What Does the Bible Say About Meditation?
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Is meditation a sin?
As a former self-help personal development book nerd, I’ve read my fair share of books that talk about mindfulness and meditation as a discipline for personal growth. What’s interesting to note, is that as many as I’ve read, very few of them talk about meditation from a biblical perspective. And since churches are adopting modern meditation practices; accepting them as a part of church culture – I think it’s time we had a real Scripture-based conversation about it.
Is meditation used in Christianity?
Are there examples of meditation in the Bible?
In this article, you’ll learn what the Bible says about meditation and Scripture verses about meditation that outline how/if Christians should use it in their personal lives. Scroll to the bottom for quick answers to questions like, What does the Bible say about mindfulness meditation? Or what does the Bible say about meditation and yoga?
What Does the Bible Say About Meditation?
The word meditate simply means “to think deeply or carefully about something”. When you meditate you focus your attention on a specific thought. Some people use repetition to keep that thought on the forefront of their mind and better focus on it.
In the Bible, believers use meditation to keep their attention on God and focus on following His teachings.
Common questions: How many times is meditation mentioned in the Bible? Did you know the word meditation is mentioned in the Bible nearly 25 times? Each is in connection with the spiritual disciplines of God-fearing people. This brings us to our next question…
Is meditation a sin? Everything God establishes, the adversary (the devil) sets out to pervert; including mediation. It’s not always a sin, but it can be. If we’re using meditation as a way to elevate ourselves, feed our pride, or feed our own ambitions (i.e. law of attraction, self-affirmation, or new age meditation) we’re misusing it.
Did Jesus meditate? Yes, He did! We can find evidence for that, as well as instruction for how to properly use meditation, in the Bible. More on that in a minute!
Download the Printable Meditation In the Bible Lesson!
Examples of Meditation in the Bible?
Most people hear the word meditate and think crisp-cross-applesauce on the floor, palms on your knees, humming some sort of monotone hum. That’s not the picture of meditation you’ll find in the Bible. Instead, you find instructions like this,
Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart. You are to teach them diligently to your children, and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. Bind them as a sign on your hand, they are to be as frontlets between your eyes, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (TLV)
In these verses, the examples of how to meditate in the Bible includes both thought and action.
Love God with all you are…
Keep his teachings on your heart…
Teach them…
Speak of them everywhere…
This instruction for mediation includes using visuals to prompt remind you what sorts of thoughts and teachings should hold your attention.
… A sign on your hand.
… Frontlets between your eyes
… Write them on the doorposts of your home.
These instructions were not figurative as many interpret them today. They were literal. And the people of Israel complied with them wearing tefillin (a small leather box with Scripture scrolls in it) on the forehead and around the arm.
Everywhere they went they were reminded of who and what to meditate on.
Other examples of meditation in the Bible:
- The kings of Israel practiced what we call Scripture writing. They read the Torah (because that’s what the portion of the Bible they had at the time) and then write portions of it out verbatim on their own personal scrolls so they were always aware of what the Scriptures said and they could lead the people accordingly. You can use a Scripture writing Journal to do the same!
- Psalms has literally hundreds of prayers and praises that serve as examples of meditation for all parts of your day. Prayer and worship are great ways to meditate.
- The people of Israel used Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (mentioned above) as Bible verses for meditation in the morning and evening.
- Teaching is one way the people of Israel meditated on God and his ways together.
- Sabbath was full of opportunities to learn about God, spend time in worship, and celebrate God together.
All of these examples carried into on into the lives of believers in the New Testament as well.
As you can tell from Scripture, meditation it isn’t qualified by how still or quiet the moment is. Biblical meditation may start in still quiet moments but it doesn’t conclude there. It always leads us into action and ushers us into obedience to God’s teachings.
With my whole heart have I sought You, let me not stray from Your mitzvot. I have treasured Your word in my heart, so I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:10-11
Did Jesus Meditate?
Keep in mind Jesus was raised according to Jewish law, which means the practices mentioned above He likely participated in. We don’t know much about Jesus’ childhood because the Bible doesn’t expand much on it. Here’s what we do know:
At the age of twelve the Bible accounts for Jesus teaching and learning Scripture at the synagogue (see Luke chapter 2).
Jesus taught at the temple and synagogues on a regular basis (find multiple examples in all 4 gospels).
We know that He was familiar with Scripture because He used it to keep His mind on God’s teachings combat temptation while fasting in the desert (see Luke 4).
There are multiple accounts of Jesus getting away to meditate and pray with God. He taught His disciples to do the same.
Jesus participated in the feasts and celebrations that were meant to help the people remember who God was, God’s promises to them, and the blessings that accompany following his teachings (see Psalm chapter1).
So, yes. Jesus used meditation the way God teaches us to use meditation (which as you can see is much different than the current meditation practices that consume the world).
7 Biblical Approaches to Meditation for Christians
How do Christians meditate?
The Bible tells us exactly how Christians should meditate. Equally as important, the Bible shows us what to do with realities that require our attention but aren’t meant to consume our thoughts. In the remainder of this article, we’ll dig into the specifics of the questions, what does the Bible say about meditation? I’ll introduce principles and Bible verses about meditation that show us 6 ways to meditate as a Christian.
- Meditate on what is true.
- Think about what is noble.
- Set your mind to what is just and pure.
- Meditate on what is lovely and admirable.
- Think about what is praiseworthy.
- Set your mind on the priorities of heaven.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Meditate On What Is True
Most of us would think this is a no-brainer, but if we’re honest meditating on what is true is one of the hardest parts of going through trials.
What if what’s true doesn’t bring you comfort? What if what’s true makes you angry? Or if what is true only brings you more trials?
There is no shortage of hard truths in the world. But regardless of the hardship, there are truths that are forever and truths that bring hope even in the hardship.
Truth #1 – God is faithful.
Second Truth – His grace is sufficient in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 2:19)
Truth #3 – He’ll counsel you through it if you let Him.
Because our thoughts impact our lives so greatly, it is VITAL that we guard our thoughts.
“Filtering our thoughts through a lens of truth; based on the word of God which is the standard we live by is ESSENTIAL.” – (Priscilla Shirer, Armor of God)
If its true and its hard, talk to God about it, but don’t stay stuck in it. Instead, turn your attention to what is good and noble.
Meditate On What Is Noble
The word “noble” implies high moral principles. In the original language, the word used in place of noble is honorable.
Meditating on what is noble means carefully considering things that are honorable. This is particularly important when it comes to getting involved in social or political movements and fighting against what is wrong in those spheres. Is what you’re allowing to motivate your thoughts and actions truly noble?
When we’re aware of choices that were made that aren’t honorable, we should bring those things to God in prayer. But again we shouldn’t let those things consumer our thoughts. Instead we should meditate on what is true, honorable, and right.
Meditate On What Is Just and Pure.
In order to meditate on what is right, we have to adopt God’s definition of the word, “right,” or better worded, what is just.
The word just in Greek (which is the original language of the verses I’m referencing) means innocent and holy.
When something is just or holy it means it has not been corrupted by the ambitions, actions, or schemes of people.
Injustice happens all over the world. I wouldn’t be doing right by you if I told you to ignore it. The truth is injustice should be confronted. We should advocate for that and most definitely pray for that, but we can’t let injustice cloud our judgment or consume our minds. Instead, we should meditate on what is true, honorable, just and pure, and lovely and admirable.
Meditate On What Is Lovely and Admirable
In the original Greek, the word translated as lovely means, acceptable and friendly towards others.
The word translated as admirable means, of good report or reputation.
Again, this isn’t a command to deny that bad things do happen. Instead, it’s an admonishment to continue in the good things and not let the reality of bad things dampen your hope in God and commitment to doing good. In due time God will redeem it all (see Galatians 6:9).
Meditate on the Things of Heaven
This direction comes from Paul’s letter to the believers in Colosse,
Therefore, if you have been raised up with Messiah, keep seeking the things above—where Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of God. Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2
Where did He get this instruction? I believe it was from Jesus’ teaching to His disciples.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
This is why Jesus prayed,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
The things that are important to God (which we are taught about in the Bible) are things that should saturate our minds.
What does the Bible say about mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is described a couple of different ways and the intensity of it varies. Some say it’s just “a way of relaxing, calming the body, and getting rid of negativity.” Others describe it as “bringing intense awareness to what you’re sensing and feeling,” It can include breathing techniques, guided imagery, and other activities that are commonly coined as “relaxation techniques.”
I’m not going to lie, any time I hear the words guided imagery, red flags go up in my mind. Guided imagery is very closely associated with New Age and occultic practices which to be blunt should have no place in the Christian life.
The Bible teaches us to be “sober-minded.” The verse in whole is,
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
The word sober implies that nothing other than the Spirit of God (because remember, we were created to live in partnership with God) has influence over your mind.
When your emotions are calling the shots, you’re not sober.
If drugs or alcohol are calling the shots, you’re not sober.
If other people are guiding your thoughts and imagination, you’re not sober.
In addition, the Bible teaches us how to discern what we are feeling and where those feelings come from. One of the functions (or gifts) of Holy Spirit in our life is the discernment of Spirits. The wisdom we need to rightfully navigate those situations comes from God and the Bible; not mindfulness meditation.
The same answer can apply to the question “what does the Bible say about transcendental meditation?”
As mentioned before, meditation isn’t always a sin – but it can be. The next few sections will address specific meditation practices that and provide answers for the question why is meditation a sin?
What Does the Bible Say About Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental meditation is a practice strongly associated with middle eastern religions. The goal is to empty your mind of everything so that you can “become one” with everything (the universe). They function as though the universe is the godhead and when a person becomes one with the universe they become one with this godhead and become their “highest self”.
Nothing about this practice or belief is supported by Scripture. In fact, it operates in stark contrast to the Bible. Biblical meditation will always lead you back to the truth of Scripture. It will always exalt God and His sovereignty and it will never disguise itself as a means of self-fulfillment.
Paul wrote words to the believers in Galatia Paul that I think are important for Christians tempted to wander into these practices. It’s a very blunt warning but so necessary to hear. Paul writes,
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:6-9
Any way that is not God’s way is the wrong way.
God shows us how to use meditation to draw nearer to Him. Let’s not lose focus!
What does the Bible Say About Yoga and Meditation?
This is one of those questions that is cloaked in controversy. The Bible doesn’t mention the practice of yoga specifically and for that reason, some believers give it the green light. Others (including myself) consider the origins of yoga and the religions that it’s tied to see huge red flags.
Unlike meditation, there isn’t a biblical mandate to participate in yoga. Most who understand that yoga was intended to be a form of worship to pagan gods won’t pursue it. Others have tried to “redeem it” by adding Bible verses to the meditative part of it. God gave us clear warnings about adopting other worship practices as our own and using them to worship Him. Through Moses God spoke,
…do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’
You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods…Deuteronomy 12:30-31 (in part)
In Deutronomy 12:4 God warns us to stick to His instructions for worship and holiness and not to fall into the trap of worshiping Him the ways others worship pagan gods.
Western culture has tried to separate yoga from its religious origins and use it only for exercise, but because it was created to be worship, we can’t make that distinction. And most middle eastern religions would be offended that we even try. To them, it is a perversion of their worship. Another red flag.
If you truly want to know what does the Bible say about yoga and meditation? Go read Deuteronomy 12 and ask God to help you see worship the way HE intended it.
Scriptures to Meditate On For Spiritual Growth
Do you want to give meditation by God’s design a try? Here are some of my favorite Scriptures to meditate on for Spiritual growth.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9 – These verses are great daily reminders of the first and greatest commandment and how it touches every area of our lives, starting in the home.
- Philippiau struggle with managing your thoughts? These verses help me discern what thoughts need to go and what thoughts are good to dwell on?
- Matthew 16:33 – Meditation on this verse helps me remember my priorities.
- Ephesians chapter 1 – These verses keep me thinking about who God says I am instead of falling prey to who the world says I am.
- Revelation 21 and 22 – These verses encourage me to keep living for God and preparing for His kingdom because no matter what is ahead of me, His kingdom is coming!
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