The Christian Dilemma: Meditating On Nothingness

There is much debate among Christians about the practice of meditation. Some believe that it is not compatible with Christian beliefs, while others argue that it is a valuable tool for spiritual growth. The main concern for Christians who meditate seems to be the potential for evil or unchristian influences to enter their minds during the practice.

However, proponents of Christian meditation argue that the practice is biblical and can be a powerful way to connect with God and reflect on Scripture. They emphasize that Christian meditation is distinct from Eastern forms of meditation, which often involve emptying the mind or focusing on oneself. Instead, Christian meditation involves actively filling the mind with God and his truth, Scripture, and creation.

Biblical meditation is about filling the mind with God and his truth

The Bible commands a specific type of meditation that is different from the popular conception of the practice. While many people associate meditation with emptying the mind, Christian meditation is about filling the mind with God and his truth.

Eastern meditation practices teach the emptying of the mind. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, calls for an active mind focused on scripture and the presence of God. While Eastern meditation might be likened to an empty stage, Biblical meditation is like a tight spotlight focused on one spot on the stage.

Biblical meditation is a practice deeply rooted in the tradition of prayer and contemplation, aimed at fostering a closer connection with God. It involves reading, reflecting, and responding to scripture. This is not a passive activity but involves many actions, such as writing scripture down, studying it, and memorising it.

The Bible uses the word "meditate" several times. For example, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night" (Joshua 1:8). Another example is "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2).

Christians are invited to meditate so they can learn and grow and claim the Lord's comforting and trustworthy promises. The result is greater peace, calm, and rest, and eventually, action.

Christian meditation is rooted in the tradition of prayer and contemplation

The word "meditation" has developed a bad reputation in certain Christian circles, but it is important to note that Christian meditation is rooted in the tradition of prayer and contemplation, with a focus on Scripture. It is about actively filling the mind with God and his truth, rather than emptying it. This form of meditation is mentioned several times in the Bible, with the book of Joshua instructing believers to "meditate on [the Book of Law] day and night" and to obey its teachings.

Christian meditation is a practice that encourages believers to reflect on Scripture and the glory and majesty of God as revealed in nature. It is about being attentive to God and keeping "seeking the things above, where Christ is" (Col. 3:1). This form of meditation is about actively engaging the mind with God and allowing His word to penetrate the soul and spirit.

Meditation, in the Eastern sense, often refers to the practice of emptying the mind, which is not in line with Christian teachings. Christian meditation is about being fully present and alert, turning one's attention inward, and observing God's creation. It is about letting go of ego and pride and becoming the best version of oneself.

While the methods of Eastern meditation and Christian meditation differ, both Christians and Buddhists meditate on sacred texts. However, for Christians, Scripture is always key. Christian meditation is a means to foster a closer connection with God and is often done in quiet places or in groups that offer directed study.

Meditation is about being attentive to God

Meditation is often misunderstood by Christians, who may associate it with pagan idols or other religions. However, meditation is biblical and encouraged as a way to become more attentive to God.

Christian meditation is not about emptying the mind but rather filling it with God and His truth. It is an active process that involves reading, reflecting, and responding to Scripture. It is a conscious, continuous engagement of the mind with God, where one slowly reads, prayerfully imbibes, and humbly relies on what God has revealed in His Word. This process allows the word of God to penetrate the soul and spirit with illumination and transformation.

Meditation on Scripture is essential to Christian living. The Bible mentions meditation several times, encouraging believers to meditate on God's Word day and night. For example, Joshua 1:8 says, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Similarly, Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man as one who "meditates on [God's] law day and night."

Meditation is also about becoming aware of God's presence in His creation. We are called to observe and appreciate the present moment and to reflect on the glory and majesty of God revealed in nature. Jonathan Edwards, for instance, describes how he used to spend time walking in his father's pasture, viewing the sky and clouds, and experiencing a "sweet sense of the glorious majesty and grace of God."

Christian meditation is distinct from Eastern meditation practices. While Eastern meditation may advocate for emptying the mind, detachment from the world, and mental passivity, Christian meditation calls for an active mind focused on God and His truth. It is about spiritual communion with God rather than metaphysical union. It is an outward focus on the objective revelation of God in Scripture and creation, leading to moral transformation rather than mystical transport.

In conclusion, meditation is a valuable spiritual discipline for Christians, helping them to become more attentive to God and His Word. It is a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence and power in their lives.

Meditation is not about emptying your mind

Meditation is often misunderstood as a practice that involves clearing your mind of all thoughts. While it is true that meditation can help calm and focus the mind, it is not about completely emptying your head or stopping yourself from thinking. In fact, this is not only impossible but also counterproductive to the goals of meditation.

Meditation is about observing and witnessing your thoughts without getting attached to them or letting them control you. It is about creating a sense of distance between yourself and your thoughts, so that you can view them objectively and let them go without getting caught up in strong emotions. This practice can lead to a calmer mind and can help you make choices that are not driven by rash emotions.

The goal of meditation is not to stop thinking but to change your relationship with your thoughts. It is about learning to accept and embrace the chaos and noise of your mind without trying to force it to be quiet. This can lead to a sense of inner peace and clarity, but it is not the absence of thoughts that brings this peace, it is the detachment from them.

Meditation is a practice that has been adopted by various religions and spiritual traditions, including Christianity. However, it is important to distinguish Christian meditation from the type of meditation commonly associated with Eastern religions or New Age practices. Christian meditation involves filling your mind with God and his truth, actively exerting your mental energy to focus on God and his creation, and seeking spiritual communion with God. It is about reflecting on Scripture and letting it penetrate your soul and transform you.

Meditation is a beneficial practice that can help people deal with stress, difficult periods, medical conditions, and emotional challenges. It is a tool that can complement other practices like therapy, and it is not about emptying your mind but about gaining a new perspective on your thoughts and feelings.

Christian meditation is about reflecting on Scripture

The word "meditation" has developed a negative reputation in certain Christian circles. However, it is essential to understand that Christian meditation is distinct from Eastern meditation practices. While Eastern meditation often involves emptying the mind, Christian meditation is about filling the mind with God and His truth. It is a way to actively engage with God and His Word, seeking a deeper connection and understanding.

Christian meditation is centred on Scripture. The Bible commands meditation, with the word "meditate" appearing more than 20 times in the New International Version. For example, Joshua 1:8 says, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Other verses that encourage meditation include Psalm 1:1-2, Psalm 119:15, and Philippians 4:8.

When Christians meditate, they reflect on Scripture, allowing it to penetrate their souls and transform their minds. This involves reading, repeating, and writing out Scripture, as well as applying their imagination to the truths found in God's Word. By meditating on Scripture, Christians can better understand and apply God's teachings to their lives, leading to moral transformation and obedience.

In addition to Scripture, Christians can also meditate on the glory and majesty of God as revealed in nature. This involves reflecting on God's creation and recognising His presence and power in the world around us.

It is important to note that Christian meditation is not about emptying the mind or focusing on oneself. Instead, it is about actively engaging with God, filling the mind with His Word, and seeking to align one's life with His will. It is a discipline that requires practice and can involve various actions such as reading, reflecting, and responding to Scripture.

In conclusion, Christian meditation is a valuable spiritual discipline that allows believers to reflect on Scripture, connect with God, and transform their minds and lives. By meditating on God's Word and His creation, Christians can deepen their relationship with Him and live in obedience to His commands.

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