The Benefits of Christian Meditation

The Benefits of Christian Meditation By Rhonda Jones Need to Get Still Before God or Reduce Worry or Stress? Christian Meditation May Be Your Answer! If you are like most believers you might be thinking "meditate!," isn't that for monks and those associated with Eastern religions? The practice of Biblical meditation for many modern day believers is relatively unknown. Yet, thorough research shows that Christian meditation is nothing new. You can find numerous books, websites, and articles on this subject alone. However, our greatest incentive for Christ-centered meditation can be found right in the Bible. Joshua said in 1:8 that if we meditate on God day and night that we will have success and prosperity in life. Psalms 16:11, tells us that in God's presence is fullness of joy. But what does it really mean to meditate on God? The synonyms for meditate are: reflect, pray, ponder, muse, ruminate, cogitate, study, think, and contemplate. Therefore, when we integrate the word meditation with Christian, Biblical meditation is simply the practice of reflecting, musing, pondering, and contemplating God, his principles, his word, and his presence. It is generally referred to as a method used to quiet our minds so we can move from knowing about God to knowing and experience God in a personal way. There are countless benefits to Christian meditation. However, I believe the three greatest benefits of Christian meditation is that it allows us to spend more quality time with God, teaches us to control our thought life, and helps us maintain our mental health and emotional well-being. The Psalms 46:10 tells us to be still and know God. In order to know God we need to spend time with him. The more time we spend in God's word and abide in his presence, the more we take on his character and likeness. Ephesians Chapter 6 instructs us to cast down every fiery dart that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into the obedience of Christ. Christ-centered meditation can help you to observe the negative or destructive mental chatter or patterns in your mind so that you can eliminate and replace them with God's word and principles. Just like we rest and cleanse our outer and inner bodies, our minds also need to consistent rest. Without mental rest we become overwhelmed by the worries and the cares of our lives. It is also during times of quietness, stillness and reflection that we're in the best position hear and commune with God. During meditation we learn surrender every situation to God. In return, we receive that peace that passes all understanding. One of the most common ways Christians meditate is to focusing on a scripture or biblical word that helps them to silence their thoughts, thus creating a greater opportunity to hear God and connect with the Holy Spirit living within them. Guided Christian meditations are also available for step-by-step instructions on how to meditate on God. I believe that it was during times of meditation that the disciples and prophets of old received many of their visions and revelations from God. The Bible says even Jesus spent hours alone with God (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35). Our greatest inspirations and truths come during times of quietness, stillness, openness, and reflection - all components of meditation. Rhonda Jones is the author of a series of Christian meditation and relaxation Cds that encourages listeners to relax, spend more quality time with God, and learn to live more consciously and in the present. Please visit her website at https://www.thechristianmeditator.com for additional information.