Simmer In Scripture

His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

If you want a recipe for a life of joy in Christ, you’ll find it in the spiritual discipline of biblical meditation.

Each week when I meal plan, I check the weather to see if there are any chilly or rainy days ahead so I can plan my menu accordingly. If the forecast predicts a cold day, I can almost guarantee you’ll find a pot of our favorite chicken tortilla soup or zuppa Toscana simmering on the stove.

A delicious, satisfying soup doesn’t come together simply by pouring all the ingredients into a pot; the secret is to let it simmer. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors expand and mingle together. I’m convinced that most soups are even tastier the next day. Likewise, the more we simmer our souls in Scripture, letting it soak into our minds and transform our thoughts, the more we will enjoy the blessings of God’s Word.

The psalmist explains that the “blessed” person is the one who delights in God’s law and meditates on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). The Hebrew word for meditate can also be translated as “to muse, imagine.”^a The person who is happiest and most fulfilled thinks deeply about the Word of God, considering each word and savoring God’s revelation to humans as the greatest treasure of all.

The art of biblical meditation does not simply involve a cursory reading of Scripture. Rather, it requires a slow, thoughtful simmer in the Word—like the process of cooking soup.

Here’s a “recipe” for meditating on God’s Word:

1. Choose a verse or passage of Scripture to meditate on. If you are new to biblical meditation, Psalms is a great starting place. (Consider Psalm 19, 23, 42, or 139.)
2. Read the passage several times. This will help you gain a fuller understanding of the context. Just as you’d read a new recipe several times to get the gist of how it will come together, we faithfully read God’s Word in its greater context before we zoom in. Consistent Bible reading leads to deeper understanding.
3. Think deeply about each line and each word. This may seem odd at first if you’re used to reading quickly. But as you slow down to digest the meaning of the words you’re reading, connecting what’s in your head to what you believe in your heart, you’ll enjoy a richer grasp of God’s promises. You can meditate on the meaning by reading the verse multiple times, with an emphasis on a different word each time.
4. Use God’s Word as a means for prayer and worship. The psalms, specifically, add depth and flavor to one’s prayer life. As you meditate on Scripture, you can use the living and active Word of God as a springboard for your own petitions, praises, and conversations with the Lord. This can look like praying the psalms just as they are written or using what you learn from them to form your own heartfelt prayers to the Lord.

The more you slow down your Bible reading and intentionally meditate on God’s Word, the more you’ll find that simmering in Scripture is not a burdensome task; it’s a delight to the heart. Like a chef who gathers her ingredients, sets her stockpot on the stove, and patiently stirs her soup, soak your soul in God’s life-giving Word. This is the key to a savor-worthy life in Christ.

Word before World Simmering your soul in Scripture is not a burdensome task; it is the key to abundance and joy in Christ.

Grow in Grace Pick a verse or passage of Scripture to begin meditating on this week. Each day, spend five to ten minutes pondering the passage, letting God’s Word simmer in your soul.