Meditation

6: bible nerdImage by jamelah via Flickr
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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 1:8

Andrew Murray says of scriptural meditation that it is, "holding the word of God in your heart and mind until it has affected every area of your life". I love this, although the challenge of disciplining the mind is considerably difficult for most of us, and certainly for me!

Recently a friend reminded me that the biblical idea of meditation is also very much linked to our speech. We all know that there is great power in our tongues! Speaking out God's Word can have a significant effect on our minds and can even interrupt those destructive thought patterns that we might battle with. During crisis times in my life this has been a necessity to survive. As someone who has suffered from depression and is prone to be overwhelmed by negative thoughts, speaking out God's promises of hope, peace, forgiveness has been hugely important. I carry around scriptures on a small piece of paper in my back pocket and from time to time take them out and read out loud.

Do you have any ideas for scriptural meditation?

Comments

duopastorale said…
Here are some of the ones in my pocket today:

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. Psalm 32:8

I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
kc bob said…
Nice thoughts Mike. Not sure that it is exactly meditation but I find it helpful to write about the scriptures (as you did here).. it helps me focus.
Pietro Brosio said…
Two significant psalms which can really edify us and move negative thoughts away from us.
Steve said…
I find it helpful to just be, and allow God's spirit to minister to my spirit. I don't necessarily find it helpful to meditate on scripture passages though it can be helpful.
Gudl said…
I can relate. I read the Word out loud, too, and it changes the atmosphere!

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