I love this quote:
When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that’s called worry. When you think about God’s Word over and over in your mind, that’s meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate! You just need to switch your attention from your problems to Bible verses. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the less you will have to worry about. –Rick Warren The Purpose Driven Life page 90
Bible meditation sometimes is looked down on because it has been high jacked by eastern religions. But we really can’t let that happen because meditating on God’s word can powerfully change our lives. Don’t be intimidated by the idea as the quote says above, “if you know how to worry you know how to meditate.” Let me give you some simple steps. Even these steps may seem a little involved-I am just giving detail in order for you to see it in slow motion.
1. Find the passage.
This may be as simple as grabbing the verses or story that stands out to you when you are reading your normal reading time. You may pick a few verses or read a large story quickly for themes. If you are new to the idea I recommend a story maybe one about someone’s encounter with Jesus. Another fun way to do this would be to pick a song that is Bible, like the group the Sons of Korah, to listen to a chapter all day long.
2. Get yourself in the story.
This is very easy if it is an actual story of something that happened in the Bible. Begin to imagine that you are each of the people that the story talks about. Imagine you are David walking toward Goliath. Then go on and imagine that you are Goliath and see this small guy coming toward you. Think about the rest of the Philistine army as they watch. Then jump to the Israelites and King Saul.
3. Ask lots of questions.
What emotions would I have felt if I was in this account? What would have been going through my mind? Why would I have song this Psalm? What kind of things is God trying to get across? The more questions you can ask the more the verse or story will come alive.
4. Find God’s activity in the verses or story.
Ultimately when we come to the Bible our focus should be on God. What is He up to? What is He showing us about Himself? This kind of thinking can radically change your life.
5. Look for your action.
When you begin to see God in the verses or story you will be called to a response. Seeing God’s compassion will challenge me to be more compassionate. Seeing the strength of God may call me to trust Him. Now you are seeing the word of God change your life.
