Become New with John Ortberg
Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.
Episodes
65. The Right Way to Start Your Day
What's the right way to wake up?In this reflection on Psalm 5, John Ortberg continues the daily rhythm begun in Psalm 4.Evening is the time of peace. Morning is the time of hope.And don't worry: you don't have to become a morning person.John explores how Psalm 5 gives us a practical way to begin an ordinary day with God, even when we wake up carrying heavy burdens, difficult circums
64. The Right Way to Go to Sleep
Did you know the Bible gives us a way to go to sleep?In this reflection on Psalm 4, John Ortberg explores what sleep can teach us about surrender, control, prayer, and trusting God.Drawing from Answering God, John points out a fascinating biblical rhythm: evening comes before morning.Genesis says, “There was evening, and there was morning.”Sabbath begins at sundown.Psalm 4 gives us an evening pray
63. How to Pray to Change Your Life
What if you prayed the Psalms as if they could really help?In this reflection on Psalm 30, John Ortberg explores the difference between simply reciting Scripture and allowing its words to become our own prayer.John shares the story of Rabbi Plotkin, whose life seemed to be falling apart. His marriage was ending. His future felt uncertain. Fear and self-pity had taken over.Then one morning, as he p
62. Finding God in the Dark Night of the Soul ("The Pit")
What do you do when you find yourself in the pit?In this reflection on Psalm 30, John Ortberg explores one of the Bible's most powerful metaphors for suffering: the pit, the depths, the darkness, Sheol.Sometimes the pit is grief.Sometimes it's depression, failure, anxiety, physical pain, a broken relationship, a dream that has died, or something completely beyond our control.And sometime
61. Can God Heal Your Mind?
What do you do with the mess inside your mind?In this reflection on Psalm 102, John Ortberg explores how the Psalms can become a kind of divine therapy, teaching us to bring our actual thoughts, emotions, fears, and beliefs honestly into the presence of God.Drawing from Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb, the ABCDE framework associated with Martin Seligman, and insights from Walter
60. Understanding Biblical Contradictions
How do you deal with foolish people?The Bible gives a surprisingly complicated answer.In Proverbs 26:4 we're told:“Do not answer a fool according to his folly...”And then, in the very next verse:“Answer a fool according to his folly...”So which is it?In this reflection on Psalm 14, John Ortberg explores why biblical wisdom can't be reduced to a simple set of rules. Sometimes wisdom requi
59. The Noble Pursuit of Being Ordinary
What if the goal today isn't to make your life extraordinary?What if it's to learn how to see the extraordinary gift hidden inside the ordinary?In this reflection on Psalm 104, John Ortberg explores how modern life has changed the way we see the world around us. We know more than ever about how nature works, yet we may have lost something along the way: our ability to experience creation
58. Pinocchio Theology (Getting Real)
Which version of you shows up when you pray?In this reflection on Psalm 55, John Ortberg explores a surprising truth about prayer: God doesn't want the cleaned-up, polished, "Disney version" of you. He wants the real you.The Psalms aren't theological essays or collections of perfectly polished emotions. They're raw prayers from real human beings bringing fear, anger, angui
57. This Psalm is Deeply Important to Me
What are you looking to for help today?In this reflection on Psalm 121, John Ortberg explores two simple actions that can make today a blessed day:God watches over us.We lift our eyes toward Him.But "I lift up my eyes to the hills" may mean something different than we often assume. In the ancient world, the hills weren't merely beautiful. They were places of idolatry, uncertainty, a
56. Why You Shouldn't Pray EVERY Psalm
Should you pray every line of every Psalm?In this reflection on Psalm 109, John Ortberg tackles one of the most difficult passages in the Bible—and offers one of the most freeing insights of the entire Psalms series.What do we do with prayers that sound angry, vengeful, or even shocking?Drawing on the work of René Girard, John explains that the Psalms are not polished theological essays. They are
Following Jesus: The Pros and Cons (2022)
What does it really cost to follow Jesus?In this episode, John Ortberg explores one of Jesus' most misunderstood invitations: "Count the cost." Drawing from Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart, he explains why discipleship is not an emotional decision but a thoughtful one. More importantly, he asks a question many of us rarely consider: What is the cost of not followin
Freedom - Defined. (2022)
What if doing whatever you want doesn't actually make you free?In this episode, John Ortberg explores one of Dallas Willard's most profound ideas from The Renovation of the Heart: true freedom isn't the ability to satisfy every desire. It's becoming the kind of person who desires what is good and has the strength to live it out.Discover why self-denial is not the enemy of freed
Self-Improvement Just Can't Cut It (2022)
Is Christianity about becoming a better version of yourself?In this episode, John Ortberg explores one of Dallas Willard's most challenging and hope-filled ideas from The Renovation of the Heart: the ruined life isn't meant to be enhanced, but replaced. Discover why self-denial isn't about self-hatred, why Jesus calls us to lose our lives in order to find them, and how true transfor
The Necessity for Change - That No One Likes (2022)
What if the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth isn't what has happened to you, but what is happening within you?In this episode, John Ortberg continues exploring Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart by examining one of Christianity's most misunderstood ideas: remorse. Discover why the Bible distinguishes between the wounds we've suffered and the wrong we've comm
What is a Lost Soul? (2022)
John explains what makes a soul lost and how the truth about ourselves is the beginning of being found.In this episode (2022), John Ortberg continues exploring Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart by examining one of the greatest barriers to spiritual growth: self-deception. Discover why the human heart naturally resists uncomfortable truths, what Jesus meant by "losing your soul
Irritated? This Might Be Why. (2022)
What if your irritation is trying to tell you something?In this episode, John Ortberg explores one of Dallas Willard's most practical insights from The Renovation of the Heart: the everyday emotions and reactions we often dismiss may actually be warning lights revealing the true condition of our souls.Discover why denial is one of humanity's greatest spiritual obstacles, how God's g
Psychology Was Wrong About Self-Esteem (2022)
Is self-esteem really the key to a better life?For years, psychologists believed increasing self-esteem would solve many of our greatest personal and social problems. But after decades of research, the evidence pointed in a different direction. In this episode, John Ortberg explores what Dallas Willard teaches in The Renovation of the Heart about the deeper human problem and why lasting transforma
Is Self-Care Biblical? with Dr. Rick Blackmon (2022)
Is self-care selfish? Or is it something Jesus actually invites us to practice?In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Rick Blackmon to explore Dallas Willard's vision of soul care from The Renovation of the Heart. Together they discuss emotional health, burnout, self-denial, and why understanding yourself is the first step toward caring for yourself well.Discover w
What Does It Really Mean to Live by the Spirit? (2022)
What does it really mean to live by the Spirit?In this episode, John Ortberg explores Dallas Willard's understanding of the spiritual life through The Renovation of the Heart. Discover why every person is both physical and spiritual, what makes the human will so remarkable, and why Jesus teaches us to pray, "Your will be done."If you've ever wondered what surrender actually loo
What Does It Mean to Be A PERSON? (2022)
What does it really mean to be a person?In this episode, John Ortberg explores Dallas Willard's powerful framework for understanding the human person through The Renovation of the Heart. Discover how the heart, mind, body, relationships, and soul work together to form the whole person, and why lasting spiritual transformation involves far more than changing behavior.If you've ever felt d
Anxiety: “I cannot create peace in my life” (2022)
Can you experience God's peace while still struggling with anxiety?In this special conversation, John Ortberg is joined by his daughter, Laura Turner, to explore one of the deepest themes in Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart: peace. Together they discuss why peace is more than the absence of worry, how acceptance differs from giving up, and why receiving God's love often
The Key to Understanding ANYTHING (2022)
What do you do when your life feels like it's falling apart?In Episode 4 of our Become New series, John Ortberg continues exploring Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart by examining one of Scripture's most encouraging promises: "In Christ all things hold together." Even when our relationships, health, finances, or emotions feel fractured, Jesus offers a deeper kind
Hope Beyond Wishful Thinking (2022)
Fear dominates much of modern life. But Jesus offers something deeper than optimism.In Episode 3 of our Become New series (2022), John Ortberg continues exploring Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart, asking why every human solution eventually falls short of changing the human heart. From ancient philosophy to politics, psychology, and self-improvement, people have searched for lastin
What is Spiritual Formation? (2022)
In Episode 2 of our Become New series, John Ortberg continues exploring Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart by unpacking Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Together, we examine why our responses to life often expose the deeper formation taking place within us and how Jesus invites us into lasting transformation from the inside out.If you
Why Nothing Ever Feels Like Enough (2022)
What if lasting spiritual transformation isn't about trying harder?In this opening episode of our Become New series, John Ortberg introduces Dallas Willard's classic The Renovation of the Heart and explores Jesus' invitation to become people whose lives are transformed from the inside out. Rather than focusing on behavior modification, this conversation examines the deeper renovatio
55. Stop Comparing. Start Living.
Why is comparison so hard to escape?In this reflection on Psalm 37, John Ortberg explores the hidden power of envy and why it quietly robs us of joy, gratitude, and peace.Drawing on insights from Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John explains the difference between jealousy and envy, why comparison always leaves us feeling deficient, and how God's care frees us from measuring our lives against every
54. Does Prayer Actually Change Anything?
If God already knows everything...why pray?In this reflection on Psalm 74, John Ortberg wrestles with one of the oldest questions about prayer.Can our prayers actually matter?Drawing on insights from Walter Brueggemann and Dallas Willard, John explores the difference between the ancient philosophical idea of the "Unmoved Mover" and the God revealed in Scripture—the God who listens, respo
53. The Surprising Cure for Loneliness
What if the cure for loneliness isn't finding more people... but learning to be alone?In this reflection on Psalm 139, John Ortberg explores one of the deepest realities of being human: our longing to be fully known and never abandoned.Drawing on the wisdom of Dallas Willard, John explains why we spend so much energy avoiding solitude—and why silence may actually become the place where we dis
52. Does God Feel Far Away?
What do you do when you feel completely forsaken?In this reflection on Psalm 22, John Ortberg explores one of the most haunting prayers in all of Scripture:"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"These are not only the words of the psalmist—they are the words Jesus prayed from the cross.John explores the unique pain of abandonment, the difference between explanation and healing, and t
51. This Law Explains the Whole Bible (Psalm 113)
Who really gets the good stuff?In this reflection on Psalm 113, John Ortberg explores what Dallas Willard called the Law of Inversion—one of the great themes running through the entire Bible.Again and again, God overturns the world's prestige system.The first become last.The overlooked become honored.The humble are lifted up.From Abel to Jacob, Hannah to Mary, the Beatitudes to Jesus washing
50. These Two Words Will Change Your Life
What if the two most freeing words you could say are:"I can't."In this reflection on Psalm 143, John Ortberg explores why admitting our limitations isn't failure—it's the beginning of faith.Through a humorous story about assembling a chair, the story of Elijah's exhaustion, and a fresh look at Philippians 4:13, John reminds us that we were never meant to carry life on
49. Why God Doesn’t Reveal Everything At Once
Is denial always a bad thing?In this reflection on Psalm 39, John Ortberg explores one of the Bible's strangest prayers:"Look away from me."Why would anyone pray that?Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard, Søren Kierkegaard, and Greg Ten Elshof, John explains the surprising difference between healthy denial and unhealthy denial, and why God often reveals truth gradually rather tha
48. The Opposite of Fear Isn't Courage
Is the opposite of fear really courage?In this reflection on Psalm 27, John Ortberg offers a surprising answer:No. The opposite of fear is God’s presence.Drawing on the wisdom of Dallas Willard, John explains why Jesus could repeatedly tell His followers, "Do not be afraid," and what that invitation actually means.This episode explores:- Psalm 27 and trusting God- Why courage isn't
47. What God Actually Wants
What actually makes someone a good person?In this reflection on Psalm 51, John Ortberg explores one of the most important differences between religion and the teaching of Jesus.David doesn't simply pray,"Forgive my sins."He prays,"Create in me a clean heart."Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the remarkable story of Joni Eareckson Tada, John explains why God is af
46. Glenn Packiam: Don't Let a Wounded Heart Become a Bitter Spirit
What do you do when prayer feels impossible?In this conversation, John Ortberg is joined by pastor and author Glenn Packiam to reflect on Psalm 73 and the reality of spiritual slumps.Glenn shares why he always returns to the Psalms when he struggles to pray, and together they explore envy, self-pity, hope, and God's unwavering presence.This episode explores:- Psalm 73 and spiritual honesty- T
45. How Should Christians Love Their Country?
How should followers of Jesus love their country?In this Independence Day reflection, John Ortberg explores Psalm 8, the Gettysburg Address, and the biblical foundation of human dignity.Drawing from the writings of Abraham Lincoln, philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff, and the opening chapters of Genesis, John explains why every human being possesses immeasurable worth—not because of what they achiev
44. What Does It Mean to Fear God?
What does it actually mean to fear God?In this reflection on Psalm 130, John Ortberg shares from a reunion with lifelong friends and explores one of Scripture's most misunderstood ideas.Why does the psalm say:"With You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared"?Drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, John explains the difference between fearing punishment and revering someone
43. Why You Need Someone to Correct You
Would you welcome a loving rebuke?In this reflection on Psalm 141, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising prayers in Scripture:"Let a righteous person strike me—that is a kindness."Why would anyone ask to be corrected?Through stories from the life of Winston Churchill, personal reflections, and the wisdom of the Psalms, John shows how humility and honest feedback can become pow
42. The Secret to Aging Well (with Nancy Ortberg)
Can you actually grow better with age?In this reflection on Psalm 92, John Ortberg is joined by his wife, Nancy Ortberg, for a warm and thoughtful conversation about lifelong spiritual growth.Together they explore the psalm's remarkable promise:"They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green."From stories of nursing patients to reflections on curiosity, hospit
41. How Does God Actually Guide Us?
How does God actually guide His people?In this reflection on Psalm 32, John Ortberg explores one of Scripture's most comforting promises:"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go."Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the story of Peter in the book of Acts, John explains the difference between mechanical control and personal guidance—and why God desires relat
40. Nobody Is Self-Made
What if the key to gratitude is realizing that none of us is self-made?In this reflection on Psalm 136, John Ortberg explores the repeated refrain:"His love endures forever."Through a powerful exercise inspired by philosopher Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John invites us to trace the hidden network of people and gifts behind the things we enjoy every day—and ultimately back to God Himself.Th
39. Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life
How do you process painful emotions without letting them control your life?In this conversation on Psalm 30, John Ortberg sits down with counselor and friend Rick Blackmon to explore one of the most practical lessons in the Psalms:Own your emotions—but don't enthrone them.Together they discuss anxiety, grief, anger, praise, humor, counseling, and the hope found in God's presence.This epi
38. The Three Ingredients of Gratitude (Psalm 103)
How do you become a grateful person?In this reflection on Psalm 103, John Ortberg explores one of the great themes of spiritual life: gratitude.At the center of Psalm 103 is a simple command:"Forget not all His benefits."Drawing from philosopher Robert C. Roberts and the rich imagery of the Psalm itself, John explores why gratitude grows through remembering and why forgetting often leads
37. Do you have FAITH? Your life already knows the answer.
Do you ever struggle with doubt?In this teaching on Psalm 91, John Ortberg explores faith, trust, doubt, works, and what it really means to believe.Drawing heavily from the teachings of Dallas Willard, John introduces a powerful framework for understanding belief and asks a challenging question:What do your actions reveal that you actually trust?This episode explores:- Psalm 91 and trusting God- T
36. The Surprising Link Between Love and Attention
What if one of the greatest acts of love is simply paying attention?In this reflection on Psalm 8, John Ortberg and Laura Turner explore wonder, attentiveness, and the surprising connection between love and noticing.Drawing on insights from Marilynne Robinson, the film Lady Bird, and the writings of Simone Weil, they invite us to slow down and rediscover God's presence in the ordinary.This ep
35. The People Who Shaped Your Soul
What if one of the greatest gifts you could give someone is helping them develop a taste for what is good?In this reflection on Psalm 34, John Ortberg revisits the famous invitation:"Taste and see that the Lord is good."But this time he explores a surprising idea: every one of us is a tastemaker.Through stories from Anthony Bourdain, insights from C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton, and re
34. Why Faith Must Be Experienced
How do you move faith from your head to your heart?In this reflection on Psalm 34, John Ortberg explores one of the most famous invitations in Scripture:"Taste and see that the Lord is good."Many people know about God. Far fewer learn to experience God's goodness in everyday life.Drawing from the story of David, reflections from Augustine of Hippo, and a memorable scene from Prince
33. Barely Hanging On? This One's for You.
What do you pray when life hurts so much that ordinary words no longer feel adequate?In this reflection on Psalm 69, John Ortberg explores one of the most emotionally intense prayers in all of Scripture.Drawing a surprising connection to Howl, John examines how the Psalms give voice to grief, despair, loss, betrayal, injustice, addiction, depression, and suffering.This episode explores:- Psalm 69
32. How to Love God
How do you actually learn to love God?In this reflection on Psalm 31, John Ortberg explores one surprising pathway to loving God more deeply: curiosity.Drawing from theologian Cornelius Plantinga Jr., relationship researcher John Gottman, and Dallas Willard, John invites us to think about building a "love map" for God.This episode explores:- Psalm 31 and loving God- Curiosity as a spirit
31. How A River Runs Through It Teaches Us About Grace
What if grace has a rhythm?In this teaching on Psalm 46, John Ortberg explores stillness, spiritual disciplines, grace, and the river of life that flows throughout Scripture.Drawing from A River Runs Through It, John shares a powerful picture of spiritual formation through the practice of learning God's rhythms.This episode explores:- Psalm 46 and God's presence- The purpose of spiritual
30. Why Your Life Matters
Do you matter?It may be one of the most important questions a human being can ask.In this teaching on Psalm 127, John Ortberg explores meaning, significance, anxiety, achievement, and what the Bible says about human worth.Drawing from the work of Rebecca Goldstein, John examines what she calls a "crisis of mattering" and why so many people feel insignificant despite living in an age of u
29. God Is Not Nice. God Is Kind.
What is the difference between being nice and being kind?In this reflection on Psalm 138, John Ortberg explores one of the most beautiful biblical ideas: God's loving kindness.Why does Scripture constantly praise God for His kindness but never describe Him as "nice"? What is the difference? And how might understanding God's kindness transform the way we live?This episode explor
28. Why Some Relationships Thrive and Others Don't (Psalm 133)
What is the secret to deep relationships?In this teaching on Psalm 133, John Ortberg explores intimacy, connection, loneliness, and the small daily habits that strengthen relationships.Drawing from the work of relationship researcher John Gottman, John explains the powerful idea of "bids for connection"—the small invitations people make every day to share life together.This episode explo
27. God’s Favorite Word
What if unity is one of the things God cares about most?In this teaching on Psalm 133, John Ortberg explores unity, reconciliation, the Trinity, and Jesus' remarkable prayer that His followers would be one.Moving from Psalm 133 to Ephesians 4 and John 17, John shows how unity is not merely a church strategy or relational ideal. It is rooted in the very nature of God Himself. Father, Son, and
26. How to Pray When You're Struggling (with Kevin Palau)
What do you do when your soul feels downcast?In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with Kevin Palau to explore Psalm 42, anxiety, discouragement, emotional honesty, and hope.Kevin shares candidly about his own struggles with anxiety, the pressures of leadership, and why Psalm 42 has become one of the most important prayers in his spiritual life.This episode explores:- Anxiety and spiritual
25. Psalm 23 and the Life You've Always Wanted
Can you really live without lack?In this reflection on Psalm 23, John Ortberg draws from Life Without Lack to explore one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture.What does it mean to say, "The Lord is my shepherd"? What if "I shall not want" is not a promise that life will be easy, but an invitation to stop being driven by fear, scarcity, and unsatisfied desire?This ep
24. Psalm 59 Explained (The Danger of Spiritualized Prayer)
What's your story today?In this teaching on Psalm 59, John Ortberg explores one of the most important lessons of the Psalms: prayer is always prayed from inside a story.Drawing from Answering God, John challenges the idea of "spiritualized prayer" — prayer that removes the conflict, fear, anger, disappointment, and messiness of ordinary life.Psalm 59 was written in the middle of Dav
23. What If Refuge Was a Verb? (with Lisa Cuss)
What if refuge was something you practiced?In this conversation, John Ortberg talks with therapist and trauma specialist Lisa Cuss about anxiety, church hurt, attachment theory, the nervous system, and Psalm 31.Lisa shares how reading the Psalms through the lens of the nervous system helped her understand David's prayers in a completely new way. His cries of fear, confusion, and desperation s
22. God Loves Imperfect People
What if your imperfections are not your greatest problem?In this teaching on Psalm 138, John Ortberg explores the difference between perfection and perfectionism, the beauty of human weakness, and why God has so much compassion for imperfect people.Drawing from Psalm 138, Psalm 103, the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, and the image of cracked pottery repaired with gold, John shows how God often cre
21. Why We Can’t Worry Our Way to Peace
How do you calm and quiet your soul?In this deeply practical conversation on Psalm 131, John Ortberg and Steve Cuss explore anxiety, emotional awareness, prayer, soothing, and learning to rest in the presence of God.Psalm 131 offers one of the gentlest images in all of Scripture: “I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child with its mother.”This episode explores:- Anxiety and emotional a
20. Psalm 1 and the Problem With Twitter
What is social media doing to your soul?In this conversation, John Ortberg and Steve Cuss explore Psalm 1, online outrage, anxiety, reactivity, and the emotional formation happening through social media.Why do platforms like Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram so easily pull people toward outrage, contempt, comparison, and self-righteousness? And what do the Psalms have to say about it?This episode
19. The Secret Language of the Psalms
Why should we pray the Psalms slowly?In this reflective teaching, John Ortberg explores the nature of Hebrew poetry, the structure of the Psalms, and why the language of prayer was never meant to be rushed.Using Psalm 90 and several other Psalms, John unpacks the beauty of biblical parallelism — repetition, pivots, refrains, and poetic movement that deepen meaning and slow the soul down enough to
18. How Worship Neutralizes Envy
Why do other people’s lives always seem better?In this teaching on Psalm 73, John Ortberg explores envy, comparison, resentment, worship, and the deep human struggle of feeling overlooked while others seem to prosper.The psalmist honestly confesses:“I envied the arrogant.”What follows is one of the most emotionally honest prayers in the Psalms — a prayer about jealousy, discouragement, unfairness,
17. Psalm 126 and the Spiritual Power of Joy
Is it possible laughter could be a form of prayer?In this joyful and surprisingly profound teaching on Psalm 126, John Ortberg explores joy, humor, delight, neuroscience, and why laughter may be far more spiritual than many people realize.Why do children laugh so much more than adults? Why does spontaneous laughter feel healing? And what does it mean that God Himself laughs?This episode explores:-
16. Remembering Is a Form of Prayer
Why does memory matter spiritually?In this reflective teaching on Psalm 77, John Ortberg explores remembrance, gratitude, grief, forgiveness, healing, and why memory itself can become a form of prayer.Using deeply personal family stories, Memorial Day reflections, and Psalm 77’s call to “remember the deeds of the Lord,” John reflects on the spiritual importance of remembering honestly and hopefull
15. Why Gratitude Cannot Be Forced
Why is gratitude so difficult to sustain?In this teaching on Psalm 100, John Ortberg explores the deeper source of genuine gratitude and why thankfulness cannot simply be forced through willpower.Using reflections from Robert Hayden and his poem Those Winter Sundays, John reflects on the hidden acts of love that quietly sustain human life every day — often without being noticed or thanked.This epi
14. Why You Should Stop Having a “Quiet Time”
Why would God include violent prayers in the Bible?In this deeply challenging teaching on Psalm 137, John Ortberg explores anger, injustice, enemies, suffering, and why the Psalms are far more emotionally honest than most modern spirituality.John begins with a provocative statement: “You should stop having a quiet time.”Using reflections from Eugene Peterson, this episode explores the difference b
13. Why We Avoid What Matters Most (Psalm 42)
Why do we avoid uncomfortable truth?In this teaching on Psalm 42, John Ortberg explores self-awareness, attention, distraction, procrastination, and the deep spiritual thirst at the center of the human soul.Using Psalm 42’s famous image — “As the deer pants for streams of water…” — John reflects on how human beings often distract themselves from the deeper realities happening inside them. Why do w
12. Psalm 19 and the Problem of Self-Deception
Why is self-awareness so difficult?In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores self-deception, blind spots, hidden faults, and the surprising difficulty of honestly seeing ourselves.The Psalmist asks: “Who can discern their own errors?”That question launches a fascinating exploration of:- Freud and the unconscious mind- Cognitive bias and self-deception- Why humans protect their image- The
11. What Bowling Teaches Us About Peace
What does bowling have to do with spiritual life?In this teaching on Psalm 19, John Ortberg explores anxiety, surrender, creation, grace, and the deep human longing for soul rest.Using a surprisingly powerful bowling illustration, John reflects on how most people continue trying to control outcomes long after the “ball” has already left their hands. Psalm 19 offers another way: let go, trust God,
10. Who May Dwell on the Holy Mountain? (Psalm 15 Explained)
What actually creates a peaceful life?In this teaching on Psalm 15, John Ortberg explores the ancient biblical vision of an “unshakable” life — a life rooted in goodness, grace, truth, and the presence of God.Psalm 15 asks:“Who may dwell on your holy mountain?”The answer turns out to be both beautiful and deeply challenging.Along the way, John reflects on:Why peace is more than a feelingThe connec
9. Psalm 16 and the Secret of a Steady Heart
What’s the one thing that would make today a good day?Psalm 16 says it’s simpler—and deeper—than you think.In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through Psalm 16 and introduces a powerful idea: your life-scape—the inner world where your thoughts, desires, and attention live.Most of us drift through our days reacting to whatever comes. But Psalm 16 invites us to something different: “I have set the
8. A Simple Way to Pray (Psalm 57)
Ever feel stuck in your thoughts… and don’t know how to pray?Here’s a simple, practical method that actually works.In this teaching, John Ortberg walks through a powerful and practical way to pray your emotions using Psalm 57.Adapted from psychological insights and grounded in Scripture, this ABCD prayer method helps you move from anxiety and rumination to clarity, trust, and peace.You’ll learn ho
7. A Dangerous Prayer That Can Set You Free
What do you do with anger you can’t let go of?What if the Bible actually teaches you how to pray it?In Part 3 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne tackle one of the most difficult emotions we face: anger.Psalm 109 is one of the most shocking passages in Scripture—full of raw, unfiltered anger. So why is it in the Bible?In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why denying anger isn’t spir
6. Why We Don’t Know How to Lament
What if the pain you’re avoiding is actually the path to healing?And what if God already gave you the words for it?In Part 2 of this conversation, John Ortberg and Rankin Wilbourne explore one of the most overlooked practices in the Christian life: lament.If the Psalms are the prayer book of God’s people, why are so many of them… sad? And why do we avoid praying that way?You’ll discover:- Why lame
5. Why We Don’t Know How to Pray Our Emotions (with Rankin Wilbourne)
Most people don’t know how to pray their emotions… even after years of faith.What if the Psalms were meant to teach you how?In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with author and pastor Rankin Wilbourne to explore a life-changing idea: learning to pray your emotions.Many of us either suppress our feelings or let them control us—but the Psalms offer a better way. They give us language, permis
4. How to Bring Your Pain to God (Psalm 13)
How long can you carry something before it breaks you?And what do you do when God feels… silent?In this teaching on Psalm 13, John Ortberg walks us through one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: “How long, O Lord?”When pain lingers, when answers don’t come, and when God feels distant, we face a choice. We can grumble—turning inward in bitterness and withdrawal—or we can groan—bringing our pa
3. Renew Your Mind with Psalm 8
Everyone’s talking about mindfulness… but what if we’ve missed the most important part?What if the key isn’t your mind being focused—but God’s mind being focused on you?In this teaching on Psalm 8, John Ortberg explores a deeper kind of mindfulness—one that begins not with your attention, but with God’s.While we often struggle with distraction, anxiety, and rumination, Psalm 8 reveals something su
2. Anxious About the Future? Pray This Psalm
We live in a world obsessed with predicting the future… and terrified of it.So how do you actually live when everything feels uncertain?In this teaching on Psalm 3, John Ortberg explores one of the most universal human struggles: uncertainty. We don’t know what’s coming next—and instead of trusting God, we often try to control, predict, or even “gamble” on the future.But Psalm 3 offers a different
1. The Greatest Prayer You Ever Prayed
What if your life is already headed in a direction… and you didn’t choose it?Psalm 1 says there are only two ways to live and only one leads to flourishing.In this opening teaching of a new series on the Psalms, John Ortberg invites us into one of the most important questions we can ask: What is my way of life leading to?Psalm 1 describes a person who is “blessed”—not just happy, but deeply rooted
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