Bible Question:

How can I meditate? A friend gave me a tape with meditation phrases with soft music, but the content thereof is not familiar to me. Not one time during the tape did the name of Jesus occur. I was “scared” of unknown influences, yet I know nothing can touch me when Jesus is with me and in me. The friend said she is a Christian and uses meditation in her Christianity.

Bible Answer:

Biblical meditation is spending time in God’s Word, thinking about its meaning and what it reveals about God. Listen 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 have success. (NASB) Joshua 1:8

Meditation can occur at anytime of the day. I usually read my Bible in the morning when I can concentrate best. King David did it in the evening on his bed. In Psalm 4:4 he says that he spent time just being quiet and thinking.

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. (NASB) Psalm 4:4

In Psalm 77:6 he apparently started with some music first.

I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart; And my spirit ponders. (NASB) Psalm 77:6

Biblical meditation does not include “meditation phrases.” This is part of the New Age. If you would like to use some phrases I would suggest memorizing scripture. Whatever we do, we should meditate on God’s Word. Listen to God’s command for a king.

Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left; in order that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom . . . (NASB) Deuteronomy 17:18-20

Conclusion:

You may want to read the Bible in one year along with us. Whatever you do, I would encourage you to read scripture and then spend time thinking about what you read. What does it reveal about God? I have learned so much even this year as I have read through the Bible. May God bless you!