Think you know how to meditate? Think again.

Christian vs. Secular Meditation

You dont have to leave your Christian faith behind to practice meditation. When most people hear “meditation,” they think of emptying the mind. But Christian meditation is different. It’s not about detachment — it’s about filling the mind with God’s Word. Psalm 1:2 says, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Secular meditation aims at relaxation or self-awareness. Christian meditation centers on God’s truth, shaping our thoughts and renewing our hearts. So, there is a difference between theist meditation and non-theist meditation.

What Science Tells Us

Studies show that meditation lowers blood pressure, slows the heart rate, and reduces stress. But when scripture is the focus, the benefits deepen. Neuroscientists call this “directed neuroplasticity” — your brain literally rewires itself to reflect what you focus on most. Meditating on God’s Word strengthens the mental pathways of peace, hope, and joy.

A Simple Practice to Try

Take Philippians 4:8 as your verse:
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable… think about these things.”

• Find a quiet place

• Read the verse slowly

• Repeat it softly as you breathe

• Picture each word sinking into your heart

Why It Matters

Christian meditation doesn’t remove you from the world — it prepares you to engage with it in strength and clarity. By fixing your thoughts on God’s Word, you gain both inner calm and sharper focus for the challenges ahead.