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.