This week in our Biblical Wisdom for Flourishing series, we’re focusing on something most people rarely do: slow down. In a culture obsessed with speed and stimulation, we’re invited to return to an ancient spiritual practice—meditation and contemplation.
But let’s be clear. I am not talking about trendy self-care routines or Eastern mindfulness. I am talking about something rooted in the Christian tradition: the practice of sitting with God, attending to His presence, and letting His Word shape our thoughts and desires.
Slow Down to Hear God
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t just physical; it’s about quieting your inner world long enough to listen. Think about it: when was the last time you sat in silence without reaching for your phone, turning on a podcast, or filling the air with noise?
Meditation in the Bible isn’t about zoning out. It’s about focusing in—especially on Scripture. The Hebrew word for “meditate” in Psalm 1:2 literally means to murmur or speak softly. It’s like rehearsing truth to yourself until it becomes part of you.
King David often reminded himself of God’s promises when he was afraid or discouraged. You can do the same. Choose a short verse that speaks to your current season, write it down, and return to it each day. Speak it aloud in the morning. Whisper it at night. Let it guide how you think and feel.
Why This Habit Works
Reflective practices like meditation improve focus, lower anxiety, and help regulate emotions. That’s helpful. But biblical meditation goes further—it renews the mind (Romans 12:2). It reshapes how we think, not by trying harder, but by sitting longer with truth.
Research on brain studies even shows that regular meditation strengthens the parts of the brain involved in memory, identity, and emotional resilience. One study found structural brain changes in the hippocampus (memory), posterior cingulate cortex (self-referential processing), and temporo-parietal junction (empathy). Another study shows that Long-term meditation was linked to thicker prefrontal cortex and anterior insula, regions associated with attention and emotion regulation. So when we linger in God’s presence, we’re not just becoming calmer—we’re becoming transformed.
Try This Practice This Week
Here’s a simple exercise you can do today:
Choose a verse. (Example: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7)
Set a timer for 10 minutes.
Sit quietly. Read the verse slowly—out loud if possible.
Let each word land. Pause where something stands out.
Afterward, sit in silence. Let the verse speak. Let God speak.
Each day, write one sentence about what you sensed or noticed. It could be a word, a question, a reminder. Over time, you’ll see how God uses silence to reveal His heart.
But remember, you don’t need to say the perfect prayer. You don’t need to feel anything dramatic. Just be still. Just show up.
This one habit—practicing stillness—can change your faith more than you think. Not by doing more, but by doing less. By letting go of the noise… and making room for God.
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