Meditation

When you think of the word meditate, what comes to mind? Maybe sitting in a quiet room, praying. You may think of a monk. I think of meditation as a quieting of your mind through mindful and careful focus.

We may associate the practice of meditation with religions such as Buddhism or Islam. However, the practice of meditation isn’t limited to religions like the two mentioned. You often practice a form of meditation through prayer and reflection. In fact, the Bible specifically talks about meditation as a practice of faithful followers.

Philippians 4:8 says that whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue, or anything praiseworthy we are to meditate on them. In other words, carefully focus your mind on these things.

Science has proven that a regular practice of meditation decreases blood pressure, reduces respiration rate, decreases anxiety, improves sleep, improves the regulation of emotions, reduces stress, and has been shown to help reduce pain for those dealing with chronic pain.

What does the Bible have to say about the practice of meditation and what it can do for us as followers? Psalm 1 gives us the answer. Verses 2-3, “But 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 its fruit in its season, whose leaf shall never wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.” I love when science confirms what the Bible has said for thousands of years. We gain life when we meditate on God’s word. Let us meditate today as we worship!

-Jaron Kelley

#MaysvilleMessenger