Biblical Meditation Pt 2

For a long time, I assumed that meditation was unbiblical — rooted in paganism or mysticism, and to be avoided. Through a sermon series on Psalm 119, our pastor taught us that meditation helps us grow more like Christ. I realized that meditation is not something to fear — as long as it is rooted in Scripture and God-honoring truth.

 In the first part of this series, we saw biblical meditation focuses on his Word, his works, and his character. It is a delight that prayerfully engages our minds and emotions to transform our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Regrettably, some Christian resources may encourage models of meditation that seem biblical because they use Scripture or familiar Christian language. However, these models often draw from unbiblical traditions and repackage them to appear biblical. In part 2 of the series, we will see how some practices stray from faithful biblical meditation. 


Straying from God’s Word

Some Christian resources encourage repeating phrases from Scripture, often paired with breathing techniques to produce relaxation and spiritual insight. For example, an author might suggest we could use Philippians 4:13 and say over and over: “I can do all things”. Focusing only on these few words leaves out the rest of the verse (and its crucial context) and uses Scripture as a magical mantra to help us feel calm. Biblical meditation will consider the context and original intent of the passage. This doesn’t mean that we must always do thorough Bible study, but taking a few minutes to read surrounding verses helps us frame faithful meditation. 

Another common practice involves overspiritualizing Scripture or taking Scripture too literally. For example, the Psalms use figurative language to describe God as our shield and rock. So we may be instructed to focus on that imagery if we are feeling fearful or anxious. Images like these were meant to help us understand who God is, not replace thoughts of him with mental pictures of specific objects. Or we may be instructed to use David’s victory over Goliath as a means to guide us in meditation on how we can “slay our giants”. These are subtle shifts that move us away from meditation rooted in the God-breathed purpose for the passage. 

Meditation may be described as a means of seeking new revelation or insights outside of Scripture. This method appeals to our desire to learn from God’s word — but in reality it leads us away from the truth of Scripture to trusting our own  impressions. Sometimes proponents of this method will even instruct us to “empty” our minds so this can happen. In contrast, faithful meditation involves filling our minds with God’s truth and working to understand Scripture. The Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Searching for “new” ideas implies that Scripture is not sufficient. 

Forgetting God’s works

As we seek to use discernment, we will notice practices that overshadow God’s works. We can easily think that a meditative method will guarantee self-healing or provide escape from difficult circumstances. They may encourage specific techniques to achieve our goal. For example, unbiblical methods may suggest visualizing a bright place, imagining that we are rising above our surroundings, or doing specific breathing techniques. These practices pull us away from dependence on God and Scripture. Instead, we begin to trust in our ability to follow specific steps or creatively escape reality. 

It is not our words or postures that give us peace. It is Christ’s work on the cross that has brought us peace and reconciliation with God. When Job wrestled with suffering, God reminded him of His mighty works (Job 38–41). In the same way, we can meditate on God’s deeds—His creation and providence—reminding ourselves to trust Him. Meditating on God’s faithfulness in the past will comfort us because we know that he still works for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). 


Distorting God’s Character

Many of the same practices that undermine God’s word and works also diminish his character. They emphasize achieving inner enlightenment rather than trusting in God’s holiness, power, and wisdom.  These techniques make us think we are in control by using special words or techniques. 

For example, a meditation method may prompt us to “tap into the divine within”. This views God as an energy or an impersonal force that can be accessed through the right mindset. These approaches shift our view of God from sovereign Lord to a piece in our spiritual “toolbox” —something we use rather than someone we worship and obey. We worship and obey the holy, triune God; he is not a power to be manipulated. 

Some practices might suggest repeating positive proclamations — such as “I am divine” or “I am open to healing.” While these may seem comforting and affirming, they distort God’s character by placing ultimate authority and power within ourselves. Rather than humbling us before a holy and sovereign God, they elevate the self and minimize our need for God’s grace and wisdom. Biblical meditation based on God’s word reminds us that God is the reason we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). 

These are examples of some ways that meditation may drift from focusing on God’s word, his work, and his character. Now let’s consider an example of what faithful biblical meditation may look like. 

As we read Mark 9, we notice that Jesus was compassionate and caring. He saw people in need of a Shepherd — this moved him to teach them and provide for them. This can remind us of how we have fallen short of following Christ’s example. We can humbly ask God give us compassion for the people around us and help us find specific ways to care for them.

Biblical meditation isn’t a mystical process that focuses only on our feelings and leads us to a higher spiritual plane. Faithful engagement with Scripture changes us to be more like Christ. We turn to him in prayer and use the truths in his Word to know, love, and follow him.  


Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

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