Learn simple ways to meditate on God’s Word. The distance between the head and the heart, between knowing and inhabiting truth can be a long road. Learning to read Scripture with the heart rather than the head empowers us to receive revelation rather than simply learn information. Inspiration for Christian women to reflect on the Bible for going deeper with God.
Letting God’s Word seep into the depths of our heart and the nitty-gritty of our moments brings life and wholeness we long for.
God’s Word changes lives when it transforms our hearts and minds. Yet the distance between the head and the heart, between knowing and inhabiting truth can be a long road.
Learning to read Scripture with the heart rather than the head empowers us to receive revelation rather than simply learn information. The truth is many of us struggle to understand what biblical meditation is and how to do it effectively.
Why Should I Meditate on God’s Word?
Maybe you’ve asked yourself this question. There is a lot of confusion about what it means to meditate on the Bible. The Bible has much to say about the importance of meditating on the Word of God. One of my favorite passages is found in Moses’ instruction to Joshua:
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 that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.–Joshua 1:8 NASB
From this instruction, we can see that meditating on Scripture is linked to obedience and blessing. Now this isn’t a mantra of prosperity gospel, but a solid truth about the benefit of following God’s Word with heart, mind, and soul.
In the book Life With God, Richard Foster writes the following:
“The best guard against any handling of Scripture that leaves our souls untouched—and ourselves unchanged—is surrender to the cleansing, forming flow of the Holy Spirit. Simply this means opening our whole selves—mind, body, spirit; thoughts, behavior, will—to the open page before us. We seek far more than familiarity with the text alone; instead we are focusing our attention through and beyond the text to the God whose reality fills its depths” (p. 62).
Foster explains a compelling case for the importance of understanding how to engage with God’s Word through meditation.
The Value of Holy Expectancy in Scriptural Meditation
Holy expectancy brings us to God with a heart ready to receive right in this very moment. For “there is a difference between simply being in the same room with others versus truly being present to them” (Richard Foster, Life With God, p.23).
Meditation teaches us to read with the heart being fully present with God. It is one simple way to let God’s Word seep into the fiber of our souls. As our thinking is transformed by God’s word, truth becomes life as we choose to live God’s way.
Through meditation we learn that the words Christ speaks to us “are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Meditating on the Bible Is Not Hard
Truly, you don’t have to be a spiritual guru or and religious expert to dig deeper into God’s Word. How do we get hold of this idea of meditation? Will it involve convoluted body positions or ummm…. strange sounds?
[tweetthis] If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate on God’s Word.[/tweetthis] Many theological books have been written on the subject, but for today, let’s keep it simple.
Let’s stop for a moment and define the word meditate. It simply means to attend to, to practice, be diligent in, to ponder or imagine. Meditation is worship that ponders giving time for truth to penetrate. In the book Prayer, Timothy Keller defines meditation as simply “thinking in the presence of God.” Now that’s not too hard is it?
[tweetthis]Simple ways to Let God’s Word Seep Into Your Life[/tweetthis]
I often think in pictures and illustrations, seeing the connections between the practical and the spiritual. Here are a few comparisons, tips, and images that will help you be intentional with meditating on God’s Word the easy way. Sounds good, right? Here we go. . .
Meditation is Like a Candle
Meditation lights the candle of our hearts. We make our hearts ready for the light of understanding to transform dark corners of unbelief, resistance, or confusion. The Holy Spirit creates light in every place we make ourselves available to receive. Holy fire brings clarity of inspiration, power to move and believe and grow and change.
Mediation is Like a Door
Meditation walks through the doorway to enter deeper into Christ. Meditation opens the door to understanding and obedience takes us all the way in. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20.)
Meditation is Like Rocking in a Chair
Meditation rocks in a chair by the fire. Sink into a verse like a comfortable chair and let the meaning of the words rock back and forth in the rhythm of holy listening. Prayerfully read the verse several times, emphasizing different words or phrases each time.
Meditation is Like Following a Path
Meditation ponders truth like following a garden path, stepping over stones one by one. The path curves deeper into the delights of the garden. Meditating on the paths of truth, follow the Holy Spirit who leads the way to discovery and freedom.
Meditation is Like a Scrapbook
Meditation treasures truth like a scrapbook stores cherished memories: take time to collect truths and experiences that God has worked in your life. Paste them in your heart or even in the pages of a book, set aside as special and significant, pictures of God’s truth and grace in your life.
Meditation is Like a Sponge
Meditation soaks truth like a sponge, absorbing living water for the soul. Saturated and full, we are soaked through with God’s words.
Meditation is Like a Journal
Meditation writes truth on the tablet of our lives. Journal connections and observations. Pressing pen to page, ask questions and stop to think and listen. Journaling meditation stands on the watchtower, ready and waiting to see what God will say.
Free Resources for a Deeper Relationship with God, Others, and Yourself
Sign up for the newsletter to get extra encouragement and practical resources in the Subscriber Library. Join thousands of readers who have benefitted from Ginger’s signature content! Click the image below or click here to subscribe.
Oh, this is so good! I have to admit that I’ve often been a bit confused on what meditation is. I love the way you’ve described it. I know that I need more of this, with my time in the Word.
I can be such a challenge to still our minds and let a passage get deep inside. These illustrations have made a difference to me, and I’m excited to share them. Thanks for visiting today!
So glad you visited today, Michelle. I loved meeting you last year at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. Congratulations on all that God is doing through you these days!
I really enjoyed Foster’s book, Life With God. Along those lines, I also like the books by Jan Johnson. These authors have helped me go deeper into God’s word. So glad to see you here today.
Such wise words, and practical ones, Ginger! In our hurry-up-and-stay-busy world, we desperately need more time spent meditating. Too many of us approach God’s Word with our minds only, and though helpful at times, it won’t yield growth in our faith and in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I’m glad you shared these insights with us at Grace & Truth!
Thanks for stopping by. So glad we could connect in this space. Yes, letting God’s word sink in is so important for it to become a vibrant part of our lives.
I’m a huge believer in meditation, in whatever forms we can do it in! (I’m also a lover of Richard Foster books.) Thanks for encouraging me to keep up this spiritual discipline. It does make a difference.
Ginger,
Great suggestions in your post and lovely photos…This: “Learning to read Scripture with the heart rather than the head empowers us to receive revelation rather than simply learn information.” What a difference it makes…Have a blessed weekend 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad. I’ve missed connecting with you in this bloggy space. Last week I nearly tracked you down, but I settled for praying for you instead. God just put you on my mind in a special way. Have a great week!
Great strategies and beautiful images. I need this kind of quiet time – a time to let His Word seep into my soul. I’m so glad I clicked on your link at #CoffeeforYourHeart1
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
So happy to have you visit today. These images have made a big difference in my life. For me, it helps me focus and be open to insights God brings to mind. It can be so tempting to narrow devotional time to a formula or a routine.
THANKS for sharing!! 👍🏼♥️Some Things Pop At me WHEN I read and Others DON’T😢I haven’t Learned How to meditate .. I just think BUT I Guess I try to OVER think!!! 🤪 Like the Parables . AND I CAN’T read For long periods… Or I forget What I Read.
Ginger Harrington
on September 24, 2018 at 11:18 am
I understand Cheri! I often experience the same thing. Trust God to show you one thing to meditate on each time you read. Thanks for joining the conversation today!
Cheri, I’m glad this post was helpful.Thinking is meditating. Don’t try to make it difficult. When your attention wanders, just come back to the verse and continue to consider different words in the passage. That helps me. Writing also helps me to stay focused. Thanks for visiting today!
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
Oh, this is so good! I have to admit that I’ve often been a bit confused on what meditation is. I love the way you’ve described it. I know that I need more of this, with my time in the Word.
I can be such a challenge to still our minds and let a passage get deep inside. These illustrations have made a difference to me, and I’m excited to share them. Thanks for visiting today!
Beautiful truths Ginger! I love how you so simply explain what meditation is and how we can enjoy it in our daily lives with the Father!
So glad you visited today, Michelle. I loved meeting you last year at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. Congratulations on all that God is doing through you these days!
Thanks for sharing this deep soul longing we have, Ginger … to make God’s Word our every breath we breathe.
Appreciate the perspective from Richard Foster, too …
Blessings!
I really enjoyed Foster’s book, Life With God. Along those lines, I also like the books by Jan Johnson. These authors have helped me go deeper into God’s word. So glad to see you here today.
I’m from Malaysia. Where can I get a copy of the book On Life with God
Such wise words, and practical ones, Ginger! In our hurry-up-and-stay-busy world, we desperately need more time spent meditating. Too many of us approach God’s Word with our minds only, and though helpful at times, it won’t yield growth in our faith and in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I’m glad you shared these insights with us at Grace & Truth!
Thanks for stopping by. So glad we could connect in this space. Yes, letting God’s word sink in is so important for it to become a vibrant part of our lives.
This is SO GOOD! I added it to my reading list to refer back to. So glad to be your neighbor at Holley’s!
We were neighbors last week too. How fun! These comparisons have made a big difference for me and it is a joy to share them.
Beautiful description and examples of meditation. Joining you from Thought Provoking Thursdays
So glad you came for a visit today. I’m glad you take a blessing with you. Have a great weekend.
I’m a huge believer in meditation, in whatever forms we can do it in! (I’m also a lover of Richard Foster books.) Thanks for encouraging me to keep up this spiritual discipline. It does make a difference.
So glad you found this helpful. Which is your favorite book by Richard Foster?
Ginger,
Great suggestions in your post and lovely photos…This: “Learning to read Scripture with the heart rather than the head empowers us to receive revelation rather than simply learn information.” What a difference it makes…Have a blessed weekend 🙂
Oh friend, so happy to meet you here again. Many blessings this weekend and may God bring you revelation of the heart.
Oh Ginger I’ve missed coming here! It’s been a while but this was perfect. I really do enjoy your blog-thank you! The Lord used it to speak to me!
Yay! I’m so glad. I’ve missed connecting with you in this bloggy space. Last week I nearly tracked you down, but I settled for praying for you instead. God just put you on my mind in a special way. Have a great week!
Great strategies and beautiful images. I need this kind of quiet time – a time to let His Word seep into my soul. I’m so glad I clicked on your link at #CoffeeforYourHeart1
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
So happy to have you visit today. These images have made a big difference in my life. For me, it helps me focus and be open to insights God brings to mind. It can be so tempting to narrow devotional time to a formula or a routine.
THANKS for sharing!! 👍🏼♥️Some Things Pop At me WHEN I read and Others DON’T😢I haven’t Learned How to meditate .. I just think BUT I Guess I try to OVER think!!! 🤪 Like the Parables . AND I CAN’T read For long periods… Or I forget What I Read.
I understand Cheri! I often experience the same thing. Trust God to show you one thing to meditate on each time you read. Thanks for joining the conversation today!
Cheri, I’m glad this post was helpful.Thinking is meditating. Don’t try to make it difficult. When your attention wanders, just come back to the verse and continue to consider different words in the passage. That helps me. Writing also helps me to stay focused. Thanks for visiting today!