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Meditate On Scripture To Manage Stress  | September 17, 2023

A hundred years ago, most causes of illness were related to infectious diseases. Today, they are related to stress! According to WebMD, health-related problems such as Alzheimer’s, asthma, depression, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, obesity, heart disease, and social anxieties are mainly caused by stress. Thus, stress is a clear and present danger to our health that we must take seriously. One of the most productive ways to manage stress is through meditation. But what exactly is meditation, and what do you meditate on?

First, it is essential to know that the word “meditate” is mystical for some. Those people typically associate it with Eastern or New Age religions emphasizing transcendentalism. When some Christians think of meditation, they picture people folding their bodies into strange positions like pretzels. This form of meditation may be widely accepted, but it differs from Christian meditation.

The Bible uses the word “meditation” nearly 30 times. In those contexts, meditation ties to a believer’s Christian walk, which includes Scripture and obedience. Therefore, Christian meditation is a specific time to think and reflect upon Scripture. Thoughts about applying and living out God’s commands are also part of meditation.

Joshua 1:8-9 says, “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 all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God desires that you would be actively thinking about His Word. As God promised Joshua the provision of courage, you will be filled with humble confidence to combat your stress. Meditating on God’s Word will help you to stand firm in the face of troubles, trials, transitions, and temptations. You will see that your stress will go down and your hope will go up when you are meditating on God’s promises.

Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”

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