What does the word meditate mean? We might think it's a complicated, super-spiritual ritual, but really it just means to focus our thoughts on something, to reflect on it, and think deeply about it. We can meditate on anything; a chapter of a university textbook, the film we've just watched, even the back of the cornflake box during breakfast. But the one thing we really should make an effort to meditate on every day is God’s Word. David said, ‘I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.’ God’s Word changes lives, so we need to let it into our minds and allow it to do its work.

Here are ten benefits of meditating on God’s Word: 1) It cultivates a love for God and His Word within us. 2) It gives us new insights and spiritual understanding. 3) It’s a source of reassurance and strength. 4) It empowers us to be genuine witnesses for Jesus Christ. 5) It renews our minds. 6) It protects us from sin. 7) It restores our souls and our emotions. 8) It enables us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. 9) It causes our spirits to come alive. 10) It helps us in understanding God, others, and ourselves.

There's great power in God’s Word, and Bible meditation gives us access to that power. ‘Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you – your tickets to participation in the life of God’ (2 Peter 1:3-4 MSG).

What Now?

If you haven’t tried meditating on God’s Word before, try this: choose a Bible chapter or a devotional reading. Read it through a couple of times, then think about these questions to get you started (write notes if it helps): What did you like? What stood out to you? What didn’t you understand? Have you learned anything new? Did it remind you of anything? Did it spark ideas and connections or create any images in your mind? How did it make you feel? What parts would you like to research further?