Feast on God’s Word: A Call to Daily Scripture Meditation
ARTICLE • Discovering the lost art of meditating on Scripture will feed your soul, nourish your life, and strengthen your walk with God. Here’s how to get started.
Read time: 5 min
Do you find yourself hurriedly reading a chapter or two of the Bible, only to quickly close it as daily responsibilities beckon? It’s a scenario many of us can relate to. But such an approach, while perhaps unavoidable on occasion, should not become our habitual way of engaging with God’s Word. This raises an important question: What exactly is missing in this rushed interaction with Scripture? It’s not merely about the quantity, duration, or speed of reading; it’s about our depth of engagement with Scripture and Scripture with us.
In our contemporary context, the spiritual discipline of meditating on Scripture is a lost art. Our busy lifestyles in North America, characterized by overcommitment, stress, and anxious busyness, leave little room for such a practice. However, as one pastor insightfully noted, our lack of prayer and meditation is not for want of time, as our use of social media clearly demonstrates. We all have 24 hours each day. What gets done is what we choose to prioritize.
What is Scripture meditation?
The term meditation might evoke images of Eastern mysticism, with its emphasis on emptying the mind. However, Christian meditation is fundamentally different. It involves filling our minds with God’s Word, savoring it, and actively engaging with it through inward dialogue and upward prayer. The apostle Paul in Colossians 3:16 and King David in Psalm 119:97 both highlight the importance of letting Scripture richly dwell within us. Theologian Don Whitney[1] defines meditation as “deep thinking on scriptural truths for understanding, application, and prayer.” The Psalms are replete with references to meditation, emphasizing its centrality in the life of a mind devoted to God.
Rather than viewing meditation on Scripture as a burdensome task, we must see it as a daily feast with God. The food in this metaphorical feast is the daily, living manna of God’s word.
Why Meditate on Scripture?
You might wonder why ‘ordinary’ Christians should engage in Scripture meditation. To understand its importance, let’s continue the analogy of a meal. Imagine preparing a delicious dinner, appreciating its aroma and appearance, but then leaving it uneaten due to other commitments. Just as it’s nonsensical to forego eating a prepared meal, it’s similarly wasteful and unwise to read Scripture without digesting its implications for our lives. Reading without contemplation, confession, worship, or application is akin to leaving spiritual nourishment on the table. Scripture urges us not just to be hearers of the Word but doers as well. Joshua 1:8 also underscores the importance of meditating on God's law for successful and faithful living.
“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 good success” (Josh 1:8).
How can I Meditate on Scripture?
A popular way to digest Scripture through meditation involves three key components: observation, interpretation, and application.
Observation: Begin by asking, “What does the text say?” This means noting themes, tone, and truths within the context of the passage. Prayer for illumination is vital in this stage. Repeating key verses or phrases can help in grasping what a text of Scripture is saying.
Interpretation: Next, focus on understanding the meaning of the text in its context. Questions about the identity of the writer, the intended audience, the author’s purpose, and how the original readers might have understood the text are crucial. Utilizing commentaries and seeking insights from other Christians can be beneficial.
Application: Finally, consider how the text applies to your life. This transformative step involves (1) reflecting on aspects of God’s character revealed in the text, (2) giving thanks for truths about Christ and salvation, (3) resolving to obey its commands, (4) confessing specific sins in light of the text, (5) believing promises in the passage, and (6) taking faithful action.
In conclusion, meditating on scripture is not just for the supposed religious elite but is a vital practice for all believers. It’s about engaging nourishingly with God’s Word, allowing it to indwell us richly, and transforming our lives in the process. By prioritizing this spiritual discipline, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out our faith more fully. ❖
References
Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Amazon).
