Praying Through the Psalms

29. God Is Not Nice. God Is Kind.

June 11, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 138, Philippians 2, John 13

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 explores: - Psalm 138 and God's loving kindness - The Hebrew idea of hesed - Niceness versus kindness - Compassion, courage, and truth-telling - Naomi Shihab Nye's poem Kindness - The Incarnation as God's ultimate act of kindness Featuring reflections on: - Naomi Shihab Nye - Cecil Rhodes Scriptures: - Psalm 138 - Philippians 2 - John 13 #Psalm138 #JohnOrtberg #Kindness #LovingKindness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hesed #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Naomi Shihab Nye, “Kindness” 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 God Is Kind, Not Merely Nice 00:29 Psalm 138 & Loving Kindness 01:28 The Meaning of Hesed 01:48 Miles Coverdale & "Loving Kindness" 02:23 Nice vs. Kind 03:02 God Looks Kindly on the Lowly 04:01 Kindness in a Difficult Season 05:06 Naomi Shihab Nye's Poem "Kindness" 06:01 Before You Know What Kindness Is 07:30 Kindness, Sorrow & Compassion 08:01 Only Kindness Makes Sense Anymore 08:49 Receiving and Offering Kindness 09:14 The Story of Cecil Rhodes 10:14 The Incarnation as Kindness 10:49 Jesus Wore Our Clothes 11:16 A Prayer for Kindness

28. Why Some Relationships Thrive and Others Don't (Psalm 133)

June 10, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 133, Genesis 2, Genesis 3, Genesis 4

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 explores: - Psalm 133 and unity - What intimacy really means - The epidemic of loneliness - John Gottman's relationship research - Turning toward connection - Jesus as the master of connection - God's invitation to relationship throughout Scripture Featuring reflections on: - John Gottman - Dallas Willard - Robert Putnam Scriptures: - Psalm 133 - Genesis 2 - Genesis 3 - Genesis 4 #Psalm133 #JohnOrtberg #Relationships #Connection #Intimacy #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #JohnGottman #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: John Gottman, The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Psalm 133 and the Nature of Intimacy 00:34 What Intimacy Really Is 01:18 God's Presence, Unity & Flourishing 01:47 Invited Into the Trinity 02:09 Common Myths About Intimacy 02:54 The Epidemic of Isolation 03:28 Twinkies, Broccoli & Friendship 04:15 Dallas Willard on Shared Experience 05:26 John Gottman & Bids for Connection 06:08 What Is a Bid for Connection? 06:54 Relationships Are Built on Bids 07:37 Jesus: Master of Connection 08:22 Turn Toward, Turn Away, Turn Against 09:06 God's Bid for Connection in Eden 09:52 "Want to Go for a Walk?" 10:28 The Cross: God's Costly Bid for Connection 10:59 Building Unity One Moment at a Time 11:46 Move Toward the Bid

27. God’s Favorite Word

June 9, 2026 • John Ortberg • Ephesians 4:3–6, John 17:20–23, Psalm 133

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 Holy Spirit live in perfect love, mutual submission, delight, and harmony. This episode explores: - Psalm 133 and unity - Ephesians 4 and "one" - The Trinity as a model for relationships - Jesus' prayer for His followers - Inclusion and reconciliation - Becoming a builder of harmony Featuring reflections on: - Dale Bruner - Greg Ten Elshof - Dallas Willard - William Shakespeare - Bill Gaither Scriptures: - Psalm 133 - Ephesians 4:3–6 - John 17:20–23 #Psalm133 #JohnOrtberg #Unity #Trinity #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #John17 #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: William Shakespeare, “The Phoenix and The Turtle” 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Psalm 133 & God's Favorite Word 00:31 Repair Work & Getting Names Right 01:01 How Good and Pleasant It Is 01:55 Oil, Dew & God's Blessing 02:20 Why Unity Matters So Much 02:38 One Spirit, One Lord, One God 03:19 The Mystery of the Trinity 04:10 Life Inside the Trinity 05:28 The Eternal Dance of Love 05:57 Shakespeare & Becoming One 06:50 Created for Oneness 07:41 Jesus' Prayer in John 17 08:28 "May They Also Be In Us" 09:27 Invited Into the Life of God 10:07 Bill Gaither & The Circle of Music 11:14 Welcomed Into the Center 11:49 Becoming an Includer 12:14 Repairing Relationships 12:52 How Good and Pleasant It Is

26. How to Pray When You're Struggling (with Kevin Palau)

June 8, 2026 • John Ortberg, Kevin Palau • Psalm 42

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 formation - Psalm 42 and emotional honesty - The pressure to appear spiritually strong - Faith and discouragement - Sabbath, rest, and slowing down - Learning to put our hope in God One of the great gifts of Psalm 42 is that it reminds us that faith is not pretending everything is fine. Faith is bringing our real selves before God and placing our hope in Him anyway. Scriptures: - Psalm 42 Featuring: - Kevin Palau - John Mark Comer (referenced) #Psalm42 #JohnOrtberg #KevinPalau #Prayer #Anxiety #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Hope #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Kevin Palau 00:54 Ministry, Leadership & Hidden Anxiety 02:06 Why Psalm 42 Resonates So Deeply 03:41 “As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water” 04:42 When Tears Become Your Food 05:45 The Pressure to Appear Spiritually Strong 07:05 Anxiety Beneath the Surface 08:27 It's Okay to Feel This Way 09:13 John Mark Comer, Rest & Sabbath 10:06 Speaking Hope to Your Soul 11:21 God Is My Savior and My God 12:04 Joy, Grandchildren & Future Hope 12:52 Hope and Discouragement Together 13:39 Why Honesty Makes Us Safer 14:31 Giving Others Permission to Be Real 14:56 Simply Read the Psalm

25. Psalm 23 and the Life You've Always Wanted

June 5, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 23

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 episode explores: - Psalm 23 and the Kingdom of God - Dallas Willard's vision of life without lack - Freedom from fear and anxiety - God's presence as the center of the spiritual life - Green pastures, still waters, and restored souls - Goodness and mercy following us every day Featuring reflections from: - Dallas Willard - Charles Spurgeon - C.S. Lewis - Walter Brueggemann Scriptures: - Psalm 23 - Matthew 6:33 - John 4:14 - Matthew 5:44 #Psalm23 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #LifeWithoutLack #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #KingdomOfGod 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, Life Without Lack: Living in the Fullness of Psalm 23 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Psalm 23: The Comfort We Need 00:30 Dallas Willard & Life Without Lack 01:22 The Lord Is My Shepherd 02:16 I Shall Not Want 03:09 Freedom From Unsatisfied Desire 04:00 Green Pastures & Still Waters 04:51 He Restores My Soul 05:43 Paths of Righteousness 06:05 I Will Fear No Evil 07:03 You Are With Me 08:07 Rod, Staff & Shepherd Care 08:29 A Table in the Presence of Enemies 09:16 Loving Your Enemies 10:09 My Cup Runs Over 10:48 Goodness & Mercy Follow Me 11:18 Grief, Goodness & Mercy 11:42 Living Without Lack

24. Psalm 59 Explained (The Danger of Spiritualized Prayer)

June 4, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 59, Psalm 3, 1 Samuel 19

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 David's crisis. Men were sent to kill him. His prayer wasn't polished. It wasn't neat. It was real. This episode explores: - Why every prayer comes from a story - The danger of spiritually correct prayer - Psalm 59 and David's honesty - Fear, trust, and emotional authenticity - Eugene Peterson's insights on prayer - Bringing your whole self before God Featuring reflections from: - Eugene Peterson - David's life in 1 Samuel Scriptures: - Psalm 59 - Psalm 3 - 1 Samuel 19 #Psalm59 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #EugenePeterson #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Authenticity #Faith 📚 Today's Resources: Eugene H. Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 What's Your Story Today? 00:39 Eugene Peterson & Spiritualized Prayer 01:06 Psalm 3 and David's Story 01:51 Every Day Is a Story 02:32 Psalm Titles and Real Life 03:17 Why Scholars Often Ignore the Titles 04:02 Eugene Peterson's Insight 04:31 The Danger of Spiritualized Prayer 05:24 What Trouble Are You Facing Today? 06:21 Psalm 59 Begins 07:02 Trust, Fear & Emotional Honesty 08:20 Mrs. X and Spiritually Correct Prayer 09:19 The Problem With Polished Prayers 10:08 Living in the Mess With God 10:59 “I Am Not My Strength” 11:23 Every Story Matters to God 11:44 Your Outside Story and Inside Story

23. What If Refuge Was a Verb? (with Lisa Cuss)

June 3, 2026 • John Ortberg, Lisa Cuss • Psalm 31

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 suddenly felt deeply human and surprisingly familiar. This episode explores: - Trauma and attachment theory - Church hurt and emotional healing - Psalm 31 and the image of refuge - Why God is called a fortress - Right-sizing reality through prayer - Making refuge an active spiritual practice Featuring reflections on: - David's prayers - The nervous system - Martin Luther - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God #Psalm31 #JohnOrtberg #LisaCuss #Prayer #Trauma #AttachmentTheory #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Anxiety #Psalms 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Meet Lisa Cuss 00:30 Church Hurt, Conflict & Anxiety 01:15 Living Between Panic & Shutdown 02:29 Reading the Psalms Through the Nervous System 03:23 David's Emotional Honesty 04:00 Naming the Amygdala Hijack 04:47 Psalm 31: Refuge & Fortress 05:56 What Refuge Really Means 06:27 Right-Sizing Reality 07:02 Refuge as a Spiritual Practice 07:27 What If Refuge Became a Verb? 08:25 Understanding Fortress 08:42 Protection While Under Attack 09:07 The Battles Inside Us 09:56 Facing Hard Things With God 10:27 Martin Luther & A Mighty Fortress 11:20 Go Refuge

22. God Loves Imperfect People

June 2, 2026 • John Ortberg • 2 Corinthians 4:7, John 20:24–29, Psalm 138, Psalm 103:13–14

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 creates beauty through what we would rather hide. This episode explores: - The difference between perfection and perfectionism - Why God remembers we are dust - Fear, anxiety, and self-worth - Wabi-sabi and the beauty of imperfection - Jesus retaining His scars after resurrection - Learning to accept imperfect people Featuring reflections on: - Brené Brown - Gordon Flett - Psalm 138 - Psalm 103 Scriptures: - Psalm 138 - Psalm 103:13–14 - Isaiah 53 #Psalm138 #JohnOrtberg #Perfectionism #Grace #WabiSabi #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Prayer #BibleStudy #Psalms 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Today's Only for Imperfect People 00:27 The Psalms & Human Brokenness 00:47 Psalm 138 Begins 01:16 Though I Walk in the Midst of Trouble 02:08 “The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerns Me” 02:30 “He Remembers We Are Dust” 03:02 Wabi-Sabi & the Beauty of Imperfection 03:37 The Difference Between Perfection & Perfectionism 04:41 Brené Brown, Fear & Self-Worth 05:19 Cracked Pottery Filled With Gold 05:50 Jesus Kept His Scars 06:22 Isaiah 53 & the Appearance of Jesus 07:07 The Leaning Tower of Pisa 07:33 Post-it Notes & Beautiful Failure 08:45 God’s Compassion for Dust 09:19 Living in an Imperfect World 10:04 Welcoming Imperfect People 10:22 Nancy Joins the Conversation 10:35 “You’re Pretty Darn Close to Perfect”

21. Why We Can't Worry Our Way into Peace

June 1, 2026 • John Ortberg, Steve Cuss • Psalm 131

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 awareness - “Trying to worry your way to peace” - How to notice what’s happening internally - Connected vs. disconnected prayer - Relaxing into God’s presence - Psalm 131 and soothing the soul This conversation is honest, calming, psychologically insightful, and deeply encouraging. Scriptures: - Psalm 131 #Psalm131 #JohnOrtberg #SteveCuss #Prayer #Anxiety #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Peace #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Steve Cuss Returns 00:28 Prayer, Peace & the Need for Soothing 01:39 Psalm 131 Begins 02:32 “I Have Calmed and Quieted Myself” 03:20 A Weaned Child With Its Mother 03:40 Learning to Notice What’s Happening Inside 04:34 “I Don’t Know How I’m Doing” 05:05 Bringing Yourself Honestly Before God 05:46 Calming & Quieting Ourselves 06:19 “Trying to Worry My Way to Peace” 07:19 “Who or What Is Taking Up Too Much Space?” 08:02 Forgetting the Presence of God 08:29 Relaxing Into God’s Presence 09:15 Small Moments of Relief & Resilience 10:04 “Put Your Hope in the Lord” 10:39 “Now and Forevermore” 11:23 Connected Self vs. Disconnected Self 12:14 “How Am I Really Doing?” 12:44 The Wasp Story & Closing Prayer

20. Psalm 1 and the Problem With Twitter

May 29, 2026 • John Ortberg, Steve Cuss • Psalm 1:1–3, Psalm 1, Psalm 55

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 explores: - Psalm 1 and “the company of mockers” - Reactivity and self-righteousness online - Why Steve deactivated Twitter - Social media algorithms and outrage - Meditation, attention, and spiritual formation - “Relaxing into God’s presence” This is an honest, thoughtful, and deeply practical conversation about technology, attention, anxiety, and the health of the human soul. Scriptures: - Psalm 1 - Psalm 55 #Psalm1 #JohnOrtberg #SteveCuss #SocialMedia #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Anxiety #Twitter #Psalms 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Steve Cuss Joins the Conversation 00:52 Social Media, Reactivity & Self-Righteousness 01:38 “One More Statement From Me Is What the World Requires” 02:05 Psalm 1 Begins 03:20 Scoffers, Mockers & Online Culture 04:03 “Thank God I’m Not Like Those People” 04:32 Why Steve Left Twitter 05:16 Psalm 55 & “Violence in the City” 06:13 The Emotional Atmosphere of Social Media 07:23 Trying to Respond With Grace Online 08:11 Algorithms Reward Outrage 09:07 Systems That Amplify the Worst in Us 09:34 Self-Awareness Is Not Enough 10:12 Meditating on Outrage vs. Meditating on God 10:42 “What Street Do I No Longer Need to Walk Down?” 10:56 Closing Prayer

19. The Secret Language of the Psalms

May 28, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 90, Psalm 6, Psalm 8, Psalm 23, Psalm 88

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 notice God. This episode explores: - Why the Psalms are poetry, not prose - Hebrew parallelism explained simply - Why repetition matters spiritually - Psalm 23, Psalm 88, and Psalm 90 - Jesus’ use of poetic teaching - Prayer as attentiveness rather than efficiency Featuring reflections from: - Eugene Peterson - C.S. Lewis - Robert Lowth Scriptures: - Psalm 90 - Psalm 23 - Psalm 88 - Matthew 7 #Psalms #Prayer #JohnOrtberg #SpiritualFormation #HebrewPoetry #BibleStudy #Psalm90 #ChristianFaith #EugenePeterson #CSLewis 📚 Today's Resources: Answering God — by Eugene Peterson Reflections on the Psalms — by C. S. Lewis 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 The One Word for Praying the Psalms 00:21 Psalm 90 & Numbering Our Days 00:51 Why the Psalms Repeat Themselves 01:08 The Psalms Are Poetry, Not Prose 01:34 Hebrew Parallelism Explained 02:03 Robert Lowth & Hebrew Poetry 02:59 Poetry Carries Thought Forward 03:24 “It Doesn’t Rhyme!” 04:04 Eugene Peterson on Poetry & Prayer 05:06 Why the Psalms Slow Us Down 06:02 Psalm 8 & Returning Home 07:18 Psalm 23 & Poetic Pivoting 08:06 Psalm 88 & Unresolved Anguish 09:21 The Psalms Were Never Meant for Speed Reading 09:44 Jesus Used Parallelism Too 10:14 “Judge Not…” Explained 10:37 “Ask, Seek, Knock” 11:23 Prayer, Patience & Attention 11:56 The Language of the Soul

18. How Worship Neutralizes Envy

May 27, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 73:28, Psalm 73

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, and the exhausting habit of comparing our lives to everyone else around us. This episode explores: - Why comparison distorts reality - Social media, envy, and modern dissatisfaction - Worship as perspective restoration - The turning point of Psalm 73 - Why gratitude disappears when envy grows - “It is good to be near God” This teaching is deeply practical, psychologically insightful, and spiritually grounding. Scriptures: - Psalm 73 #Psalm73 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Worship #Envy #Comparison #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & “Where’s the Beef?” 00:28 Pouring Out Envy Honestly to God 00:45 Psalm 73 Begins 01:13 “I Envied the Arrogant” 01:35 Why Other People’s Lives Look Better 02:08 “They’re Really Happy” 02:32 Comparing, Resenting & Complaining 03:18 “Surely in Vain Have I Kept My Heart Pure” 03:45 The Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” Illustration 04:11 Why Life Feels Unfair 04:36 The Turning Point: Entering the Sanctuary 05:15 Worship Restores Perspective 06:01 Nothing Changed… Yet Everything Changed 06:28 “Afterward You Will Take Me Into Glory” 06:55 The “D in Chemistry” Perspective Story 07:39 Worship as a Way of Life 08:09 What Worship Does to the Soul 08:31 What Happens When We Stop Worshiping 09:19 Learning to Meet God Throughout the Day 10:15 “It Is Good to Be Near God” 11:11 “I Will Tell of All Your Deeds”

17. Psalm 126 and the Spiritual Power of Joy

May 26, 2026 • John Ortberg • Genesis 18, Genesis 21, Psalm 2

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: - Psalm 126 and joy - Why laughter matters spiritually - The neuroscience of laughter - Spontaneous vs. social laughter - Joy, humility, and human connection - Sarah laughing at God’s promise - Why the Gospel itself can feel wonderfully absurd Featuring reflections from: - Eugene Peterson - C.S. Lewis - Carl Jung - Frederick Buechner Scriptures: - Psalm 126 - Psalm 2 - Genesis 18 #Psalm126 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Joy #Laughter #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Psalms #CSLewis #BibleStudy 📚 Today's Resources: Robert Provine: Laughter: A Scientific Investigation Eugene H. Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer C.S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Is Laughter a Form of Prayer? 00:20 Why We Rarely Associate Laughter With God 01:05 Why Adults Stop Laughing 01:30 Psalm 126 & Restored Joy 02:19 What Laughter Actually Is 02:48 Why Jokes Aren’t the Main Reason We Laugh 03:11 The Trinity Walks Into a Wine Bar… 03:37 Jung, Spirit & Joy 04:02 Laughter, Safety & Human Connection 04:24 Who Invented Laughter? 04:45 Two Different Kinds of Laughter 05:36 Spontaneous Joy & the Brain 06:06 God Loves to Give Laughter 06:29 Eugene Peterson: “God Laughs” 07:22 The “Get Your Own Dirt” Joke 08:06 C.S. Lewis & The First Joke 09:07 Frederick Buechner on Sarah’s Laughter 10:17 Laughing at God & With God 11:20 “Are You Kidding Me? God Loves Me?” 11:42 God Filling Our Mouths With Laughter

16. Remembering Is a Form of Prayer

May 25, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 77, Luke 22:19

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 hopefully. This episode explores: - Gratitude and memory - Remembering sin and forgiveness - God’s faithfulness through suffering - Augustine’s Confessions - René Girard and mimetic desire - Why Jesus told us to remember This teaching is thoughtful, moving, deeply personal, and filled with hope. Scriptures: - Psalm 77 - Luke 22:19 Resources referenced: - Eugene Peterson - Augustine’s Confessions - René Girard #Psalm77 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Memory #Gratitude #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Healing #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Eugene H. Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Memorial Day & Remembering 00:28 Psalm 77 & the Prayer of Memory 01:16 “I Will Remember the Deeds of the Lord” 01:38 Three Ways to Pray Through Memory 02:03 John’s Grandmother’s Notebook 02:42 Gratitude & Family Memories 04:00 Remembering People We Love 04:52 Remembering Sin & Forgiveness 05:18 Augustine’s Pear Theft Story 05:51 René Girard & Mimetic Desire 06:20 The Watermelon Story 07:27 Remembering Without Shame 08:09 Remembering God’s Faithfulness 08:36 Grief, Loss & Family Suffering 09:32 “The Healing Power Is Greater Than the Hurting Power” 10:19 Retrospect & Hope Beyond This Life 11:17 “Remember” 11:29 Jesus & the Last Supper 11:46 Closing Prayer

15. Why Gratitude Cannot Be Forced

May 22, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 100, Genesis 3, John 10

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 episode explores: - Why gratitude begins with awareness - The hidden acts of love around us - Psalm 100 and worship - “Know that the Lord, He is God” - Gratitude, creation, and ordinary beauty - Learning to “connect the dots” back to God This is a thoughtful, moving reflection on gratitude, worship, attention, and the goodness of God. Scriptures: - Psalm 100 - Genesis 3 (allusion) - John 10 imagery Resources referenced: - Those Winter Sundays — Robert Hayden #Psalm100 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Thankfulness #Worship #BibleStudy #Psalms 📚 Today's Resources: Robert Hayden, “Those Winter Sundays” 🙌 New episodes every weekday. 📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT us at 51504 EMAIL US at mailto:connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at http://becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team DOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: http://becomenew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/1cnqywvp9s 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://http://www.instagram.com/become.new Music Credits: Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKE Alta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF 00:00 Introduction & Praying Gratitude 00:24 Psalm 100 & Childhood Memory Contest 01:02 Why Gratitude Cannot Be Forced 01:21 What Comes Before Gratitude 01:52 Robert Hayden’s “Those Winter Sundays” 03:04 “Love’s Austere and Lonely Offices” 03:40 Hidden Acts of Love We Miss 04:41 Gratitude Begins With Awareness 05:10 “Make a Joyful Noise” 05:48 “Know That the Lord, He Is God” 06:06 The Temptation to Be Like God 06:25 “I Got to Have a Life” 06:42 We Are the Sheep of His Pasture 07:12 “Connect the Dots” Back to God 07:56 “The Lord Is Good” 08:18 Ordinary Gifts & Everyday Glory 08:54 Jesus & the Lonely Offices of Love 09:13 Gratitude Overflowing Into Service