23 Key Bible Verses On Meditation and Its Benefits

As women, we are constantly bogged down by the busyness and challenges of everyday life.  Between work, the kids, taking care of our homes, side hustles, and more, it can be difficult to carve out time during the day to pause for a minute and breathe.

We’ve all heard that meditation is supposed to be extremely helpful for finding those periodic moments of relaxation. However, some of us equate meditation with mysticism and are unsure whether it is something we should practice or not. Others who aren’t opposed to the idea struggle with how to get started incorporating meditation into their day.

Common questions we often wonder about include:

• What is meditation and its benefits?
• What are the types of meditation?
• How do I start meditating?
• Does the bible allow meditation?
• Is meditation a sin in Christianity?

If you really want to know what the bible says about meditation AND find those moments of rest and peace in your day to help you refuel and refocus, then this is definitely the post for you.  

What Does it Mean to Meditate?

Let’s start by looking at the basic definition of the word meditate.

According to Webster’s dictionary, the word meditate means:

• to engage in contemplation or reflection
• to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness
• to focus one’s thoughts on, reflect on, or ponder over

Google defines meditation as thinking deeply or focusing one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes, or as a relaxation method. 

Types of Meditation

Before discussing meditation from a biblical perspective, it’s important to examine the different types of meditation to understand the differences and have a point of reference for comparison.

Although meditation is an ancient tradition, it is still practiced in cultures worldwide today.  The practice has ties to many different religious teachings.  However, it is more about altering consciousness, finding awareness, and achieving peace for many people.

There are nine popular types or forms of meditation practiced in the world today:

1. Mindfulness Meditation – originates from Buddhist teachings; you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind, observing them and taking note of any patterns
2. Spiritual Meditation – used in Hinduism, Daoism, and Christianity; you reflect on the silence around you and seek a deeper connection with your God or the universe
3. Focused Meditation – involves concentration using any of the five senses; you can focus on something internal, like your breath, or you can bring in external influences to help focus your attention (i.e. counting mala beads, listening to a gong, or staring at a candle flame)
4. Movement Meditation – an active form of meditation that involves gentle forms of motion (i.e. yoga, walking, gardening, etc.)
5.  Mantra Meditation – prominent in Hindu and Buddhist traditions; uses repetitive sound to clear the mind (i.e. a word, phrase, or sound, such as the popular “Om”)
6. Transcendental Meditation – developed by Indian spiritual figure Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, this practice involves the use of a private mantra (a series of words specific to the practitioner) and is practiced for 20 minutes, twice per day, while sitting comfortably with one’s eyes closed
7. Progressive Relaxation (AKA Body Scan Meditation) – aimed at reducing tension in the body and promoting relaxation; often involves slowly tightening and relaxing one muscle group at a time throughout the body
8. Loving-Kindness Meditation – used to strengthen feelings of compassion, kindness, and acceptance toward oneself and others; typically involves sending a series of good wishes to others (loved ones, friends, acquaintances, etc.)
9. Visualization Meditation – a technique focused on enhancing feelings of relaxation, peace, and calmness by visualizing positive scenes or images, or by imagining yourself succeeding at specific goals

As you can see, the different meditation types vary in technique and require different skills and mindsets.  Not all meditation styles fit everyone, and you should certainly feel encouraged to practice those you are most comfortable with.  

From a medical and scientific viewpoint, there is much evidence supporting the fact that meditation can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, decrease pain, ease symptoms of depression, and improve sleep.

However, as Christians, spiritual meditation is the one that we should incorporate into our lives first and foremost.  So let’s dive into that specific method in detail, and see what the bible says about meditation.

What Does the Bible Say About Meditation?

As the list of meditation types shows, there are several things we can meditate on to clear our minds, relieve stress, or shift our focus. 

However, when it comes to spiritual or bible meditation methods,  there are two specific things that the Bible says we should meditate on:  God and His Word.

• I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. Psalm 143:5 NIV
• I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.   Psalm 77:12 NIV
• Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long.  Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.  I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. Psalm 119:97-99 NIV

God and His Word should be the primary focus of Christian meditation.

Meditate on God

We’ve learned that meditation means to focus on, reflect on, and ponder. So, how exactly do we meditate on God? 

By shifting our focus completely to Him and reflecting on who He is, what He has done, and is doing in our lives!

• Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Psalm 48:9 NIV
• Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27 NIV
• They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty– and I will meditate on your wonderful works. Psalm 145:5 NIV

Meditating on the love of God and the works of the Lord can help shift our mindsets tremendously. This type of spiritual meditation can give us hope, strength, peace, and encouragement in a world surrounded by hatred, social injustice, jealousy, anger, social hazing, and violence.

Meditate on God’s Word

Along with meditating on God, it should come as no surprise that we should also meditate on God’s Word.  After all, it is through His Word that we learn who God is.

• My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Psalm 119:148 NIV
• I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:15 NIV

Scripture meditation is one of the absolute best ways to learn the bible. God’s Word is full of promises—approximately 1,260, to be exact. Chanting positive affirmations is one thing, but nothing compares to the empowerment you get from quoting God’s guaranteed promises!

How to Meditate on God and His Word

You can use several methods to incorporate meditation time into your day. Your schedule and preferences may determine what works best for you.  

Here are a few ideas to choose from:

1.  Devotionals – these come in pocket-size format, and even as apps that you can download on your phone
2.  Prayer Breaks – talking to God and praising Him for who he is and His goodness in your life
3.  Quiet Time Journaling – a fun and creative way to reflect on God and His Word 
4.  Listening to praise and worship music
5.  Meditation walks – a short walk to clear your mind and think about the goodness of God

The Benefits of Meditating on the Word of God

As Christian women, it is crucial that we acknowledge the importance, power, and authority of God’s Word in our lives and don’t substitute other things for it.  

Yoga, recitation of mantras or affirmations, and visualizing positive images may be a part of your meditation routine.  However, it is critical that we do not prioritize them above meditating on the Word of God or abandon time with God altogether.

Several key benefits result from meditating on God and His Word.

Perfect Peace

One of my favorite bible verses is Isaiah 26:3:

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

When we meditate on God and His Word, not only does He give us peace, but He gives us perfect peace! In fact, the verse says He will keep us in a state of perfect peace when we fix our thoughts on Him and put our trust in Him.

I don’t know about you, but there are times when I feel stressed, frustrated, anxious, and even depressed. Medication, alcohol, exercise, sex, and other coping substances may be a temporary fix. Still, as someone who has tried all of the above at one point or another, I can promise you that NOTHING can provide peace the way the Word of God can.

Whenever I share my personal testimony, I always share how the Word of God saved my life at the absolute lowest point in my Christian journey.

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV

It Keeps Our Focus On the Right Things

Meditating on the Word of God teaches us exactly what we should think about and focus on.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  

Philippians 4:8 NLT

And when we begin to meditate and focus on the right things, it pleases God:

• May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
• May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:34 NIV

It’s so easy to get hung up on everything that’s wrong with your day, especially if things start off on the wrong foot. But if we are not careful, we will allow the devil to keep us in a bad mood or frame of mind all day.

This is why I keep my pocket bible handy.  And thank God for bible apps!

It Keeps Us From Sin

Meditating on God and His Word helps to keep us from sin.

• I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

The more time we spend meditating on God’s Word, the more of His Word we hide in our hearts. Then, when the temptation to sin arises, we have more ammunition to help us overcome the temptation.

So, if you want to avoid sin, kick some bad habits or attitudes and emotions that keep flaring up, meditate on God’s Word, and watch God begin to make some changes!

Encouragement In Times of Trouble

Even as Christians, we will face no shortage of obstacles, challenges, and hardships in life. However, the Bible makes it clear that we have everything we need through God’s Word to endure trials when they come and to emerge strong in the end.

• Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.  Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. Psalm 119:23-24 NIV
• Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Psalm 119:143 NIV

No matter how dark things get, how low you feel, or even when you feel everyone has abandoned you, remember that you can find comfort in God’s Word. 

Oftentimes, it really is as simple as pausing in the midst of craziness and reflecting on the fact that God is with you and still in control.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”.

Psalm 46:10 NIV

Prosperity and Success

We receive some blessings simply because we are Christians and belong to God. But we also receive additional blessings when we spend more time reading, meditating on, and obeying God’s Word.

Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:7-8 NIV

Having worked in corporate America for over 20 years and attended dozens of motivational seminars, I have heard every possible idea about manifesting prosperity and success in one’s life, from positive self-talk, daily affirmations, and vision boards to transcendence rituals, “good vibes only” professions, and serenity music.

But I will tell you that none of that brings prosperity and success the way cultivating your relationship with God and meditating on His Word can. I find it ironic that we say we want to succeed in life and drive ourselves crazy in the pursuit of success without ever doing the one thing God says will guarantee our success.

More Bible Verses About Meditation

One of the questions I often get asked is how I discipline myself to spend time with God regularly. My answer is always the same: ‘ Just get started.’ If you never get started, you will never develop a regular devotional or meditation time with God.

Once you start, I promise that the more time you spend meditating on God and His Word, the more you will desire to do it more often. And before you know it, it will become a habit.  You will begin cultivating your relationship with God in so many ways, and even find yourself falling in love with His Word!

• He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Genesis 24:63 NIV
• On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  Psalm 63:6-7 NIV
• How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 NIV

Meditate on God’s Word Regularly

Ladies, now you have seen what the bible says about meditation and its benefits.  In case you haven’t figured it out by now, it is not only important but vital that we find time to meditate on God and His Word regularly.  

No matter how busy, stressful, or chaotic your daily life and routine may seem, I promise that once you start to incorporate even a few minutes each day to pause and reflect on God and His goodness in your life, you will start to see a difference.

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 meditates on his law day and night.  That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers.  

Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

It doesn’t get any plainer than this verse.  When you make meditating on God and His Word a spiritual discipline you practice regularly, you will be blessed, find strength in God, and prosper!

Please don’t walk away from this thinking you should stop doing yoga, stop writing and quoting positive affirmations, or destroy your vision board.  I am simply encouraging you to make spiritual meditation, specifically meditating on God and His Word, your top priority and primary focus.

Every other method should be secondary and considered supplemental in value.  

Via the internet, social media, and the world’s system in general, our society is slowly but surely steering our focus away from God and His Word to anything and everything that distracts us and keeps us from our purpose in Christ. Let’s strive always to be intentional about making God the most important thing.

RELATED POSTS:

• 31 Bible Verses About Spending Time With God
• 10 Amazing Benefits of Reading the Bible Regularly
• What is the Importance of the Word of God for Today’s Christian?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Demetra is a busy, self-employed, single mom who loves Jesus and is a fanatic about prioritizing her time with God!  She created In the Mirror of God to help other Christian women learn how regularly looking into our spiritual mirror (the Bible) equips us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, think biblically about everything, conquer the challenges of everyday life, and truly enjoy life to the fullest, the way God intended.  Go here to learn more about her story, or visit her contact page to send a quick message.

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