10 Lessons on Meditation From the Book of Psalms
The word ‘meditation’ is often a bit of a turn off for most Christians...understandably.
Like many things, we have (over time) surrendered practices that started as God’s to the world.
Now, because they have been misused, we hesitate to pick them back up again. But what if I told you meditation and the proper Godly use of it is listed over 50 times in the Bible? I don’t know about you, but I think the Bible telling us to do something is a pretty good indication that it’s worth looking into.
So what does true meditation actually look like? What’s the goal of it?
Today we’re going to explore 10 key lessons on meditation and how you can integrate it in your life for a stronger connection to God and more peace within yourself!
Lesson 1: Meditation is a form of worship
Before we go too deeply into this first lesson, let’s define meditation biblically:
The Bible Dictionary defines Meditation in many ways...primarily it means “to care for”, “to ponder, imagine” and “to be diligent in” (all dependent on the verse being used). Simply put, meditation was never meant to be the act of emptying the mind of thought, but instead, filling our thoughts with God’s word, His works and His character. This act can deepen our connection with God and act as a form of worship to Him.
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness.
-Psalms 145:5-6
Notice that the act of meditation preceded the action in these verses. David did this intentionally..he recognized that all actions started with thoughts first. Therefore, the more we think on God and His greatness, the more likely we are to move towards Him and bring people with us.
Lesson 2: Meditating Fixes our Eyes on God’s Ways
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
-Psalms 119:15
In the same way that a car driving on a highway filled with potholes is in danger of a flat tire and (at the very least) needing an alignment, we live in a time filled with spiritual potholes that threaten to take us out of alignment if we are not calibrated with God. Meditating on God’s word and commands can serve to recalibrate ourselves with what God asks of us.
Lesson 3: Consistent Meditation Brings Success to Fruition
His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth it’s fruit in its season..and whatever he does shall prosper.
-Psalms 1:2
In the same way that you cannot expect to have a strong body if you only exercise it once a year, practicing meditation once or twice does not create lasting change. The consistent and proper practice of it naturally guides you closer to success and prosperity. It’s a Bible promise!
Lesson 4: Meditation Leads to Wisdom Above What the World Can Offer
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.
-Psalms 119:99
Contrary to what the world will tell you, wisdom is from God. Meditation is the act of digesting knowledge from the Word and God himself to create this wisdom. Therefore, those who meditate on these things will gain wisdom beyond worldly education.
Lesson 5: Meditation Helps in Times of Trouble
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remember the days
of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the works of Your hands.
-Psalms 143:4-5
All of us, despite the hardships in our lives, can name many times God has come through for us or protected us from things. Remembering these moments and allowing ourselves to dive into deep consideration of what God did, how it impacted our lives then and now, and how good God was to do that for us, can help us in times of hardship and trial to gain strength to keep pushing forward. It reminds us that God comes through in the end EVERY TIME.
Lesson 6: What we dwell on shapes the spiritual condition of our heart.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. -
Psalms 19:14
This verse so beautifully speaks for itself. A heart that desires to be acceptable to God is a heart that God loves to bless.
Lesson 7: Stillness and Meditation Go Hand in Hand
Be still and know that I AM God.
-Psalms 46:10
The command came together in one sentence: Be still and know that I am God. I would argue that the act of being still helps us to truly know in our souls that God is God and that He is on the throne! The act of meditation facilitates this understanding.
Lesson 8: Meditation is a means of telling you where you’re at in your relationship w/ God
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
-Psalms 119:97
Jesus told us in the New Testament that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. How we feel about God’s commands will tell us a lot about our heart posture with Him. The more that you find yourself desiring to follow God’s commandments and repenting when you don’t will tell you a lot. Can we truly say to God “I love your law! It’s in my thoughts all day long!”?
My guess would be not always.. So this verse provides us with a goal to attain!
Lesson 9: Meditation Follows a Love of God and Creates Intimacy with Him
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight
myself in Your commandments, which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes.
-Psalms 119:48
I consider it beautiful the way that Psalms finds so many unique ways to confess love for God. When we love God, we desire to rest in His presence, meditate on the testimonies He has created in our lives, and understand His word. As we do so, we gain a sense of intimacy and closeness with our Father..and the cycle of love and growth spirals us closer and closer to Him.
Lesson 10: Prayer helps our meditations to fall in line with God
I have declared my ways, and You answered me; make me understand the way of Your precepts,
so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
-Psalms 119: 26-27
Prayer is a vital part of the meditation process. Prayerfully asking God to guide our meditation time is key to real transformation. He will guide the process and bless you for your efforts to connect with Him on deeper levels.
Meditation is not a lost art – it's a biblical commands and a spiritual gift.
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Meditation is not a lost art – it's a biblical commands and a spiritual gift. 〰️
When we prayerfully ask God to both guide and be present as we consider His word, the testimonies we have of Him, and His law/precepts, we find nothing but transformation and a deeper connection with our Father. Psalms invites us into a rich life of constant, meaningful meditation.
So today, which of these lessons will you start practicing? I would encourage you to take these matters to God and ask Him to guide you into proper practice. Go into the word of God and find these answers for yourself so you can have a testimony of the truth of it.
As you faithfully step into deeper levels of meditation, may God show up to you in ways you didn’t realize possible. May He bless you for your efforts and shower you with His abundant love.