The definition of meditate from the dictionary: meditate | ˈmedəˌtāt | verb [no object] think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.
Our thoughts create our feelings and we usually act out from our feelings. If we meditate (think) on negative things, our feelings, actions/words will be negative. If we meditate (think) on positive things, our feelings, actions/words will be positive.
Psalm 19:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” To be emotionally and spiritually healthy, we must filter our thoughts, feelings, and actions through God first. The Bible teaches to take every thought captive to Jesus Christ. How? By talking to Him first before we take action. Ask, “What is God’s truth about this?”
Death and life are in the power of the tongue and we will reap the consequences of our thoughts that create our words. Proverbs 18:21 King James Version (KJV)21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
In my teaching and counseling, I’m sharing this truth continuously. If someone is wanting to heal emotionally from sexual abuse in their past, they must replace the negative meditative thoughts with God’s truth about who they are now in Christ Jesus. There is no shame or guilt when we are in Christ Jesus walking in the Spirit – Romans 8:1.
If a hurting person allows the past to define who they are now, they are meditating on the painful emotions of the past and re-inflecting the pain afresh daily. It is a choice! The transformation of healing takes place when they replace the negative with God’s truth – trading toxic thoughts with God’s truth – renewing the mind – Romans 12: 1 & 2.
If one desires to heal from pornography addiction, they must renew their mind with God’s truth instead of meditating on the lust of the flesh through live porn or indelibly inked images on the brain – it is a choice! (Porn addiction is a self-induced chemical addiction with a greater stronghold than alcohol or any type of drugs). Submitting totally to God brings hope and healing! I’ve been counseling porn addiction recovery for 27 years (Certified Sexual Addiction Recovery Facilitator).
This is why our meditation must be focused on God and His truth! Philippians 4:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 New Living Translation (NLT)
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8-9 The Message (MSG)
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Philippians 4:8 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
God gives us instruction before the above scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 The Message (MSG)
6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [c]garrison (safety/protection) and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Our words that come from our thinking/meditation will:
Matthew 12:37 New King James Version (NKJV)
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
This is why I pray: Psalm 19:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
We must take God’s Word seriously because our words will justify us or condemn us. Our words come from our meditation/thinking process. To walk in victory is to devour the Word of God on a daily basis. When we know God’s truth, He can make us free from our doubts, fears, the pain of the past and present.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind!
2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV)
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 The Voice (VOICE)
7 You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.
Be careful and disciplined in what we choose to meditate on – is it toxic or truthful? Does our meditation bless us or curse us or others? Will the meditative thoughts create death or life word?
Think on things that are of a good report! When you do, you can walk in victory even in the middle of adversity!
www.carolclemans.org – read ‘about ministry’ page for complete bio. Counseling nationwide (636) 448-0121. Purchase book: God’s Design for Marriage or as eBook: amazon.com. Join my teaching site: www.patreon.com/carolclemans
Mins. Ref: Pastor Daniel Batchelor, Dupo, IL.