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.

The first week of Advent, we focus on hope—the hope we have because Jesus came once and the hope we hold because He will come again.In Psalm 62, David reminds his own soul to rest and trust in God alone. As you meditate on these verses, you’ll be invited to do the same—to find rest, peace, and renewed hope in the God who keeps His promises.

Because this season can be hectic, I’ll release a short guided prayer each Wednesday during Advent to help you pause midweek and stay grounded in God’s peace.

If you loved the music this week, it was used by permission of the artist Simon Wester. You can find more of his excellent music on Spotify here.

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.

Meditation Scripture:

Psalm 62:5–8 (NIV)

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

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This Christian Scripture meditation is the final episode in our 12-Step meditation journey. While the first 12 meditations followed the steps directly, this last one serves as a benediction—a blessing and prayer to carry with you as you continue your journey of transformation with God.

Paul prayed Ephesians 3:16–21 over the church in Ephesus, and today we pray them for ourselves. They remind us that we are strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, and carried forward by God’s power to do more than we could ever ask or imagine.

In this guided Lectio Divina meditation, you’ll be invited to:

• Trust God more deeply
• Thank Him for how He’s revealed His love to you
• Ask Him boldly for what you need
• Rest in the truth that He can do more than you could ask or think

As you listen, may you be reminded that God’s love is your foundation, His Spirit is your strength, and His power is more than enough for whatever lies ahead.

If this series has blessed you, would you take a moment to pass it on to someone else who might benefit?

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

Meditation Passage: 

Ephesians 3:16–21, NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

 

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This Scripture meditation on Matthew 5:14–16 uses the lectio divina model to help you pause, breathe, and listen for God’s voice.

Step 12 of the 12 Steps invites us to live out the hope and healing we’ve received and to share it with others. It says, Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

When we experience the transforming grace of Jesus, the natural response is to let it overflow and share it with others. Or as Jesus said, “Freely you received, freely give.”

In this meditation, we’ll reflect on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, where He calls His followers the light of the world. Even the smallest light can break through darkness, and God’s invitation is simply to shine the light He has already placed within you.

As you listen, you’ll be invited to:

• Reflect on what it means to be a light in the world.
• Notice how God may be calling you to share His hope and love.
• Rest in the truth that your light is enough, because it comes from Him.

Take a deep breath, quiet your heart, and let Matthew 5 guide you into God’s presence.

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

 

Meditation Passage: 

Matthew 5:14–16, NLTYou are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

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

This bonus episode was recorded with the podcast But Jesus Drank Wine and Other Stories that Keep us Stuck. 

The hosts, Meade and Christy, are two “retired over-drinkers” turned Jesus-loving sobriety coaches. On the BJDW podcast, they dig into the stories and beliefs that kept them stuck in the cycle of over-drinking, including the ever-popular, “But Jesus drank wine?”

Through grace-filled conversations about faith, sobriety, and life beyond alcohol, Meade and Christy bring honesty, humor, and vulnerability to every episode. Their goal? To help women discover that freedom is possible—not just from alcohol, but from any habit, hurt, or hang-up holding them back.

You can find our more here: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community

And you can order Christy’s book: Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind

📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine

📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why head knowledge isn’t enough, and how Scripture meditation moves truth from your mind to your heart and hands.
• The difference between Eastern “empty your mind” meditation and biblical “fill your mind” meditation.
• The brain science behind creating new grooves for peace instead of spirals of anxiety and craving.
• How to begin (even if you’re busy or intimidated!) with just five minutes a day.
• Why slowing down is essential for real transformation, and simple ways to start.
• How to help your kids recognize God’s voice and discern His leading.
• A sneak peek at the practices Jodie will teach live inside our community this October.

The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

Connect with Jodie:

You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik

Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey here.
This journal includes:
• All the Scriptures for this series
• Weekly reflection prompts
• Space to record what God is revealing to you

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

This Christian Scripture meditation is rooted in Step 11 of the 12 Steps:
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Step 11 is at the heart of spiritual formation. Through guided reflection and meditation on God’s Word, we will create space to listen for God’s voice, rest in His presence, and seek His will.

In this episode, we’ll slow down with two short but powerful passages:

Psalm 46:10 — Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 23:1 — The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

As you listen, you’ll be invited to:

• Rest in stillness before God.
• Receive His invitation to trust Him more deeply.
• Respond with prayer and openness to His Spirit.

This meditation is a reminder that God’s ways are better than our own, His presence is with us, and His provision is enough.

Take a deep breath, slow down, and let these Scriptures guide you into peace, trust, and renewed hope.

 

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

Meditation Passages: 

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

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

This guided Christian meditation on Proverbs 4:23–27 invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reflect on God’s Word through the practice of Scripture meditation and Lectio Divina.

Step Ten of the 12 Steps says: We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This step is about keeping short accounts—paying attention when we wander from God’s path and returning quickly.

The good news? God’s mercy never runs out. As Lamentations reminds us: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every day, every moment, can be a new beginning with Him. When we notice we’ve stepped away, His grace meets us right there.

In this Scripture meditation on Proverbs 4, you’ll be guided to:

• Notice what God is drawing your attention to in His Word
• Reflect honestly on where you’ve wandered
• Rest in the truth that His mercy is always new

Take a deep breath and let this meditation remind you to walk with God one step, one day, one moment at a time.

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

 

Meditation Passage:

Proverbs 4:23–27 (NIV)

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

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This Christian meditation on Luke 6:31–36 invites you into a guided Scripture reading using the Lectio Divina model. You’ll have space to pause, reflect, and listen for how God is inviting you to love others with compassion — even when it’s difficult.

Step Nine of the 12 Steps says: We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Making amends goes beyond saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about seeking restoration with love and wisdom, while also trusting God to guide us in situations where direct amends aren’t possible. In this meditation, we’ll reflect on Jesus’ words in Luke 6 and open our hearts to the Spirit’s invitation toward compassion, humility, and courage.

Take a few deep breaths, settle in, and let’s step into this time of Scripture meditation together.

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

Meditation Passage:

Luke 6:31–36 (NLT)

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

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

This guided Christian meditation is an imaginative prayer on Luke 19:1–10. Together, we’ll pause for Scripture meditation and reflection, entering the story of Zacchaeus and experiencing the transforming love of Jesus.

Step Eight of the 12 Steps says: We made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

It’s not easy to admit the ways we’ve caused harm — especially when it feels easier to remember how others have hurt us. But this step invites us to own what’s ours, and to ask God for the willingness to make things right.

In this meditation, we’ll reflect on the story of Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector. We’ll enter the scene through imaginative prayer — first as one of the townspeople and then as Zacchaeus himself.

As you listen, you’ll be invited to ask God to guide you toward the next gentle step He is inviting you to take.

Take a deep breath and join me in this amazing grace-filled story.

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

Meditation Passage:

Luke 19:1–10 (NLT)

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

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This guided Christian meditation on James 4:6–8, 10 invites you to pause, breathe, and make space for God to meet you with His generous grace.

Step Seven of the 12 Steps says: “We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.”

Once we are ready for God to change us (Step Six), the natural next step is to come before Him in humility. Not with promises we can’t keep, but with open hands, asking Him to do what we cannot do for ourselves.

That’s the heart of this meditation. James reminds us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” As you listen, you’ll be invited to notice where your loyalties are divided between God and the world, and to bring those shortcomings humbly before God. 

Humility doesn’t press us down or leave us in shame — it draws us close to God. And as James promises, when we come close to Him, He comes close to us. He doesn’t push us away but lifts us up in His love and honor.

Take a deep breath and let this meditation guide you into a posture of humility, honesty, and hope. God’s grace is generous, and He is ready to meet you right where you are.

 

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey 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.

Meditation Passage: 

James 4:6-8, 10, NLT

And (God) gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, 

“God opposes the proud 

but gives grace to the humble.” 

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world…. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

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

This guided Christian meditation on Ezekiel 36:25–27 invites you to pause, breathe, and open your heart to God’s transforming work.

Through Scripture meditation, reflection, and guided prayer, you’ll be reminded that God promises to remove our stony, stubborn hearts and give us tender, responsive ones.

This meditation connects with Step Six of the 12 Steps, which says: “We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

Step Six is all about willingness — being ready for God to do what only He can do. Transformation doesn’t come from trying harder or following a self-improvement plan. It comes from opening ourselves to the Spirit and allowing God to change us from the inside out.

Even though God does the transforming, we still have a part to play. We participate by showing up, making space for Scripture meditation, confessing to someone trustworthy, and surrounding ourselves with people who point us to Jesus. But the heavy lifting belongs to God. He is the One who changes hearts.

Take a deep breath, and let this meditation on Ezekiel 36 remind you:

God is bigger than your sin.

Jesus is better than every substitute we chase.

And the Spirit is stronger than anything that pulls us away. 

God is ready to transform even the most hardened parts of your heart into something new and tender.

 

Helpful Links:

Download your FREE companion journal for Rooted and Grounded: Scripture Meditations for Every Step of the Journey here.
This journal includes:
• All the Scriptures for this series
• Weekly reflection prompts
• Space to record what God is revealing to you

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: Ezekiel 36:25–27 (NLT)

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols.
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”

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