A guide to meditating on the Bible

A Guide to Bible Meditation: Unlocking the Promise of Psalm 1:2-3.

Psalm 1:2-3 offers a beautiful promise - if we meditate on God's Word day and night, we will be "like a tree firmly planted by streams of water." However, many of us struggle with the practical application of this promise. How can we possibly meditate on God's Word day and night in our busy lives? In this post, we will explore the meaning of Bible meditation and provide practical tips for how to incorporate it into our daily routines, so we can experience the fullness of God's promise! Ready? let’s go!

What is Bible Meditation?

First, it is essential to understand what we mean by Bible meditation. It is not the same as emptying our minds or entering a trance-like state. Instead, meditation, according to the Bible, involves reflecting deeply on God's Word, contemplating it, and turning it over in our minds. When we meditate on Scripture, we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and transform us from the inside out.

How to Meditate on God's Word

One practical way to meditate on God's Word is to read a passage several times, then think about it throughout the day. We might ask ourselves, "What is God saying to me through this passage?" or "What can I learn about God's character from this verse?" Another way is to memorize Scripture and recite it to ourselves throughout the day. By doing so, we etch God's Word onto our hearts and minds, allowing it to guide and shape our thoughts and actions.

Benefits of Bible Meditation

Bible meditation offers many benefits, both spiritually and mentally! It can help us deepen our relationship with God, increase our faith, and provide us with a sense of peace and direction. It can also improve our mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing our ability to focus and concentrate.

Barriers to Bible Meditation

Despite its many benefits, many of us find it challenging to carve out time to meditate on God's Word consistently. Life is busy, and there are endless distractions vying for our attention. However, with a little intentionality, we can make Bible meditation a regular part of our routine. It might mean waking up earlier, turning off our devices for a set period each day, or finding creative ways to incorporate meditation into our daily tasks, such as reciting Scripture while exercising or doing chores.

In conclusion, Bible meditation is a powerful way to experience the fullness of God's promise in Psalm 1:2-3. By reflecting deeply on God's Word, we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us, transform us, and guide our paths. In today's busy world, it can be challenging to prioritize meditation, but with a little intentionality and creativity, it is possible. So let us take up the challenge and commit to meditating on God's Word day and night, and may we be "like a tree firmly planted by streams of water" - grounded, nourished, and flourishing in God's love.

Personal Note:

When studying the Bible, I always begin with this one. Asking for insight to learn something new, to read something I’ve never read before, for the words to jump off the page at me so that I know it is God speaking directly to me. Did you know the Holy Spirit is a teacher? When you ask Him, He will give new revelation to you, new insight, will speak to you loudly as you read, and reveal your heart through the scriptures so that you can grow. 

My favorite thing to ask is, “teach me something new today in scripture.”

Quick story: This past Sunday, my husband and I decided to fast until 3pm. Once we woke up and planned our day to be intentional with the Lord, I began with journaling, a daily devotional and studying of scripture that was attached to the devotional. I went downstairs and heard my husband playing worship music. He also listened to sermon after sermon after sermon. He was receiving so much clarity from the Lord that he went from one video to the next. He was SO excited that God was speaking directly to him… and there I was getting a little annoyed.

I was beyond grateful that He was receiving insight and hearing God’s voice on a personal level, but “God, what about me? I need you too Lord…” I didn’t want to admit it at that moment but looking back, that is what I felt. 

I went into my prayer space, laid flat, and prepared to fall asleep. I figured I can nap off how I was feeling and thought, “maybe if I fall asleep for a few minutes, I’ll have a fresh start…” knowing truthfully if I fell asleep, I may just sleep through the last leg of the fast. So instead, I grabbed the Bible in my last attempt to hear something from the Lord… and I did. He spoke. 

I opened the Bible after saying, “Lord, teach me something new in scripture today” and the first page I opened to fell directly on 1 Kings 19. When I saw the commentary, it is as if the words were jumping off the page at me. 

Commentary title said: “YOU CAN’T HEAR FROM ME WHEN YOU ARE BURNT OUT.”

My mouth dropped.

When I asked God to teach me something new, He did. He began to show me a story I’ve read 1000 times before, but gave it a new meaning; a way to apply it to my current circumstances. He showed me the why behind my annoyance towards my hubby and the why behind my difficulty to pray at the moment. The conclusion was: “Dominique, you are overly tired.”

Since I know a lot of people can relate to being exhausted, tired, or maybe even a little weary, I’ll share the insight God gave to me in 1 Kings 19:5-8. God said, “You’re worn out! You need a couple of hot meals and a good night’s rest.” Yep, God really said that. Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself! 

God was speaking to Elijah after he was sitting under a tree in the wilderness asking God to let him die. Just one day prior to that, he was on Mount Carmel, in triumph, after a great defeat! He personally slayed over 450 prophets, but the moment he heard the threats of Jezebel, he ran. He found himself under a tree asking God to kill him because his depression was too great. If you look at Elijah’s story, why would a man like him, who just came from slaying 450 prophets of Baal, suddenly allow himself to become so intimidated by the threats of Jezebel—one woman—that he fled for his life out of fear? [1 Kings 19:1-3].

I doubt it was because Jezebel was much of a threat to him, he responded that way out of exhaustion. When we are completely worn out, we respond to things differently than we do when we are fully rested. In that moment, God affirmed my own exhaustion, and told me what I needed. I needed two good meals and a long nap! And, that’s exactly what I did. I had hot meals and took long naps for days to follow after that.

Do you trust that God will show you something new today? Do you believe that He will speak to you on a personal level? Give it a try. Ask Him to show you something new in scripture today.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and His righteousness and all things will be added.” Matthew 6:33

For 12 really great tips on how to effectively study the Bible, click here to read!