Guide to Meditate on the Word of God

Meditate on the Word of God day and night so that you’ll be prosperous in God’s eyes. 

When you own something new or broken, you will always find yourself looking for the manual. You read and go through it to better understand how it works, how it can be fixed, or how it’s supposed to be taken care of. 

Just like our walk with God, when we find ourselves constantly looking for ways to navigate our lives correctly, we need to find and go back to our manual – the Bible. Continue reading because this is a practical guide that will help you commit your time as you Meditate on the Word.

What Does “Meditate on the Word” Mean?

When we hear the word “meditate,” the words that come to our minds are “eyes closed,” “relaxing,” “finding peace,” or “emptying the mind and heart.” However, for believers of Christ, to meditate on the word means to think deeply about the Word of God. It is sometimes referred to as “daily devotional,” which means dedicating a few minutes of your day to spend time with the Lord.

The idea of meditating on the Word of God is like meditation in a secular context, however, done in a Christian way. It is setting aside time and space to reflect on what is written in the Bible thoroughly. A time where one is focused and calm, not rushing to do anything but read and process God’s Word correctly. 

Bible Verses That Remind Us to Meditate on the Word

Joshua 1:8

The LORD commanded Joshua to constantly remind himself of what has been written in the book of instruction day and night so that he will be prosperous in God’s eyes.

Psalm 1:2

True joy is only seen when one learns to follow God’s instruction by constantly reading His Word day and night.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Everything written in the Bible guides and molds one’s character to do good works for God.

Psalm 77:12

Asaph meditates on God’s actions as he recalls the Lord’s previous works and wondrous miracles

Matthew 4:4

According to Jesus, the Scriptures say that people do not live by bread alone; instead, by each Word from God’s mouth.

Why is it Essential to Meditate on the Word?

Reveals the characters of God

As you go through every page of the Bible, the different characters of God will slowly unfold – it will amaze you. You will discover who He is, what He has done, what He is capable of doing, and what He will do in the future. These characteristics of God are not always learned in church nor learned from other people. 

The problem with humanity in our generation today is that we think we know enough about God because of what we have read online or how others perceive Him. But no, it is never enough to know God just by His name. You have to see for yourself who He is. After all, God will only reveal Himself to those willing to commit to getting to know Him. 

Reminds us of God’s promises

Did you know that there are about eight thousand promises from God written in the Bible? Amazing, isn’t it? Those promises were from the God who created the whole universe – the same God who created you and me. 

Of course, you wouldn’t be able to memorize by heart every single promise He made. But by meditating on His Word, you will be reminded of His promises every second of your life. You need to know that when the enemy attacks and you don’t remember any of God’s promises, you will listen and cling more to what the enemy says.

Serves as the food for our soul

I’ve come across a quote online that says something like, “The Word of God is an everyday bread for your soul, not just a cake for special occasions.” Which makes sense, right? When we don’t feed our spiritual being with what God says, we will easily be tempted to worldly desires and choose sin over and over. Meditating on the Word of God will always satisfy our hungry and empty souls.

Protects us from the enemy

When Jesus said in Luke 11:4 that we should ask God for deliverance from evil and to flee from temptation when we pray, He meant it. He included those in prayer because He knew that we could never overcome sin by our strength alone. Meditating on the Word of God is like putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Meditate on the Word of God and it will empower us to take our stands against the devil’s attacks. 

Teaches us to obey and listen

When we submit ourselves to God by regularly meditating on His Word, we learn to listen and obey. We learn how to pay attention and do not do what is just good, but what is right in the eyes of God. When we meditate on the Word, we learn to wholeheartedly set aside our desires and go for God’s commands instead. When we find ourselves consistently meditating on the Word of God, it will be much easier for us to resist the enemy. 

Strengthens our love for people

It is never easy to love imperfect people, especially those who are difficult –  the ones who always get on our nerves. But when we learn to put into heart what is said in the Bible, we learn to love others like how Christ loves us. We become sources of grace to them when we meditate on the Word day and night. We learn to encourage, to forgive, and to be appreciative. In other words, we become blessings to other believers. Because when we fully understand how He loves us through His Word, we learn to love others better.

Cultivates our relationship with God

It takes time and discipline to grow our personal relationship with God. It doesn’t just happen overnight. It happens when we spend time with Him and obey what He commands us to do. Meditating on the Word of God is His way of communicating to us how we are to live for His glory. 

But the catch is, no one on this Earth is capable of growing your faith for you. Not even your parents or your church Pastor. If not you, then who will? God already provided everything you need to get to know Him. It’s your time and responsibility to act on it. 

What to Do Before You Start to Meditate on the Word?

Choose a place

Finding a quiet place will help you minimize distractions as you read the Bible. In choosing the perfect place, consider your surroundings or the people around you. It is important to be in a quiet or empty room where you are not easily distracted, and you can be more focused. It can be anywhere that you are comfortable with.

Select a time

Pick a time where you are most alert and focused. A time where you aren’t rushing. Set aside at least a good 20 minutes of your time as you meditate on the Word of God. Do not forget to empty your heart as you surrender your quiet time with the Lord. I suggest starting your day right by doing it in the mornings!

Bring your Bible, pen, highlighter, and notebook

Reading the Bible through your phone app or laptop doesn’t guarantee a fruitful quiet time with God. Trust me, you will only be distracted most of the time. Start meditating on the Word of God by taking your phone down and reading from a real Bible. Also, I recommend owning a personal notebook where you can write all your learnings and prayer requests. Lastly, use highlighters to highlight remarkable passages from the Bible. 

Be creative

The best thing about meditating about the Word of God is that you can be as creative as you can be with your quiet time. Of course, the basic part of it is praying and reading the Bible. But the good thing is, there are no limitations to it. There is no wrong way as to how one can spend it. You can start by praising Him through singing worship music. Find the best way that works for you— a way that will make you enjoy your quiet time with the Lord more. 

Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance

You must never forget about this part! Pray before you start. Ask for wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment. Ask God to protect you from incoming distractions that may hinder your focus on God alone as you spend time with Him.

How to Meditate on the Word?

Choose a book in the Bible 

To better understand a passage, it is important to read the context behind it. I know it seems too overwhelming to read the whole Bible, so I suggest you pick one book at a time. Read and study the significance of the entire book so that you will understand all the stories more. It is good to start with short books like Song of Songs or the book of Esther. But it is even better if you start with the gospel of John. 

Read one to three chapters

As you have selected one book, carefully dissect every information you are reading. Take your time processing it. Also, did you know that to finish reading the Bible in a year, you have to read three chapters every day? So if you want to commit to doing it, go and read at least three chapters. 

Take notes

It is essential to take notes about the details of the passages. You can highlight verses in your Bible or write small notes around them. Write all the things that the Lord teaches you from His Word. Take note of your chosen book’s author, the setting (time and place), the instances, and to whom it is said or written. So you’ll be able to keep track of the things you have learned so far. 

Write the verse that speaks to you the most

In your notebook, rewrite the passage that spoke to your heart – the passage that felt like it was God talking to you. Highlight it. Write it in capital letters. Whatever floats your boat. As long as the scripture catches your eyes, the moment you open your notebook.

Ask yourself questions

Here are some points you can ponder so you can better process and reflect on the passage you’ve read:

• What does this passage mean?
• What does this verse tell me? 
• What can I be thankful for?
• How can this verse change my character?
• What is something that I was wrong about?
• How have I been living in sin, according to this passage?
• What does this verse tell me about the character of God?
• What does this verse tell me about the nature of humans?
• What does God want me to do?

Memorize the scripture

Our spiritual growth isn’t measured by how many scriptures we have memorized. But it is no doubt that when you learn to memorize scriptures, it will be easier for you to conquer spiritual battles. You will be more empowered in fleeing from temptations, more mindful in your sinful nature, abide more in Christ, and lastly, you will never forget all the truths that God declares to and about us. (Tip: Rephrase long passages in your own words and read it aloud a few times)

Make an action plan

An action plan is pretty much like writing a New Year’s resolution, except it is written every day, and you are expected to live by it. Start writing by the words “I will…”, then give simple and practical goals that you are supposed to accomplish and practice little by little. 

Pray 

Thank the Lord God for giving you wisdom as you read His Word. Ask for strength as you continue your daily living for His glory – that you will be able to apply what you’ve learned every second of your life. Reading the Bible won’t work alone. Ask for guidance from the Author Himself. 

Apply everything

I’ve read a quote that says a driver is safe on the road not because he reads the rules but because he follows them – the same way with our walk with God. Our Bibles are not just bookshelf displays. We are not just to memorize verses but to obey them. They are our life’s manual. It should not stay as “highlighted verses” in our Bibles. It should be written in our hearts so we can apply everything in our life.

In Summary

Have you ever received a love letter from someone? It’s funny how you can slowly get to know that someone by just their words, right? And it makes you want to get to know that person more. 

Perhaps you have been struggling to meditate on the Word, but it is no accident that you have read all these today. May you always remember that the Bible is not only our life’s manual, but it is also God’s love letter to get us to love Him back. So drop every excuse you have, and start making time for God. He is waiting for you to get to know Him.