Christians, Mindfulness and Meditation
Abide App Review
“…the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.”
– Psalm 49:3
“If you continue in my [Jesus] word…then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
– John 8:31,32
I discovered this great Christian meditation app called, Abide, that I want to share with you. It’s like having your own personal counselor, encourager and pastor at the touch of a button. Covering topics such as anxiety, worry, depression, growth, and healing, it provides direction and coping skills through basic yet effective counseling techniques that bring relief. There is a catalogue of topics to choose from to aid everything from sleep to general well-being, with a library of stories, devotions, and guided meditations. You can also request and share prayers with people on your contact list.
Research is beginning to uncover the myriad of physical, mental and emotional benefits of meditation and mindfulness, techniques, particularly in reducing anxiety and stress related conditions. Meditation and mindfulness are current buzzwords that have long been associated with Eastern and New Age meditation practices, however, God held the patent on them thousands of years before they became fashionable in the East or West. The Bible is replete with references to meditation, with many of the New Testament epistles admonishing us to fix our mind, our thoughts on Jesus and every good thing, and to continue in God’s living word.
Meditation
Simply means to think or focus on something. The word itself comes from the Latin, miditatio, whose basic meaning is to think over something, to reflect, ponder, or consider. As we focus on and ponder God’s living, active word, within us, our thinking begins to change and our awareness of the peace and presence of God is increased.
Mindfulness
Many of my clients are seeking anxiety therapy or depression therapy for which I often assign “homework” such as deep breathing to help focus the mind in the present moment, as a means of reducing stress. Bringing one’s attention and awareness to thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in the present moment is what mindful practice is all about. This technique keeps us grounded in the here and now – the place God seeks to engage us – releasing us from tension associated with past or future events.
Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to connect more deeply with God in the midst of modern busyness, or get practical coping techniques to beat anxiety or other emotional issues, the Abide app. is a good consideration. It Is well put together and not at all religious, though it is deeply spiritual. It is considered to be the #1 Christian meditation app. You can access the short two minute meditations and stories for free. Subscription costs $4.99 a month, or the discounted annual subscription is $29.99.
Think of the cost as a Christmas gift to yourself or loved ones.