Holy Wellness

MEDITATION FOR WELLNESS - SHOULD CHRISTIANS MEDITATE?

BY MELISSA KESSLER, INHC, MA

Time and time again, I’ve seen meditation get a bad rap. It’s unfortunate that a buddha sitting in a meditation stance with palms up on its lap is the first thought that comes to mind when people think of meditation. I do get where the bad rap comes from, but I want to take your mind and belief in another direction.

Before we go any further, try this. Sit still in a quiet space. Close your eyes. And repeat this verse a few times: Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

Feel your heartbeat slow down, release the tension in your neck, shoulders, and back, and let go of the to-do list running through your mind. Let peace come over you and relieve any worries and anxiety that may be weighing on you.

Take a deep breath before opening your eyes again.

Guess what? You just completed a meditation—a Christian meditation. And did you feel the peace that came over you? Indeed, Christians should meditate; it is even commanded in the Bible.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8-9 NLT)

As this verse states, when you meditate on God’s Word day and night, you will be given the tools to obey it. And then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. This leads me to share some benefits that engaging in regular meditative practices can bring, including:

• calm an anxious mind

• open up new pathways for creative thinking

• increase focus

• reduce stress levels

• provide greater insight into our daily experiences

• improve the overall quality of life

• lead us toward a greater understanding of our purpose on earth

• help us respond more effectively when faced with difficult situations

• bring clarity around complex concepts or ideas we’re trying to understand better

• encourage spiritual growth through deepening our relationship with God—allowing us to experience Him more fully in each moment

What if we stopped being afraid of things the world has decided to recreate in its own way and for its own purposes and instead become educated on the origins of those things God created and intended for good? Meditation traces back thousands of years to Christianity and can be instrumental in drawing us into a deeper connection with God. Allowing God to direct us, we can discover the truth of this amazing gift. And when we do, we will begin to find the peace God has for us in the midst of any storm, which can be ushered in through meditation as God commanded. Meditation is spoken of in the Bible nearly twenty-five times. There are even many times we see Jesus praying alone. As He did, there is no doubt that He focused on His Father’s goodness, provision, protection, and peace. This is meditation.

The definition of meditation is a continued or extended thought, reflection, contemplation, devout religious contemplation, or spiritual introspection. The purpose of meditation is to ponder, create inner peace and calmness and connect with God. You can practice meditation during any circumstance or situation and find a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Below are some of my favorite verses to meditate on:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Psalm 119:148 NIV)

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, oh LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NLT)

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. (Psalm 119:97-98 NIV)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)

Now that you have learned what an important practice meditation is for a Christian, I want to leave you with a comforting scripture that will help you understand what meditation can really do for you.

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. (Proverbs 4:2022 NIV)

Meditating on His words gives life and health to one’s whole body. I just love how God’s Word gives us direction for every part of our lives.

We all need to take moments throughout each day to slow down enough so we can really listen—listen not just with our ears but also through our hearts— for what God wants us to hear most clearly. By being intentional and creating time for meditation each day, we open ourselves up more fully to experiencing whatever amazing transformation He desires for us!

Melissa is a wife and mom of tween and teen boys who are a huge inspiration in her life. She is a bestselling author and now leads retreats to help women find rest and stillness amidst the busy lives they live so they can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Phil 4:7) She has been a holistic wellness entrepreneur for about ten years, practices and teaches Christian meditation, and has been following the plans God has laid out for her over the years. Learn more from Melissa on all social media platforms @stillwellnessmeditation