Meditation
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. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
Meditating on scripture is deep concentration and focus on the scripture we are reading, and using our imaginations to visualize the scripture. With true meditation the world disappears from our minds and we move into the spiritual world.
Daily meditation is beneficial to mental and physical health. “We need downtime to function optimally. To cope with the demands of life, our minds and brains need to internally ‘reboot,’ which can only happen when we are alone with our thoughts.” “Not only does meditation reboot the mind it also improves cognitive ability. ‘Thinker’” moments actually increase and develop our intelligence and the efficiency of our thinking.”
Daily meditation is beneficial to mental and physical health. “We need downtime to function optimally. To cope with the demands of life, our minds and brains need to internally ‘reboot,’ which can only happen when we are alone with our thoughts.” “Not only does meditation reboot the mind it also improves cognitive ability. “‘Thinker’” moments actually increase and develop our intelligence and the efficiency of our thinking.”
When we meditate on a God of love our brains heal and grow. “Recent brain research by Dr. Newburg at the University of Pennsylvania has documented that all forms of contemplative meditation were associated with positive brain changes – but the greatest improvements occurred when participants meditated specifically on a God of love. Such meditation was associated with growth in the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain right behind the forehead where we reason, make judgments, and experience God-like love) and subsequent increased capacity for empathy, sympathy, compassion and altruism. But here’s the most astonishing part: Not only does other-centered love increase when we worship a God of love, but sharp thinking and memory improve as well. In other words, worshipping a God of love stimulates the brain to heal and grow.”
“Do you struggle with anxiety, stress, or other strong emotions? Are you struggling to find time to relax in the busy modern world? If so, you could benefit from meditation: a practice that many people find helpful for reducing stress, sharpening focus, and getting their thoughts in order. People from all walks of life, both religious and secular, have practiced and written about meditation for thousands of years, and it continues to be a popular relaxation method today.”
Today set a time to be alone and practice meditating on the Word and on our Lord. Use your imagination to visualize what you are reading. Think deeply and focus until the world disappears and you move into the Spirit.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to meditate on you and on your Word. Help me to focus deeply and move into the Spirit so I can be closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.