybe it’s a single verse or single phrase. And then try these four steps:
- Read it slowly. Let it speak to you afresh and right where you are. Imagine God speaking directly to you—here and now.
- Reflect on it personally. This isn’t just an ancient writing. This is the living word, for you, today. So, let’s get curious. What’s God inviting you to notice?
- Respond to it prayerfully. Now, turn your reflection into prayer. Make it honest. Make it you. But submit your worries and concerns.
- Repeat this intentionally! God’s Word isn’t just information—it’s an invitation to know and enjoy Him more, right where you are. Wisdom and joy are available through meditating on Scripture! That’s meditation—letting God’s Word move from your head to your heart, and from your heart into your life. Pray through the passage. Talk to God about what you’re seeing and feeling. Ask Him to make His Word alive in you.
The result of meditation is that you become rooted and resilient.
Psalm 1 gives us a powerful image: the person who meditates on God’s Word is “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” psalm. This isn’t about outward success as the world defines it. It’s about flourishing—having a soul that’s steady, fruitful, and full of life, even when circumstances are dry or difficult. When God’s Word saturates your mind, you become resilient. You don’t get blown away by every wind of trouble or temptation. Instead, you’re anchored, nourished, and able to bless others.
Five Practical Ways to Start Meditating on Scripture
- Set aside a specific time and place. Even ten minutes of focused attention can change your day.
- Make it the first and last thing you think about. Read a verse before bed and let it shape your thoughts as you fall asleep and when you wake up.
- Memorize a verse each week. Carry it with you—on a card, your phone, or in your heart.
- Talk about it with a friend or your Life Group. Let others sharpen your understanding and application.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight and opportunities to experience and live out what you are meditating on!
What would happen if, for the next seven days, you made Psalm 1:2 your practice?
Meditate on Scripture like it is vital nourishment–like a stream feeding the roots of a flourishing fruit tree! Don’t just visit the stream—plant yourself by it. Meditate on God’s Word, and watch as your life becomes rooted, fruitful, and resilient. Start today. Choose a passage, verse, or phrase. Slow down. Chew on it. Let it nourish you. That’s the path to the flourishing life God designed for you!
