The June 2010 issue of Mind, Mood and Memory, a newsletter published by Massachusetts General Hospital, carries a lead article entitled “The Neuroscience of Meditation:’ Here the author reviews findings from several studies that appear to agree that meditation, no matter the type, has huge health benefits. Some of the most notable are (1) protecting working memory from the negative effects of stress, (2) lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reducing tension, (3) reversing memory loss, (4) increasing tolerance to pain, (5) increasing ability to pay attention and ignore distractions, (6) decreasing the density of gray matter in the amygdala (a brain parameter associated with reduced stress), (7) and thickening of the prefrontal cortex and right anterior insula (regions that normally thin with age and that are known to be involved with processing sensory input as well as memories, thus helping us focus attention and make decisions).
Hundreds of studies have sought scientifically to determine the benefits of meditation. But vigorous debate surrounds their validity. Though many of the studies are peer reviewed (meaning that others in the field have checked to see that they are done right), a strong vein of skepticism persists in scientific circles. How do we know that the meditation training is any better or any different from any other kind of training, such as learning how to control your heart rate and blood pressure?
The best test is obviously to see what works for you. God asks us to prove Him. In this highly stressed modern age, where can we turn for peace? Where do we go to find meaning in life? Where did I come from? Where am I going?
God’s Word is true and honest. It declares, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Ps. 119: 165 NIV). When you put this together with the text above, it is clear that biblical meditation should be carefully and honestly tried. I recommend it to you as one that will produce positive results.