The Forgotten Discipline: Why the Church Must Return to Biblical Meditation

Hey Guys,

"But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night." – Psalm 1:2 (NASB)

In the fast-paced, distraction-filled world we live in, the practice of biblical meditation has become a forgotten discipline. While many believers are diligent in prayer, church attendance, and Bible study, few take time to slow down and truly meditate on God’s Word. Instead, our spiritual lives often resemble a quick meal rather than a feast—rushed, shallow, and easily forgotten.

Yet Psalm 1:2 presents a different picture. It speaks of the blessed man, one who delights in the Law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This is not a casual engagement with Scripture but a deep, continuous reflection. If we desire to grow spiritually and stand firm in our faith, we must rediscover this vital practice.

What is Biblical Meditation?
Biblical meditation is not the emptying of the mind, as practiced in Eastern mysticism, but rather the filling of the mind with God’s truth. The Hebrew word for meditate in Psalm 1:2 is hagah, which means to mutter, muse, or ponder. It conveys the idea of thinking deeply about something, turning it over in one’s mind, and even speaking it aloud.

In other words, biblical meditation involves slowing down and allowing the truth of Scripture to sink into our hearts. It is not merely reading a passage but dwelling on it, praying over it, and seeking to understand how it applies to our lives.

Why Has Biblical Meditation Been Neglected?
Several factors have contributed to the decline of meditation in the church:

1. A Culture of Busyness – Many Christians live at a breakneck pace, struggling to find time for deep reflection on God’s Word.
2. A Shallow Approach to Scripture – The modern tendency is to skim through Scripture rather than deeply engage with it.
3. Distractions and Technology – Constant notifications, entertainment, and media consumption have conditioned us to prefer quick, digestible content over deep thinking.
4. Misunderstanding of Meditation – Some avoid meditation because they associate it with unbiblical spiritual practices.

The Blessings of Biblical Meditation
Psalm 1:2 paints a picture of a person whose life is rooted in God’s Word. But what happens when we return to this practice?

1. It Strengthens Our Relationship with God
Meditation allows us to go beyond just knowing about God to truly knowing Him. As we spend time contemplating His Word, we grow closer to Him in intimacy and understanding.
2. It Transforms Our Thinking
Romans 12:2 reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Meditation replaces worldly thinking with Godly wisdom and shapes our thoughts to align with Christ.
3. It Brings Stability in Trials
Psalm 1:3 compares the one who meditates on God’s Word to a tree planted by streams of water—stable, fruitful, and enduring through every season. When trials come, a mind anchored in Scripture stands firm.
4. It Deepens Our Delight in God’s Word
The more we meditate on Scripture, the more we love it. It becomes more than just words on a page; it becomes a source of life, strength, and joy.

How to Begin Biblical Meditation
If you desire to grow in this discipline, here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Choose a Passage – Start with a verse or short passage, such as Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8, or Philippians 4:8.
2. Get the Context - Read the verses around the passage to gain understanding about the verse you are focusing on.
3. Read It Slowly and Repeatedly – Don’t rush through it. Read it several times, emphasizing different words each time.
4. Ask Questions – What does this verse teach about God? What does it reveal about me? How does it apply to my life?
5. Pray Through It – Turn the Scripture into a prayer, asking God to make it real in your life.
6. Memorize and Speak It – Hide it in your heart and speak it aloud throughout the day.
7. Write It Down – Journaling your thoughts helps reinforce the truth and track what God reveals to you.

Conclusion
The church must return to the practice of biblical meditation if we are to be a people deeply rooted in God’s truth. Psalm 1:2 gives us the pattern: delighting in God’s Word and meditating on it day and night. If we make this a habit, we will experience spiritual renewal, unwavering faith, and a greater love for God.

Are you ready to rediscover this forgotten discipline? Start today—take just five minutes to meditate on Psalm 1:2, and let the Word of God take deep root in your heart.

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey