So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

This guided Christian meditation from Philippians 4 will help you release the anxiety and fear you feel about the future of our world.   Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here.   Dire predictions about world events and the coming US election fill us with fear and confusion.   So much feels out of our control. And with so many voices speaking in, many of them spreading disinformation, how do we even know what to do or how to respond?   It’s easy to get immobilized with fear.   This meditation is not intended to address any political party or ideal.  Instead, it is intended to help us turn back to God, release the fears that are gripping us, and remember that everything will be ok because God holds the future.   In this meditation, we will discuss our call to the impossible task of unity and Scriptures that remind us to pray for, not against, our leaders and potential leaders.   I pray this meditation gives you space to pause, remember, and pray for God’s gracious leading. May it help you release some of the anxiety you feel about the future of our world.   God is with us. He is in control, and therefore, we have nothing to fear.   You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation, and the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here.   Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The entire meditation text is as follows: Philippians 4:4-7, NIV Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Additional Scriptures mentioned in this podcast are: John 17:20-21, NLT (Part of Jesus’ final prayer to the Father on our behalf.) I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 1 Timothy 2:1-4, NET First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation in Isaiah 41 reminds us that we are called, chosen, and upheld by God. He is with us, and therefore we have nothing to fear. Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here. Ancient Israel wandered away from God—but God never gave up on them. They were his called, chosen, and upheld people.   Isaiah’s words were a balm to their wayward souls. And they are strong words to comfort and encourage us today.   God is with you. You are his called and chosen son or daughter.   And because of this: God longs to help you. God longs to strengthen you. He is holding you up with his righteous right hand.   And his righteous right hand is stronger than anyone or anything else.   No matter where you find yourself today, let these truths guide you. You do not need to be afraid because God is on your side.   You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation, and the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here.   Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The entire meditation text is as follows: Isaiah 41:9-10, NIV 9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation in Joshua 1 reminds us we can be strong and courageous as we face the future because God is with us. Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here. The fear of the unknown plagues us. What if something happens that turns our lives upside down and inside out? These imagined worst-case scenarios breed fear and anxiety that can spiral out of control. Yet God will not give you the grace to handle your imagined futures, but he will give you the grace you need to walk through your reality. When fear starts to spiral, pause and remember these truths from Joshua 1. Joshua was called to lead the people into a new land. God knew the journey wouldn’t be easy, so he exhorted Joshua three times–be strong and courageous. Joshua could remain strong and courageous because he knew God would never leave him, God would help him succeed, and God would be with him each step of the way. While this was a specific promise for Joshua, it is also for us. God is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. We will have success when we follow his plans—maybe not success as the world deems success, but success in all the ways that really matter. Take a few moments to settle in and allow this passage from Joshua to encourage your heart. You do not need to fear the future. God is with you. You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation, and the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here.   Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.   Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The entire meditation text is as follows: Joshua 1:5-9, NIV As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation in Romans 8 reminds us that there is nothing we can do to separate ourselves from God’s love. We are held secure in his love. Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here. Do you wonder… Will God ever turn away from me? Even if I’m really awful? If my loved one walks away from their faith, will they still be with me in heaven? Am I in this difficult season because God is upset with me? Am I being punished?   The core of these questions is fear. Fear that God will stop loving us.   Many Scriptures affirm that he won’t. Romans 8 specifically reminds us that nothing we do—or do not do—will ever make God stop loving us. We are held secure in God’s love because of Jesus and our faith in him.   Whether you’ve secretly wondered about Christ’s love for you or a loved one, let this meditation reassure you that you are held secure in God’s loving grip. Find a quiet space, take a few deep breaths, and allow your fears to fade away.   You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation and the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here.   Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The entire meditation text is as follows: Romans 8:35, 37-39 NLT 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?  37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation on Psalm 27 declares that God is our light, salvation, and fortress. We will see God’s goodness in this life, so we do not need to be afraid. Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here. Psalm 27 invites us to shift our perspective from fear to trust as it reminds us that whatever we are afraid of cannot destroy us. God holds our lives and our eternity secure in his hands. And with our good God in control, we can be certain that we will see his goodness in this life—in the land of the living. So, keep waiting on God. He’s working behind the scenes. We have nothing to fear. Find a quiet space, take a few deep breaths, and allow Jesus’ words to lead you to his peace. You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation, and the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here. Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The entire meditation text is as follows: Psalm 27:1, 11-14. NLT 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 11 Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. 12 Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. 13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. 14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

NEW SERIES: Do Not Be Afraid This guided Christian meditation on John 14 reminds us that Jesus leaves us peace, so we do not need to be afraid. If your heart feels troubled, this meditation will help you find peace. Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here. Some say there are 365 verses of Scripture that tell us not to be afraid, one for each day. I'm not sure that's entirely accurate, but here's what I do know: Scripture speaks about fear A LOT. There is no shortage of things that make us feel fear.  However, we actually have very little control over much of what causes us to feel fear, which means the feeling of fear isn't doing us any favors.  Fear preoccupies our hearts and minds, causes us to lose sleep, and causes our bodies to experience an overload of stress. Unnecessary fear is simply a tool the enemy uses to render us ineffective.  And that's why the Bible speaks to fear over and over again. God doesn't want us to fear because he wants us to thrive, live in trust and peace, and remember that he has good plans for us. Jesus knew this would be our struggle, so he stated: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Find a quiet space, take a few deep breaths, and allow Jesus' words to lead you to his peace. You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation, as well as the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here.   Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The entire meditation text is as follows: John 14:1, 25-27, NIV Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation from Isaiah leads you to reflect on how we can know and experience peace, no matter our circumstances.   In this meditation, you will: Consider one area where you are wrestling to maintain peace in your life Reflect on how to find God’s unfailing peace Invite the Spirit to help us take a step toward knowing more peace in our lives   Get your FREE Sacred Summer Guided Meditation Journal here.   This Sacred Summer guided meditation series is designed to help you stay connected to God wherever your summer takes you. It’s a few moments to unplug, take some deep breaths, and hear God’s Word to help you pause and reset.   Here are some additional helpful links:   Follow along with a FREE printed guide of this meditation along with the entire Sacred Summer series here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.   Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The whole meditation text is as follows: Isaiah 26:3-4, NLT 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation from Exodus encourages you to reflect on God's love for you and his desire to help you.   In this meditation, you will: Reflect on the truth that God sees you, hears you, and is concerned about you Reflect on God as a rescuer Reflect on God’s graciousness toward us Invite the Spirit to guide you into how you need God to act on your behalf Invite God to help you rest in his character   Get your FREE Sacred Summer Guided Meditation Journal here.   This Sacred Summer guided meditation series is designed to help you stay connected to God wherever your summer takes you. It’s a few moments to unplug, take some deep breaths, and hear God’s Word to help you pause and reset.   Here are some additional helpful links:   Follow along with a FREE printed guide of this meditation along with the entire Sacred Summer series here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.   Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The whole meditation text is as follows: Exodus 3:7–8, NIV 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation from Acts leads you to reflect on how you can find abundant and lasting joy. In this meditation, you will be invited to: Reflect on the difference between joy and pleasure Reflect on the early church and how they experienced joy Invite the Spirit to guide you into how he is inviting you to know more joy in your life   Get your FREE Sacred Summer Guided Meditation Journal here.   This Sacred Summer guided meditation series is designed to help you stay connected to God wherever your summer takes you. It’s a few moments to unplug, take some deep breaths, and hear God’s Word to help you pause and reset.   Here are some additional helpful links:   Follow along with a FREE printed guide of this meditation along with the entire Sacred Summer series here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.   Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The whole meditation text is as follows: Acts 2:44-47, NLT 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This guided Christian meditation from Galatians will help you reflect on and embrace the freedom Christ gives us.   In this meditation, you will be invited to: Consider what freedom is and isn’t Ask God to help you identify any places where you aren’t experiencing freedom Allow the Spirit to guide you toward freedom in this area of your life   Get your FREE Sacred Summer Guided Meditation Journal here.   This Sacred Summer guided meditation series is designed to help you stay connected to God wherever your summer takes you. It’s a few moments to unplug, take some deep breaths, and hear God’s Word to help you pause and reset.   Here are some additional helpful links:   Follow along with a FREE printed guide of this meditation along with the entire Sacred Summer series here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.   Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The whole meditation text is as follows: Galatians 5:1, 13-14 - NLT So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.