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Are you in need of strength to endure a difficult circumstance? Are you looking for help to faithfully follow the Lord amidst your trials? Have you considered trying Christian meditation? Did you know that God instructs believers to engage in this beneficial practice daily?
Meditating on Scripture will lead you into a deeper connection with God and give you inner fortitude to navigate the storms of life. This article will equip you with powerful meditative Bible passages that will build you up and give you the ability to persevere in times of trouble.
Being in my fifties, I have had numerous occasions of both supporting loved ones and personally walking (and sometimes crawling!) through many difficulties in life. Whether it be physical ailments, economic hardships, relational conflicts or breakdowns, psychological distress, work pressures, grief, addictions, or suffering of another kind, I have experienced and oberved in others countless times of being abundantly strengthened and encouraged by contemplatively reciting or recalling God's Word.
In the Old Testament Book of Joshua we find a tangible example demonstrating the weight of impact this spiritual discipline makes in the lives of believers. As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelite army into the Promised Land, God told Joshua to "be strong and courageous." Yahweh instructed him that if he meditated on and followed the Word, he would have success in conquering the land (Josh. 1:7-9).
Christians today are still taught to meditate on the Bible. Partaking in this practice will spur you on as God speaks to you through His living Word, reminding you of His ongoing presence and the victory He will bring in time.
Because Jesus Christ took on the penalty of our sins, we are forgiven, reconciled to God and we can, "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
You will experience deep intimacy with God that will uplift your soul through Scripture because, "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).
You might be asking how to meditate. Great question!
To meditate, you will contemplatively read the Bible - focusing on a handful of verses and pausing along the way so you can reflect on an individual word, line, phrase, verse, or principle. As you consider its meaning, listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance and encouragement.
Before you begin, find a place where you can dedicate your attention on the Lord. Along with your Bible, consider having pen and paper nearby so you can write down thoughts, impressions from the Holy Spirit, or prayers.
As you continue reading this article, take note that for each Scripture selection, I've included just a small portion. Meditate on the entire Bible passage (links provided) rather than just the snippets I've listed, and then choose a verse or two to try memorizing so you can meditate on it throughout the day.
I recommend using a physical Bible instead of an electronic version. Research indicates that reading physical books increases comprehension by six to eight times1 and makes the content more impactful. It also provides an opportunity to highlight or underline portions and make notes next to the verses.
May God fill your heart and mind with strength, courage, joy, and peace as you meditate on His Word!
Meditations for Inner Strength
The Apostle Paul was one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament, and his letters are filled with messages that can give you strength. One thing that makes his testimony so impactful is that he knew firsthand what it meant to experience great difficulty, including physical ailments, persecution from people who tried to destroy him, and criticism from a handful of rogue churchgoers who attempted to get other believers to reject some of Paul's teachings.
This passage will be especially helpful if you are experiencing physical suffering.
Here is an excerpt:
"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Cor. 12:10
While Paul was unjustly imprisoned, he wrote a letter to the Christians in Philippi, encouraging them to continue living for Christ in the midst of persecution.
Paul's example of joyfulness despite his physical suffering has been both encouraging and challenging for me. My knee-jerk reaction when I experience hardship is to try making my circumstances easier and more comfortable.
If you are feeling discouraged or need help refocusing on the Lord, reading and meditating on Philippians is very helpful.
Here's a section of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi:
"In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Phil. 4:12b-13
This is another letter written by Paul. Its purpose was to strengthen the Ephesians by emphasizing the importance of believers supporting one another in their faith walk. Knowing that Christians are continually in a spiritual battle as our adversary, Satan, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn. 10:10), prowling around "like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8), Paul urged the Ephesians to remain strong in the Lord by arming themselves with every spiritual tool available through God.
I know many people who begin their day meditatively putting on their armor just as they get dressed. If you would like to try this practice, open your Bible to Ephesians 6:10-13 and imagine arming yourself with each individual piece.
This portion of the Scripture highlights the power we have in God:
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Eph. 6:13
4. Isaiah 12
The prophet Isaiah delivered warnings from God that if the Hebrew people continued to give themselves over to sin, they would become vulnerable to the surrounding nations who practiced every kind of evil. Because the Israelites refused to return to God, they experienced a long history of torture and captivity at the hands of several ruthless nations.2
In addition to warnings, God expressed messages of encouragement through Isaiah to the Israelites. Isaiah 12 is one such message. Following a description of Yahweh's promise to send the Messiah who would rescue them from the rule of evil people (Is. 11), the believers were told that, in response, they would overflow with gratitude toward the Lord for turning away His anger and giving them, instead, comfort and salvation.
Reflecting on the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, who came and will return, will give you strength and hope in suffering.
As you meditate on this Scripture, don't miss the importance of dealing with any unrepented sin in your life that is coming between you and God, robbing you of peace and intimacy with Him. If you have unrepented sin, humble yourself before the Lord, ask for His forgiveness, and let Him cleanse you of all unrighteousness. Let the Hebrew people's history of torture impress upon you the importance of fearing the Lord. A life of sin should cause fear within us..."the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Pr. 9:10). But when we repent and follow, there is nothing to fear. Receiving forgiveness through Jesus will allow you to experience God's perfect love that casts out all fear (1 Jn. 4:18).
Here is a peak at the chapter:
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.” - Is. 12:2
5. Isaiah 25
In this chapter, Isaiah praised the Lord. He reflected on the ways Yahweh had already defeated the Israelites' oppressors, and looked ahead to when God would complete His work of rescuing His people from all who oppose God.
As you spend time in Isaiah 25, it is important to recognize that the invitation to the Lord's banquet table set for the bride of Christ (the Church) is for everyone who will receive the invitation to join Him (vs. 6). As Christians, we need to be willing to tell others - even our oppressors - of the salvation available through Jesus Christ.
Excerpt from Isaiah 25:
"For you have been a stronghold to the poor,
a stronghold to the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;" - Is. 25:4
Here, Isaiah relayed a message of encouragement to the Israelites that God would free them from captivity, bring them back together as a people, strengthen them, and restore them. It goes into great detail about how God is above all and that His power is unfathomable - at one point, comparing people to grasshoppers.
Followers of God today have the benefit of seeing how Yahweh brought Isaiah's prophecy to fruition. Reflecting on how He fulfilled His promises to the Hebrew people while you read and meditate on the Scripture will give you even more assurance that God will rescue you in His perfect time and that nothing will defeat His perfect plan for you.
Here is a section of the reading:
"Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength." - Is. 40:28-29
7. Psalm 29
David's Psalm reminds us that with just a word, God can do anything. The Bible is full of examples - beginning with God creating the world using only words (Gen. 1) to Jesus bringing restoration to many simply by speaking it into effect. In one case, a boy that was not even in Christ's presence at the time received healing because Jesus declared it (Mt. 8:5-13).
Psalm 29 will give you an opportunity to reflect on the power of God, providing assurance and peace that the Lord's victory is sure.
Here are a couple of verses:
The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. - Ps. 29:3-4
8. Psalm 46
This Psalm is particularly powerful if you are dealing with seemingly insurmountable hardships. Whether it be war, a natural disaster, being a victim of a crime, or something else that has caused your foundation to feel shaken, these poetic words can minister to your soul.
Through powerful images, it gives voice to the magnitude of suffering people can experience. When I read these words, I often find myself recalling how God brought me through a terrifying experience where I experienced a degree of darkness I didn't know was possible.
Psalm 46 proclaims the Lord's superiority of strength and victory that can sustain you in overwhelming circumstances. It ends by emphasizing that, as followers of God, He is our refuge.
In meditating on this Scripture, remember that God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you. Reflecting on this truth will help you personalize God's power and promise to guard your soul.
Here's a preview of the Psalm:
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. " - Ps. 46:1-3
9. Psalm 93
This Psalm is perfect if you feel crushed and are afraid of being utterly destroyed.
In the hardest time of my life, I felt like I was drifting alone in the ocean, surrounded only by darkness. It was impossible to see how to keep from being swallowed up and to find solid ground. Like Job, I knew God was still present, but I could not feel His closeness. The only thing I could do is proclaim the truths of God and wait for His deliverance.
While meditating on Psalm 93, be encouraged that the Lord is holy, all-powerful, victorious, and faithful to bring about the perfect plans He has for you.
Here is a snippet:
"Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!" - Ps. 93:4
10. Psalm 96
If you are dealing with a situation where someone is exercising power over you, this Psalm will be particularly encouraging. God will judge all peoples who turn away from Him.
As you worship the Lord in the midst of trouble, you will be proclaiming that God is the King of kings; and give unblelievers an opportunity to escape the judgment of God by receiving His salvation through Jesus Christ.
Let Psalm 96 give you the words of praise that will increas your faith.
Here is a piece:
"For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary." - Ps. 96:4-6
11. Psalm 105
Psalm 105 is a beautiful poem that gives a bird's eye view of the many miracles God performed in bringing the Israelites to the Promised Land, a decades-long journey.
Sometimes, believers experience a lengthy season of suffering. The psalmist's words here can bring perspective that you can apply to your own situation.
Thinking back to times when you saw God's provision and protection in your life is an amazing way to build confidence in God's plan for your future.
This is a small part of the extensive Psalm:
"Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." - Ps. 105:3-5
12. Psalm 146
This Psalm reminds us to put our trust in God instead of mankind. It is so easy to depend on people for things only God can provide. In a moment of time, a job can be lost, a home destroyed, safety threatened, or freedom robbed.
As someone who likes to plan, is easily ruffled by unexpected occurences, and tends to expect people I deem at fault to "fix" what they did to me, this Psalm powerfully brings me back to placing my trust in the Lord. Making it a habit of meditating on this truth prepares me so I can better hold onto peace in God when big hardships arise.
When all seems gone and you don't know where to turn, cry out to God who will give you hope and strength.
Here is a moving excerpt:
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry." - Ps. 146:5-7
Takeaway
Some believers mistakenly think that if they follow Jesus, their lives will be comfortable. However, Jesus said we will have tribulation, but that He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). In the Old and New Testaments, there are numerous examples of followers of God experiencing great suffering.
As Christians, our joy and peace are not dependent on our circumstances. The Apostle Paul said in his letters to the Ephesians and Philippians that knowing Christ's love allows us to experience supernatural peace (Phil. 4:7) and soul satisfaction (Eph. 6:13).
This is a truth I must continually remind myself of because it is a perspective that does not come naturally. If you are like me, meditating on the Scriptures in this article (and many others in the Bible) while attuning yourself to the Holy Spirit will strengthen your faith and your inner being.
Do you have a prayer request or a story of deliverance? We'd love to hear from you!
More about meditation, reading the Bible, and prayer:
- How to Meditate as a Christian (with Scriptures on Wisdom & Guidance)
- How to Read the Bible Using the S.O.A.P. Method
- How to Connect Deeply with God: 7 Poignant Biblical Prayers
- Learning How to Pray Using the Lord's Prayer (& an Easy Prayer Model)
- Does Prayer Really Work? (10 Secrets to Effective Prayer)
Are you looking for a church?
Check out these articles:
- 3 Essential Beliefs All Christian Churches Share
- 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Church for You
- Which Christian Denomination is Right for Me? An Easy Comparison Guide
Are you looking for a church in the Concord, NH area? We invite you to join us in-person or online.
Grace Capital Church is located at 542 Pembroke Street in Pembroke, NH.
Works Cited
- Artushin, H.R. (2024, February 2). The Case for Paper: Books vs. E-Readers. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-read/202402/the-case-for-paper-books-vs-e-readers#:~:text=vocabulary%20and%20concepts.-,Research%20suggests%20that%20comprehension%20is%20six%20to%20eight%20times%20better,%2C%20L.%2C%202023). Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
- Belibtreu, E. (1991). Grisly Assyrian Record of Torture and Death. Umass Lowell. https://faculty.uml.edu/ethan_spanier/teaching/documents/cp6.0assyriantorture.pdf. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
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