Why mindfulness is different from Biblical meditation

We sing about it: ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord…’ We read about it: ‘Be still and know that I am God…’ But we are never still!

The Bible often speaks of ‘stillness’, and the things related to it, such as meditating and waiting on God. But Christians, especially evangelical Christians, cannot abide stillness. We like noise and activity, with a side-order of mild chaos. We don’t do stillness.

Does it really matter?

Here’s why the skill of being still is important. First, stillness is a helpful start to a time of prayer, it puts us in the right frame of mind. Second, the practice of stillness and Christian meditation develops a ‘still’ heart, so that we cope better when things get frantic. Third, at times of crisis we can retreat into that still place and re-connect with God. We all need to learn to be still, it is a vital component of a healthy spiritual life.