“Let’s Increase Our ‘Chi'” Meditation

“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

What Biblical Meditation Is Not

Are you meditating on God? Biblical meditation differs significantly from practices borrowed from New Age or Eastern traditions. Let’s explore what godly meditation truly means. Perhaps you have some misconceptions about meditation borrowed from New Age practices. Emptying your mind, yoga, mantras, or seeking sensual experiences are not what God intends. Let me be clear: God is absent from mysticism. You won’t find Him there, no matter how “centered” or at peace you feel. This is not God’s will. The only experience you’ll find in such practices is a deceptive, false spirit. None of these constitute godly meditation. God Himself tells us how He wants us to meditate on Him and His Word.

What It’s Not:

• Emptying your mind
• Yoga or mantras
• Seeking mystical or sensual experiences

God is absent from these practices. True peace and centeredness come from focusing on Him and His Word.

Meditating on God: A Biblical Perspective

Dwell on God. The Holy Spirit helped the Apostles of Jesus recall the events in the Gospels (John 14:26). He can also help you with your limitations, even when you’re unsure what to pray because He searches your heart and intercedes for you (Romans 8:26-27). Only the Spirit of God knows the depths of God and can impart them to you (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). So, rely on the Holy Spirit as you dwell on God. Meditate to understand God’s Word (Psalm 49:3). Stand in awe, sin not, commune with your heart, and be still on your bed (Psalm 4:4). Those who trust in God keep their minds on Him. He gives them perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Meditate on His precepts and respect His ways (Psalm 119:15). Keep God’s Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, observe it, and your way will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8).

Dwell on God’s works. Remember the beautiful works of the LORD, meditate on them, and speak of them (Psalm 77:10-12). Reflect on His handiwork (Psalm 143:5). Jeremiah marveled at God’s mighty hand that made heaven and earth, reminding us that nothing is too complicated for God (Jeremiah 32:17). Ecclesiastes explains how God’s works are incomprehensible to mere humanity (Ecclesiastes 11:5). Moses reminded the Israelites of all God’s miraculous signs and wonders performed when He redeemed Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:19). John tells us that when Jesus healed a man born blind, He explained, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Do you want God to work through you? Start believing in Jesus (John 6:28-29) and let God transform you! Indeed, you are His workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Be steadfast and abundant in working for God because in Christ, all your works are worthwhile, meaningful, and beneficial (1 Corinthians 15:58). Remember the things He has done for you and those in your life.

Dwell on the Gospel. Cherish the Gospel of Christ and let it dwell richly within you (Colossians 3:16). Jesus wants you to be joyful and peaceful amid tribulation because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This disposition is possible when your heart and mind are fixed on Jesus (Philippians 4:7). God’s peace should rule in the hearts of His people, fostering thankfulness and unity as one body (Colossians 3:15). This unity is achieved through conversations centered on Christ’s gospel, enabling the Church to persevere in one spirit and mind, striving faithfully for the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

Dwell on God’s Word continuously. Meditate on God’s Law, commandments, testimonies, precepts, words, and judgments throughout the day. How sweet they are (Psalm 119:97-104)! Remember the Lord’s help while on your bed; meditate on it every hour of the night (Psalm 63:6-7). I have awakened at night to meditate on God’s Word (Psalm 119:148). Pay attention to every word and read intently, keeping them before your eyes and in your heart, for there is life in God’s living Words (Proverbs 4:20-22).

Dwell on good and godly things. Let all you meditate on and say be acceptable to the Lord, your Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Meditate on pleasant things and rejoice in the LORD (Psalm 104:34). Focus your thoughts on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Dwell on God everywhere you go. The location isn’t crucial. What matters is that you call on Him in truth, and He will draw near to you (Psalm 145:18). As Christians, we are living temples of God, with His Spirit dwelling within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). Isaac meditated in nature (Genesis 24:63), as did Jesus! Mark recorded that Jesus rose early, long before dawn, to pray in a solitary place (Mark 1:35). He also went up to the mountains to pray, remaining there all night (Luke 6:12).

Dwell on God’s presence. God encouraged and strengthened Joshua, reminding him of His promise to be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:9). God never failed the Israelites because He went before and with them in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 31:8). Through Isaiah, God declared to the Israelites that whether through water or fire, He would be with them and protect them (Isaiah 43:2). How much more for us as Christians! You cannot hide from God’s Spirit or flee from His presence; in heaven or hell, God is there. High in the sky or the depths of the sea, God is there. You cannot hide in darkness, for God is light (Psalm 139:7-12). God Himself declared, “Am I only a God nearby, and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? Do not I fill heaven and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:23-24). God’s eyes range throughout the earth, seeking those whose hearts are fully committed to Him so He may strongly support them (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Put God first by constantly dwelling on Him.

Overview

1. Dwell on God:

• Rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance (John 14:26, Romans 8:26-27)
• Seek to understand God’s Word (Psalm 49:3)
• Keep your mind on God for perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3)

2. Dwell on God’s Works:

• Remember and speak of the Lord’s deeds (Psalm 77:10-12)
• Reflect on His creation (Jeremiah 32:17)
• Recognize God’s work in your life (John 9:3)

3. Dwell on the Gospel:

• Let Christ’s message dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16)
• Find peace and joy in Jesus’ victory (John 16:33)
• Unite with other believers in the gospel (Philippians 1:27)

4. Dwell on God’s Word Continuously:

• Meditate on Scripture day and night (Psalm 119:97-104)
• Remember God’s help in all circumstances (Psalm 63:6-7)
• Keep God’s Word in your heart (Proverbs 4:20-22)

5. Dwell on Good and Godly Things:

• Focus on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)
• Let your words and thoughts please God (Psalm 19:14)

6. Dwell on God Everywhere:

• Recognize that location doesn’t matter; God is always near (Psalm 145:18)
• Remember you are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• Follow Jesus’ example of seeking solitude for prayer (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12)

7. Dwell on God’s Presence:

• Trust in God’s promise to be with you always (Joshua 1:9)
• Know that you can’t hide from God’s presence (Psalm 139:7-12)
• Believe that God sees and supports those committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Put God first by dwelling on Him, His Word, and His works. This is the essence of biblical meditation.