Overview:  Meditate or meditation is an important word used in the Bible 27 times. It is first used in Genesis 24:63-64 and in most cases involves an intense focus, pondering or concentrating on God’s Word.  Here is how the words are defined:  Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary    Meditate Verb [I]  1 to think calm thoughts in order to relax or as a religious activity:  2 to think seriously about something for a long time: Meditation: Noun 1 [U] the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed: prayer and meditation 2 [C or U] serious thought or study, or the product of this activity:  Unfortunately, when you mention either word in today’s society it brings up an image of some type of Eastern religion or activity that is taught today as focusing on a mantra or one word and blanking out the mind of all thought.  Meditate and meditation are holy words, they are an important part of God’s Word.  In almost every case in the Bible these words are used to describe an intense activity focusing on the promises of God, as revealed to us in the Bible. 

King David, who wrote many of the Psalms, loved God’s Word.  It should be noted that David expressed a deep love, awe and reverence for the Word. (Psalm 119:46-48)  I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love.48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. (Psalm 119:97-100)  Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. At the time of David’s writing of the Psalms there were estimated to be only seven completed books of the Bible.  Today we have 66 different letters or specific books for us to meditate on.  It is said that David was a man after God’s heart. (Acts 13:22)  Is it because of David’s reverence for God’s Word for everything in his life ? If seven known books of the Bible guided King David in his life think of the power we have available to us with 66 books, to ensure our lives are guided by God and His will for our life. If we really believe that this is God’s Word to us and His promises are true, then how much time we spend meditating on God’s Word is a good demonstration of our belief.

Key Verse: Psalm 1:1-3  Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.
 
Psalm 1: Meditating on God’s Word !
Psalm 1:1-3  Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:4-6  The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 19: Meditating on the Splendor of God by Observing Nature and AbsorbingGod’s Word ! 
Psalm 19:1-6  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psalm 19:7-11  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:12-14   Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
NKJV Copyright 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Applying God’s Word Today:   The battle in the world today is over the meaning of words.  Words like meditate and meditation have taken on a whole new interpretation in our society.  As Christians we need to cherish, guard and protect words that have special meaning to God and to us.  Here is an interpretation of the Hebrew word meditate or hagah from the following source:  Nelson Spirit Filled Life Bible (Reference: Psalm 1, pg 671, Word Wealth)
Meditate (Hebrew Word: Hagah) To reflect: to moan, to mutter, to ponder, to make a quiet sound such as sighing; to meditate or contemplate something as one repeats the words.  The Bible is not teaching as Eastern mystical, occult, or “mind science” kind of meditation in which a person simply empties his or her mind of all thoughts or chants a meaningless word of syllable.  In this false kind of meditation, the person opens himself or herself to outside forces and does not concentrate on the true God or His Word. This is not what the Bible is talking about; rather, the word hagah, represents the total focusing of a person’s mind and spirit on the true God and His Word.  In Hebrew thought, to meditate on the Scriptures is to quietly repeat them while utterly abandoning outside distractions.  The power of knowing God’s will for our lives is available to each and every one of us. All we have to do is find and make the time to unleash God’s power in our lives.  (John 17:17)  Sanctify them by your truth, Your Word is truth.
Our Prayer: Dear Father, help us to make the time we need to meditate on Your Word.  Lord, show each of us individually the importance and power of Your Word in our lives.  We ask this in Jesus name.

How to Meditate:  2 Versions: Quick Version and Long Version

Quick Version for Meditating
Formula: Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

     on a piece of paper.
3) Let the power of God’s Word sink deep into your mind

 

 

Long Version for Meditating !
Formula: Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

4) Focus on a Single Verse or verses using your Bible or by writing these verse(s)

    on a piece of paper.
5) Let the power of God’s Word sink deep into your mind

Understanding God’s Power from Genesis to Revelation:  Meditating on God’s Word !
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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.
Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,  And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.
Psalm 4:3-4 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin. meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah

Understanding God’s Power from Genesis to Revelation:  Meditating on God’s Word !
Psalm 63:3-7 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. 6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.7 Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.8 My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 77: 4-14 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart,  And my spirit makes diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? 8 Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah  10 And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? 14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.
Psalm 119:14-16  I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;I will not forget Your word.
Psalm 119:26-28  I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. 28 My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:47-48  And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love,  And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Psalm 119:77-79 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; For Your law is my delight.78 Let the proud be ashamed, For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; But I will meditate on Your precepts.79 Let those who fear You turn to me, Those who know Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:147-149  I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. 148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. 149 Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness; O LORD, revive me according to Your justice.
Psalm 143:3-8 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead.4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah  7 Answer me speedily, O LORD;
My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 145:1-7  I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. 2 Everyday  I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,And on Your wondrous works. 6 Men shall speak of the might  of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness.7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness.
I Timothy 4:14-16 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

The Power and the Authority of God’s Word in our Lives
Isaiah 55:8-11  “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “ For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts.