How to Meditate on Scripture

You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

How do we come to know God and be in His presence? The answer is simple, beautiful and life-changing--His Word.

How do we come to know God’s Word? We spend time in it. This happens in two primary ways—through study, both individually and with others, and through meditating on His Word.

What is meditating on Scripture? Meditation is kind of like a deep breath while focusing on a passage, phrase, word or concept. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Scripture, but this is the best kind. There are no better words or truth to center ourselves on than the Word of God.

Here are two resources to learn more about meditating on Scripture:

1. The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster : This is a great tool for learning about all of the basic disciplines. Here is a quote:
   
   The purpose of meditation is to enable us to hear God more clearly. Meditation is listening, sensing, heeding the life and light of Christ. This comes right to the heart of our faith. The life that pleases God is not a set of religious duties; it is to hear His voice and obey His word. Meditation opens the door to this way of living.
   
   
   
   
2. ‘Meditation, What It is’ by Tim Keller This is a sermon which looks at Psalm 1 as the basis for meditation or dwelling on God’s Word. It is helpful both to instruct and inspire. The meditation learned through Psalm 1 is described as: ‘a key to deeper fulfillment in every dimension of our being’.
   
   

How is this different than memorizing Scripture? Memorizing verses from the Bible or even whole books is a powerful discipline which plants God’s Word in our hearts. And memorization and meditation can work together well. However memorizing Scripture can become about completing a goal, instead of dwelling in the presence of God. And meditation is always intended to lead us to this.

My own journey as a Mom has been greatly enriched by meditation on Scripture. In the years of little babies, and even now with a toddler, when I have quiet moments, I can’t always get to my Bible. But I can recall a passage I have memorized or even a phrase of one I am meditating on and it nourishes me.

The key for me is to keep adding new passages even as I revisit previous ones. My greatest tool for doing this is an app called Scripture Typer that I learned about through Ann Voskamp. I have collections like ‘no fear’, ‘wisdom’, and ‘freedom from anxiety’. The main feature I use is to record myself saying the passages and then I replay them while I walk. (You could replay them cooking dinner, getting ready in the morning, pretty much any time)

Meditation on Scripture has become a tree of life. I have been passing through an especially difficult season. All the investment I have made to focus my whole heart on God through years of meditating on God’s Word, has become a vital, stabilizing force of strength for which I am incredibly thankful. And this knowledge, fully alive in me. is ready to be offered to a lost, hurting world.

Just like Psalm 1 says,

He(She) is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1:3

About Abby

I am wife to a wonderful man, mama to three precious now-little-but-soon-will-not-be loves. Each born in a different place--two states including 2 states and 2 countries. I am a farm girl who found her heart in the city. I can now claim fluency in 3 languages :: English, Spanish & Hungarian.This combined with the all-too-true 'mommy brain' explains much regarding my mental state most days;) I am a sojourner longing for Home. Yet, in my messy and broken, I embrace the moments given with all I have. I am seeking, praying, and learning again and again that it is for His Glory I live. My prayer is that my little life would make much of Him! I write regularly at Abigail Alleman.

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