Different people have different images of meditation. For some people, meditation is a way of calming your mind and connecting to yourself. For others, it is sitting in a particular position and allowing your mind to clear out and relax. On the other hand, most believers view meditation as a spiritual discipline that will enable you to think through a particular keyword or God’s teaching. However, though meditation can be all these, is it a sin to meditate? Is meditation a sin?
Scholars believe that biblical meditation is not a sin. God instructed Joshua in the book of Joshua 1:8 that he should meditate on the world of God day and night for his spiritual endeavors to succeed. Therefore, biblical meditation is not a sin and is encouraged among believers.
So, what does the Bible say about meditation? What is biblical meditation? How can Christians practice biblical meditation? Does the Eastern Orthodox Church prohibit Christian meditation? What does the Catholic Church say about meditation? When does meditation become a sin? What are some examples of sinful meditation? What are some examples of meditation Christians can practice? What are some bible verses about meditation? Continue reading to get the answers to these questions and more.
What does the Bible say about meditation?
The Bible mentions meditation several times and encourages believers to meditate on God’s word. Joshua 1:8 states, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” The Bible is clear that we need to meditate on God’s world to witness success in our endeavors.
Consequently, David says in the book of Psalms 119:97 that he meditates on the word of God all day. The Bible records David as a man who was after God’s heart. Therefore, it might be safe to conclude that meditating upon God’s word engraves God’s message in your heart; thus, you tend to do what God requires of you.
Psalms 143:5 also says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done’ I ponder the work of your hands.” Meditating on God’s word allows you to see his greatness, for he is.
What is biblical meditation?
According to theologians from Got Question Ministries, biblical meditation is thinking through God’s word and character. Paul tells us in the book of 1st Timothy 4:15, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”
Therefore, we can clearly distinguish between biblical and secular meditation. The key thing in secular meditation is to let go of everything and calm our minds to be fully present in the current moment. On the other hand, biblical meditation aims to help us cling as close as we can to the ways of God, who he is, and the words of God.
How can Christians practice biblical meditation?
Christians can practice biblical meditation by thinking through God’s word. After reading your word of the day, you should have a few minutes and think through what God is trying to communicate to you. This will allow you ‘digest’ the word of God more deeply and keep you away from doing what is not his will. David says in Psalm 199:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Does the Eastern Orthodox Church prohibit Christian meditation?
The only meditation permitted in Eastern Orthodox Church is that which enables us to attain humbleness and focus on the infinite powers of God. The Orthodox Church does not allow any other kind of meditation, including secular meditation and meditation derived from any other religion. Therefore, the sole purpose of meditation in a Christian’s life should be to bring you closer to God.
What does the Catholic Church say about meditation?
The Catholic Church’s approach to meditation differs from other churches as they have a meditation prayer. This kind of prayer allows one to fill their mind with thoughts of God and focus on their relationship with God. The core purpose of meditation in Catholicism is to draw you closer to God. It fills your mind with God’s word and thoughts rather than emptying your mind like today’s meditation. Catholic meditation requires intention, concertation, and engagement.
When does meditation become a sin?
Meditation becomes a sin when the focus shifts from God and his word to ourselves. To be frank, meditation can be pretty dangerous if we do it blindly. God does not perpetuate the kind of meditation that points us to ourselves and how to make ourselves successful. Christians should focus on God and his word, and he will give us everything we request from home. Jesus taught that we should seek the Kingdom of God first, and any other thing will be rewarded to us.
Bible scholars claim that the secular view of meditation has its roots in false religion. Though they view meditation as relaxing your mind and clearing out any stress in your life, you become the center of your life rather than God. As Christians, we should seek Peace from God and not through other secular means. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
What are some examples of sinful meditation?
As stated earlier, sinful meditation involve focusing on yourself other than God. A common example of sinful meditation is when people are encouraged to take a few minutes of their morning to focus on their thoughts and set their intentions for the day. Though this practice is not sinful, the direction in which it leads you is what is sinful. Jeremiah 17:5 tells us, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose hearts turns away from the Lord.”
Jeremiah continues and tells us that the heart is the most deceitful thing. Therefore, if we focus our meditation and reflection on chasing after the wealthiest and most affluent versions of ourselves, then we remove the whole concept of biblical meditation from it. Other scholars also claim that yoga meditation is sinful as it majors on us clearing our bodies and mind rather than focusing on God.
What are some examples of meditation Christians can practice?
An excellent example of biblical meditation is meditating upon God’s work. You can do this by picking a verse in the Bible and emphasizing different words when you think through them. This will help you to deeply understand the text and enable you to connect with God more.
Additionally, the Bible encourages us to practice prayer and meditation. Amid our prayers, let us take some time and be still and focus on who God really is and what his word says he is. We can focus on what he has done to our lives, which will draw us closer to him.
Bible verses about meditation?
Psalms 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who mediates on his law day and night.” Therefore, for God’s word to be engraved in our hearts and minds, the Bible encourages us to meditate on his law day and night.
Psalms 104:34 says, “May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.” Let our meditation be pleasing to God. The kind of meditation that is pleasing to God in which he encourages in his word, meditation upon thy word.
Philippians 4:8 reads, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Therefore, let our meditation be on things that honor God and are praiseworthy before.
References
What does the Bible say about meditation?
Can Christians Meditate, or is it a Sin?
Does the Eastern Orthodox church prohibit Christian meditation?
The Ultimate Catholic Guide to Meditation
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
