Biblical versus New Age Meditation

New Age meditation, which is creeping its way into mainstream Christianity through the spiritual formation movement, focuses on the stilling and emptying of the mind. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, involves conscious thought about Scripture and its application.

It is dangerous to enter a passive mental state, because in those situations our minds have no protection against falsehood or evil.

Biblical meditation is having our minds actively engaged on contemplating God's word. James 4:7 says to "submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you". Resistance is key to staying sober in mind.i

The peace experienced in Christian meditation is not found by deep breathing or looking “within.” Rather, peace comes by looking to God, grasping the knowledge that He is all-powerful and has abundant life in store for us (See Isaiah 40:13-31 and John 10:10). When we thoughtfully consider God’s truth in our minds, the Holy Spirit will begin to change our hearts and lead us to obedience:

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).