Meditating on God's word

Do you find it easy to study the Bible? Or do you find it difficult to find the time to really immerse yourself in the word of God? Life has seasons, and often during the junior doctor years, it can be a challenge to spend as much time focussing on God’s word. But at the same time, there are some practices that can be very helpful.

Do you know what scripture meditation is? Basically, it is prayerfully mulling over a small section of the Bible, maybe just one or two verses, to dig deeper and seek its full meaning. You could read a short passage before leaving home in the morning and meditate on it as you travel to work, or as you go about some of your duties.

Sometimes learning worship songs that are rich in Bible verses can be helpful in the same way. When the Psalmist wrote of the wise man who meditates on God’s word day and night, I don’t think he was referring to a person who did nothing but sit in a quiet room with the Bible open, but rather a person who chooses to think about God’s word whenever possible.

As we choose to memorise Bible verses and meditate on them, we are able to ‘let the word of Christ dwell in you richly’ (as Paul wrote to the Colossians). This is more than an academic exercise. “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

This is one way in which we can not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). If you struggle to read your Bible, resolve to take one or two verses today, and meditate on them as you go about your day.

Prayer: Your Word is light. Help me to grow in wisdom and insight as I meditate daily on it.