So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation)

Jodie Niznik - Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation Instructor

<p>Welcome to So Much More, where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, guides you into the peaceful meditation of God's word. Take a few deep breaths as you allow the Spirit to guide you into what he has for you.</p> <p>Topics Covered:</p> <p>📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice<br>📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It<br>📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent</p> <p>If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, <a href="https://www.jodieniznik.com/">https://www.jodieniznik.com/</a>, for more information! </p>

  • 22 minutes 10 seconds
    A Fresh Start and A Clean Slate | Meditation on Psalm 32

    This is a guided meditation and reflection on all of Psalm 32.

    Psalm 32 starts with the reminder of the joy we should know because of the fresh start and a clean slate we’ve been given through Jesus. Have we forgotten how amazing and miraculous his work is in our lives?

    This Psalm also reminds us that hiding sin in secret places will eat us up from the inside out. The amazing news is – when we bring anything hiden into the light, God renews and receives us. Did you catch that? Every single time you turn back to God, he receives you. Every. Single. Time. He does not tire of our returns, he celebrates them.

    In this meditation, we will listen to Psalm 32 from the Message Translation and I will give you prompts to reflect on with the Lord. Each reflection space in 1 minute long. Feel free to pause or rewind if you need more time.

    May the Lord guide you to what he has for you through his Word today.

    Here are the reflection prompts:

    1. Consider, what would your life be like without Jesus? Thank God that through Jesus he has given you a clean slate.
    2. Recall a time when you were hiding from God and others and how it felt. When you returned to God and stopped hiding from others, how did that feel? Thank him for his mercy.
    3. Bring it forward to today… is there any place in your life that you feel you are hiding from God or others? If so, what’s holding you back from bringing it to the light?
    4. Ask God if there is any place in your life where you’re being ornery like a horse or a mule and resisting him. If he reveals anything, Ask him for his help. If nothing comes to mind, ask him to help you stay tender and responsive to his leading.
    5. Praise God for the truth that you are loved every time you turn around. If there’s a place that God has shown you where you need to turn around, ask God for his help. And remember you will be received with love.

     

    Here’s some links I discussed in the podcast:

    The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here.  

    You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

    Instagram @jodieniznik

    Facebook @JodieGNiznik

    Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

    And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

    Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

    The passages we meditated on is as follows:

    Psalm 32, The Message

    Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—

                            you get a fresh start,

                            your slate’s wiped clean.

    2        Count yourself lucky—

                            God holds nothing against you

                            and you’re holding nothing back from him.

    3        When I kept it all inside,

                            my bones turned to powder,

                            my words became daylong groans.

    4        The pressure never let up;

                            all the juices of my life dried up.

    5        Then I let it all out;

                            I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.”

                      Suddenly the pressure was gone—

                            my guilt dissolved,

                            my sin disappeared.

    6        These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;

                            when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts

                            we’ll be on high ground, untouched.

    7        God’s my island hideaway,

                            keeps danger far from the shore,

                            throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

    8        Let me give you some good advice;

                            I’m looking you in the eye

                            and giving it to you straight:

    9        “Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule

                            that needs bit and bridle

                            to stay on track.”

    10       God-defiers are always in trouble;

                            God-affirmers find themselves loved

                            every time they turn around.

    11       Celebrate God.

                            Sing together—everyone!

                            All you honest hearts, raise the roof!

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    26 January 2026, 6:00 am
  • 19 minutes 28 seconds
    God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways | Meditation on Isaiah 55:8-11

    This guided Scripture meditation in Isaiah 55 uses Lectio Divina.

    God is doing work that we can’t even begin to imagine. In Isaiah God declares,
    “my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.”

    I have to confess… from my limited perspective it can be hard to understand what God is doing. This passage reminds me that God is doing things beyond our knowing. (see Job 36:26)

    As I refocus on the truth that God is God and I am not.

    And that God is good – always good.

    Then I start to rest in him and his work.

    Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you that God is working. And that he uses his good Word to accomplish his good purposes.

     

    Here’s some helpful links I discussed in the podcast:

    The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here.  

    You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

    Instagram @jodienzinik

    Facebook @JodieGNiznik

    Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

    And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

    Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

     

    The passages we meditated on is as follows:

    Isaiah 55:8-11, CSB

    For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    and your ways are not my ways.”

    This is the Lord’s declaration.

    “For as heaven is higher than earth,

    so my ways are higher than your ways,

    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

    10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven

    and do not return there

    without saturating the earth

    and making it germinate and sprout,

    and providing seed to sow

    and food to eat,

    11 so my word that comes from my mouth

    will not return to me empty,

    but it will accomplish what I please

    and will prosper in what I send it to do.”

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 January 2026, 6:00 am
  • 19 minutes 9 seconds
    Choosing to Courageously Trust God | Meditation on Psalm 27: 1-3, 13-14

    A Scripture Meditation on Psalm 27 using Lectio Divina.

    Do not be afraid.

    Easier said than done. Fear is a common emotion when we feel scared, concerned, or even ashamed.

    In this Psalm, David was being pursued by his very real enemies who wanted to do very real hard to him. In the face of this uncertainty, David chose courageous trust when he declared that God was greater than his enemies and therefore, he would not be afraid.

    David placed his confidence in the Lord. May we do the same.

    Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to what he has for you.

     

    Here’s some helpful links I discussed in the podcast:

    The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here.  

    You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

    Instagram @jodieniznik

    Facebook @JodieGNiznik

    Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

    And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

    Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

     

    The passages we meditated on is as follows:

    Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14, NIV

    The Lord is my light and my salvation—

    whom shall I fear?

    The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

    of whom shall I be afraid?

    2 When the wicked advance against me

    to devour me,

    it is my enemies and my foes

    who will stumble and fall.

    3 Though an army besiege me,

    my heart will not fear;

    though war break out against me,

    even then I will be confident.

    13 I remain confident of this:

    I will see the goodness of the Lord

    in the land of the living.

    14 Wait for the Lord;

    be strong and take heart

    and wait for the Lord.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    12 January 2026, 6:00 am
  • 18 minutes 8 seconds
    Waiting Expectantly on God | Meditation on Psalm 37:5-9

    This guided Scripture meditation is in Psalm 37 using Lectio Divina.

    Waiting on God is hard. This Psalm reminds us that God will act on our behalf – in his timing and in his ways.

    It also reminds us to not get caught up in comparison. It will only agitate us, and nothing good comes from this.

    So, take a deep breath and allow the Lord to guide you into this meditation in Psalm 37. I believe he has something just for you.

     

    Here’s some links I discussed in the podcast:

    The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here.  

    You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

    Instagram @jodieniznik

    Facebook @JodieGNiznik

    Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here.

    And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

    Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

    Listen to another meditation on Psalm 37 from the Summer Series 2023 here

     

    The passages we meditated on is as follows:

    Psalm 37:5-9, CSB

    Commit your way to the Lord;

    trust in him, and he will act,

    making your righteousness shine like the dawn,

    your justice like the noonday.

    Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him;

    do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,

    by the person who carries out evil plans.

    Refrain from anger and give up your rage;

    do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.

    For evildoers will be destroyed,

    but those who put their hope in the Lord

    will inherit the land.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    5 January 2026, 6:00 am
  • 18 minutes 55 seconds
    Embracing God’s Leading and Direction | Meditation on Isaiah 43:16-19

    This guided Scripture meditation, from Isaiah 43, utilizes the Lectio Divina meditation method.

    God is always doing something new. Yes, he remains the same – but we are always changing and therefore he is always up to something new in our lives.

    As you enter this new year – are you ready for the new work God wants to do in your life?

    Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to what he has for you.

     

    Here are some helpful links I discussed in the podcast:

    The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here.  

    You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

    Instagram @jodieniznik

    Facebook @JodieGNiznik

    Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Scripture Meditation Journal here.

    And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

    Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

     

    The passages we meditated on is as follows:

    Isaiah 43:16–19, NIV

    16 This is what the Lord says—

    he who made a way through the sea,

    a path through the mighty waters,

    17 who drew out the chariots and horses,

    the army and reinforcements together,

    and they lay there, never to rise again,

    extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

    18 “Forget the former things;

    do not dwell on the past.

    19 See, I am doing a new thing!

    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

    I am making a way in the wilderness

    and streams in the wasteland.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    29 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 6 minutes 7 seconds
    Prayer for Love | Be Still: Advent Meditation

    This short guided Christian prayer will help you rest in the love of Christ that came down at Christmas—a love that reaches to the heavens and never lets go.

    Through Scripture and stillness, you’ll be reminded that God’s love is constant, tender, and near.
    Take a deep breath, and let His love surround you today.

    Helpful Links:
    Download your FREE Be Still Advent guide here.
    This journal includes:
    • All the Scriptures for this series
    • Weekly reflection prompts
    • Space to record what God is revealing to you

    Find out more information and purchase the Guided Retreat at https://www.jodieniznik.com/guided-retreat

    Additional 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 Guided 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.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    24 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 18 minutes 43 seconds
    Be Still in Love | Advent Meditation Psalm 36

    Advent invites us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and prepare for the coming of Christ.
    In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll reflect on Scripture and rest in God’s love as you anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

    Be Still: Advent Meditations for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love helps you create space in this busy season to experience the presence of Christ and the peace, hope, joy, and love He brings.


    Download your FREE Advent Guide here.

     

    This week, we focus on love—the great love of God that sent Jesus to us.God’s love is deep, unfailing, and unearned. It’s a love that reaches beyond what we can comprehend and invites us to love Him in return—and to love others with that same grace.

    Our passage today, Psalm 36:5–9, reminds us that God’s love reaches to the heavens and that in His light we see light. As you meditate, you’ll be invited to rest in that love—to remember that it is constant, abundant, and freely given.

    Take a few quiet moments to breathe deeply and let His love settle into your heart.

    Helpful Links:
    Download your FREE Be Still Advent guide here.
    This journal includes:
    • All the Scriptures for this series
    • Weekly reflection prompts
    • Space to record what God is revealing to you

     

    Find out more information and purchase the Guided Retreat at https://www.jodieniznik.com/guided-retreat

    Additional 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 Guided 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.

    Meditation Scripture: Psalm 36:5–9 (NIV)

    5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.
    6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
    your justice like the great deep.
    You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
    7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
    8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
    9 For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    22 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 8 minutes 9 seconds
    Prayer for Joy | Be Still: Advent Meditations

    When joy feels hard to find, pause for a few moments and pray.

    This short Advent prayer for joy will help you breathe deeply, refocus your heart, and remember the joy Jesus brings.

    Even in the middle of life’s mix of joy and sorrow, His presence remains steady.
    Take a deep breath and rest in the joy that comes from being with Him.

    Helpful Links:
    Download your FREE companion journal for Advent here.
    This beautiful guide includes:
    • All the Scriptures for this series
    • Weekly reflection prompts
    • Space to record what God is revealing to you

     

    Additional 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 Guided 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.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    17 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 17 minutes 7 seconds
    Be Still in Joy | Advent Meditation Psalm 16

    Advent invites us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and prepare for the coming of Christ.
    In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll reflect on Scripture and rest in God’s presence as you anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

    Be Still: Advent Meditations for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love helps you create space in this busy season to experience the presence of Christ and the peace, hope, and joy He brings.


    Download your FREE Advent Guide here.

    This week, we focus on joy—the joy Jesus brought when He came to earth and the joy we will experience in fullness when He comes again.

    Our passage today, Psalm 16:8–11, is a prayer of trust and safekeeping. As you meditate, you’ll be invited to keep your eyes on God, rest secure in His presence, and remember that lasting joy is found in Him alone.

    Take a few quiet moments today to be still and let the Lord fill you with His joy.

    Helpful Links:
    Download your FREE Be Still Advent guide here.
    This journal includes:
    • All the Scriptures for this series
    • Weekly reflection prompts
    • Space to record what God is revealing to you

     

    Find out more information and purchase the Guided Retreat at https://www.jodieniznik.com/guided-retreat

    Additional 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 Guided 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.

    Meditation Scripture: Psalm 16:8–11 (NIV)

    8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
    9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,
    10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
    11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    15 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 7 minutes 26 seconds
    Prayer for Peace | Be Still: Advent Meditations

    This short Advent prayer for peace will help you breathe deeply, release what you’re carrying, and remember that Jesus came to bring peace.


    Peace with God.
    Peace within yourself.
    And peace with others.

    Take a deep breath and rest in His presence today.

    Helpful Links:
    Download your FREE companion journal for Advent here.
    This beautiful guide includes:
    • All the Scriptures for this series
    • Weekly reflection prompts
    • Space to record what God is revealing to you

     

    Additional 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 Guided 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.

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    10 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 17 minutes 29 seconds
    Be Still in Peace | Advent Scripture Meditation

    Advent invites us to slow down, quiet our hearts, and prepare for the coming of Christ.
    In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll reflect on Scripture and rest in God’s peace as you anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

    Be Still: Advent Meditations for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love helps you create space in this busy season to experience the presence of Christ and the peace He brings.
    Download your FREE Advent Guide here.

    This week, we focus on peace—the peace Jesus came to bring.
    Peace with God.
    Peace within ourselves.
    And peace with one another.

    In this meditation, we’ll move slowly through several short passages that remind us of the peace Jesus offers—peace that’s not the absence of trouble but the presence of His Spirit with us in the midst of it.
    Take a few quiet moments today to be still and let His peace settle over you.

    Helpful Links:
    Download your FREE Be Still Advent guide here.
    This journal includes:
    • All the Scriptures for this series
    • Weekly reflection prompts
    • Space to record what God is revealing to you

    Additional 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 Guided 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.

    Scriptures Read in This Meditation

    Luke 2:13–14 (NIV)
    Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

    John 14:27 (NIV)
    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.

    John 16:33 (NIV)
    I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
    In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

    Revelation 21:3–4 (NIV)
    “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.
    They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    8 December 2025, 6:00 am
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