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Meditation and Memorization: Deepening Our Intake of God’s Word
Series: Starting the Year Rooted in Christ
Author: James Williams
Meditation
Typically, we don’t think of meditation as Bible intake. Instead, when many people hear the word meditation, they imagine New Age practices focused on emptying the mind or finding oneself. Christian meditation is fundamentally different. Rather than emptying our minds, we are called to fill them with God’s Word in order to know and behold Christ.
As Joshua assumed leadership over God’s people, the Lord commanded him:
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
God promises to bless those who meditate on His Word. In Psalm 1, He says that those who meditate on His law “day and night” will be like a tree planted by the water and “whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1–3).
Meditation is deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in Scripture for the purpose of understanding, application, and prayer. This is more than just reading God’s Word; it’s taking time to reflect on it and apply it.
Donald Whitney uses the analogy of making a cup of tea. Hearing God’s Word is dipping the tea bag in the water one time. “Meditation, however, is like immersing the bag completely and letting it steep until all the rich tea flavor has been extracted and the hot water is thoroughly tinctured reddish brown” (48). As we meditate on Scripture, we are steeping our mind in God’s Word.
If you’re like me, there are times you read God’s Word, but then never think about what you’ve read the rest of the day. A practical way to incorporate meditation is to think about the passage you read all throughout the day. Use natural transitions in the day as reminders to think about the Scripture.
For example, if you are a teacher, whenever the bell rings or classes change, use that as a reminder to dwell on the passage you read that day. Others might have a short drive to a lunch destination every day or a natural break between meetings. Most of us find ourselves in waiting rooms for doctor visits or dentist appointments. Take advantage of these moments to remind yourself of the passage you read that day, what it says about God, and how to apply it. This can be a simple way to allow God’s Word to sink into your mind.
As you read Scripture, don’t just read it as fast as you can—find a passage to meditate on. Read it repeatedly. Ask yourself what the passage teaches about God, then determine how that understanding of God applies to you. Think about it throughout your day. Marinate in the truths of God’s Word.
Memorization
God’s Word is powerful, and storing it in our minds equips and prepares us for occasions when we might need it. It also helps shape our mind and our worldview toward a biblical worldview. The value of storing God’s Word in our hearts and minds is immeasurable. As David says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He fought against temptation by quoting Scripture. Having Scripture stored in our minds gives us weapons in moments of temptation. God’s Word is referred to as the “Sword of the Spirit,” and we never know when a battle might arise. It might also provide us with the truth we need to encourage a friend at the right time.
Proverbs 22:17–19 encourages us to “apply your mind to knowledge” that it may be “ready on your lips.” The result of having this knowledge ready is so that our “trust may be in the Lord.” Memorizing Scripture helps deepen our trust and walk with the Lord.
Excuses
While we likely agree that memorizing Scripture is beneficial, some might say it’s impossible for them to do. It is true that memorizing Scripture can be very difficult—and the older we get, the harder it can be. With that said, let me encourage you: it can be done.
Do you know your phone number? Do you have your address memorized? What about your birthday? If we can memorize those, we can memorize Scripture. While it might take work, our brains are certainly capable of memorizing.
Perhaps our problem is motivation. If we were offered $500 for every verse we memorize this month, we would likely put the work in and memorize several verses. This shows that we truly are able, but we lack motivation. While money would be a nice incentive, the spiritual benefit we gain from memorizing Scripture is far more valuable. Let the value of having God’s Word memorized motivate you to do the hard work of memorizing.
Application Questions
- How can you incorporate meditation into your Bible reading?
- What are natural transitions in your day that can remind you to dwell on Scripture?
- What is your plan to memorize Scripture this year? What verse or passage will you begin memorizing?
Source: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney.
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