Meditation: The Key to Having a Peace-filled, Joyful Heart

Hey Lovely,

A few weeks ago, I came across an article about meditation and its positive effects on the brain. So, I decided to dig deeper. Psychology Today highlighted that studies show that meditating even for as little as 10 minutes increases the brain’s alpha waves (associated with relaxation) and decreases anxiety and depression. The article further states that meditation has been shown to increase focus, reduce stress, and promote calmness.

Additionally, it acts on areas of the brain that control the autonomic nervous system, which governs functions such as digestion and blood pressure—functions heavily affected by chronic stress. Through its physiological effects, meditation has been found to effectively counter heart disease, chronic pain, and other conditions. It is also valuable in improving emotional regulation. 

Lets define meditation

In some Christian communities, the word Meditation is a taboo topic, usually associated with spiritualism and everything that comes with it. Most of the time, as Christians, we tend to fold it up and push it to the back of a drawer and slam it shut in the hopes that it will be forgotten. Let me encourage you to dive in and explore this topic more widely. What really is meditation? The same source defines meditation as a mental exercise that trains attention and awareness. It requires that one to turn their attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on bodily sensations, or (in this case) on a word or phrase.

When meditating as a Christian, it has less to do with emptying our minds and more to do with filling our minds with Word of God, while being aware of his presence with us. With this in mind, I began to think about what I could meditate upon as a Christian. Suddenly, God sent this verse to my heart: “But his delight is in the Law of the lord, and in this Law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, his leaves also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:2-3

Now, this is a chapter that I have learned since I was a child. However, I was today years old when this interpretation of these specific verses came to me. Let’s take it verse by verse. 

Delighting in the law of God

But his delight is in the Law of the lord, and in this Law doth he meditate day and night. When we think of the Law, we often think of restrictions. One more thing that tells us what to do and what not to do. Newsflash: God’s Law enhances and enriches our way of life. And this Law is rooted in love. God’s Law ultimately emphasizes 2 fundamental elements, love for God and love for others. 

This hit me like an unexpected high wave at the beach. We are to meditate on THIS point of reference: love for God and love for others. Everything we do, or say flows from our hearts. And if our hearts are focused on love for God and love for others, then we come under his control. As a result, our words and actions will be filled with His goodness.

Let me ask you something, doesn’t it feel good to love and be loved? Doesn’t it feel great when, out of the blue, someone is kind to you, offers words of encouragement, or even fulfills a need with a gift? Doesn’t it feel great to be thought about and appreciated? Is it fulfilling to share something with someone at the exact point they need it and see joy wash over their faces? Isn’t it beneficial to forgive and be forgiven? And comforted when times are difficult? Yes, that’s love. 

We will life the fortified life

The verse also continues to say that when we meditate on the Law of the lord, we shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth its fruit in its season. Let me first start by examining the meaning of water here. Our bodies are made up of 60-75% of water. Did you know that we cannot live for more than 3 days (7 being the most) without water? Water IS essential for both human and plant life. If you’ve had plants and didn’t water them for weeks (like I’ve done in the past), the result would be death without any chance of revival. 

If physical water is so important, how much more is Spiritual Water? This verse guarantees that if we meditate on the Law of God, the Law of love, we will become like trees beside an everlasting water supply. If you have not seen evidence of this, take a drive down through The Green Corridor. You will witness this glory of God there. Not only will we be like strong, fortified, well-nourished trees, but we will also bring forth fruit in the right season.

Trees do not bear fruit for themselves, for the tree itself cannot eat its own fruit. The fruit is for the nourishment and enjoyment of others. We are made to commune with others and to improve each other’s quality of life. So, while we fill up with the water and nutrients from what we are grounded in (love for God), the overflow is the fruit we bear for others (love for fellow man).

We reap what we sow

Let us not forget that we will reap a harvest of precisely what we sow. And guess what? We sow what is in our heart, and what is in our heart is what we focus/meditate upon. The word of God in Proverbs says, Above all things, guard your hearts, for out of it flows the issues of life. So again, if you guard your heart with the Law of the Lord by meditating on it, here’s what you will sow and reap in the spirit: love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these things, there is no law. No one can be vexed with you for being kind, gentle and faithful and nothing’s better than true and pure love, joy, and peace. Self-control and temperance will keep you wise and out of trouble.

It is essential for a flourishing life

The word continues to assure us that IF we delight in and meditate on His Law, our leaves shall not wither, and WHATEVER we do SHALL PROSPER. Let me take it back to introductory science class here. What is the function of leaves on a tree? Riichi et al. iterates that “The importance of leaves in plants includes light interception and utilization for photosynthesis, Carbon Dioxide incorporation, water conservation, maintenance of the internal environment, structural integrity, and efficient transport of water, nutrients, and photosynthates.” The tree also releases oxygen as a result of this process. 

The leaves are essentially a source of food and nutrition for the trees (us), they thrive on light and water (God), and, in turn, give others a breath of fresh air (oxygen). The Scripture says it’s leaves shall not wither! Does it get any better than that? Our food source is sure all of our needs will be met, and consequently, We overflow God’s goodness and glory to others. Do you know how obsessed I am with nature? Nothing is better than seeing beautiful trees in full bloom, revealing God’s creativity and character. It’s mind-blowing! 

Meditation is The key to good success

Our God continues to tell us that if we delight in His Law and meditate on it, then whatever we put our hands to, will prosper. I don’t find any other conditions attached to prosperity. Did you? Joshua 1:8 reiterates this: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to everything written. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Now, I know I’m not the only one who sometimes wants to do my own thing without interference from God, but those efforts either ended up in vain or God turned it around for my good after learning lessons the hard way. 

Something hits differently when you know that God is the one opening doors that we’ve never dreamed of. When God turns things around in our favor, he makes the way clear for us in a way that we cannot take credit. When we surrender our plans to God, our will aligns with God’s will, and inevitably, good success will happen. We must remember that God’s gifts to us are good and perfect. He knows the plans that he has for us, plans to prosper us, and plans to give us a future and hope. With this in mind, our hearts and bodies can indeed be at ease and in Christ. 

Let’s make it practical. How can I practice meditating on God’s word?

What are some practical ways to incorporate meditation on the Law of the lord, as mentioned in Psalm 1:2-3, into daily life as a Christian? I spoke briefly about it in this post, but this list is more robust and specific:

1. Start each day with a time of quiet reflection on a specific verse or passage from the Bible. This can set the tone for the day and help center your thoughts on God’s Word.
2. Find a quiet place where you can spend time meditating on Scripture without distractions. This could be a designated prayer corner in your home, a peaceful spot in nature, or even a quiet room in your workplace.
3. Incorporate Scripture into your daily routine by memorizing and meditating on key verses throughout the day. This can help keep your mind focused on God’s Word. It provides encouragement and guidance as you go about your tasks.
4. Write down your thoughts, prayers, and reflections on Scripture in a journal. This can help you process what you’ve read and track your spiritual growth over time.
5. Join a Bible study group or small group where you can discuss and meditate on Scripture with other believers. This can provide accountability, encouragement, and new insights into God’s Word.
6. Listen to Christian music or sermons that focus on Scripture and biblical teachings. This can reinforce your meditation on the Law of the Lord and provide additional opportunities for spiritual growth.
7. Take regular breaks throughout the day to pause and reflect on God’s Word. This can be as simple as a few moments of silent prayer or a quick review of a Bible verse that speaks to your current situation.

By incorporating these practical ways of meditating on the Law of the Lord into your daily life, you can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, grow in your understanding of Scripture, and experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your life.

So do your mind and body a favor. Be obedient to the Word of God. Meditate on what he has called us to meditate upon; His Law, Love, and faithfulness. Then, we will be able to have richer experiences and joyful encounters with others in life. 

Further verses about meditation on the Word

I hope that you were blessed by this post. Share with with a friend and practice to meditate on God’s word together. If you need help to start, this post might be helpful.

Until next time,