Praying Through the Psalms

60. Understanding Biblical Contradictions

August 14, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 14, Proverbs 26:4–5, 1 Corinthians 13

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 requires speaking. Sometimes it requires silence. Sometimes you engage. Sometimes you walk away. The goal of Scripture isn't merely to give us enough information to always follow the right rule. It's to form us into wise people, capable of judgment, discernment, and love. And Psalm 14 eventually turns the question around. Instead of asking only, “How do I deal with the fools out there?” perhaps we need to ask: “How do I deal with the fool in here?” In this episode: - Psalm 14 and the meaning of foolishness - Why sin isn't only bad, but foolish - Proverbs 26:4–5 and seemingly contradictory wisdom - Why the Bible doesn't simply give us rules - How Scripture forms judgment and discernment - When to engage a foolish person and when to walk away - Why biblical narratives require us to wrestle - The Psalms as honest journals rather than rulebooks - What it means to live as though "there is no God" - 1 Corinthians 13 and filling our minds with Scripture - How to become a wiser person Scriptures: - Psalm 14 - Proverbs 26:4–5 - 1 Corinthians 13 #Psalm14 #JohnOrtberg #Wisdom #Proverbs #Psalms #BibleStudy #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #Discernment #Relationships 📚 Today's Resources: David A. Hubbard, Proverbs (The Preacher’s Commentary, Volume 15) 🙌 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 Why Do I Do Stupid Things? 01:01 The Folly of Sin 01:47 How Do We Acquire Wisdom? 02:07 Fool Management 101 02:33 Proverbs on Dealing With Fools 03:01 Don't Answer a Fool...Answer a Fool? 03:32 Does the Bible Contradict Itself? 04:14 What Scripture Is Actually Trying to Do 05:08 Why Rules Aren't Enough 05:36 When to Engage a Fool 06:24 Wisdom Requires Discernment 06:49 Contradictory Words of Wisdom 07:16 Wisdom Isn't a Formula 07:59 Why the Bible Makes Us Wrestle 08:25 The Psalms Aren't a Rulebook 08:42 Psalm 14 & the Fool 09:45 Who Are the Righteous? 10:09 The Fool in Here 10:29 Wisdom Begins With Surrender 10:50 Fill Your Mind With Scripture 11:26 How to Become Wiser 11:49 Fool Management 101

59. The Noble Pursuit of Being Ordinary

August 13, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 104:24

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 as filled with meaning, wonder, and the presence of God. Drawing on Charles Taylor and Dallas Willard, John invites us to recover the eyes of "saints, poets, and artists" and rediscover what Willard called "the well-kept secret of the ordinary." Birds sing. Trees grow. Wild animals drink. Leviathan frolics. People go to work. And apparently God really likes hyraxes. Psalm 104 invites us to look again and recognize that ordinary creation is overflowing with the generosity, creativity, and goodness of God. In this episode: Psalm 104 and the wonder of creation Charles Taylor and the "immanent frame" Recovering the enchantment of reality Dallas Willard and the secret of ordinary life Why God made the hyrax Seeing creation as more than something to use The love-letter analogy Receiving your life as a gift Finding God in everyday moments Scriptures: Psalm 104 Genesis 1:26–27 #Psalm104 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #CharlesTaylor #Psalms #Creation #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Wonder 🙌 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 Make It an Ordinary Day 00:27 Recovering the Eyes of the Psalmist 01:06 Psalm 104 Begins 02:17 Charles Taylor & the Loss of Enchantment 02:51 Dallas Willard's Secret of the Ordinary 03:28 Listen to the Birds Sing 03:51 Rediscovering an Ordinary Gift 04:13 All Creatures Are God's Creatures 04:56 Meet the Hyrax 05:49 Why Did God Make Hyraxes? 06:14 We've Forgotten How to See 06:50 The Love Letter Illustration 07:18 You're Missing the Words 07:40 Creation Is Filled With Meaning 08:06 Every Leaf Is Charged With God's Presence 08:31 Go Outside and Actually Look 08:42 Why Did God Make Leviathan? 09:08 The Gratuitous Goodness of God 09:54 God Rejoices in His Creation 10:16 The Gift of Being Ordinary 10:53 Receive Your Life as a Gift 11:15 Give the Gift of Life to Others 11:36 Make It an Ordinary Day

58. Pinocchio Theology (Getting Real)

August 12, 2026 • John Ortberg • Luke 15, Jonah 1—2, Psalm 55, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Hosea 11:3

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, anguish, confusion, and desire honestly before God. John connects this idea to the original story of The Adventures of Pinocchio, which is much darker and more spiritually suggestive than the famous Disney adaptation. Pinocchio is lovingly created by his father, rebels against him, rejects his conscience, and longs for something he cannot accomplish on his own: to become real. And that's where Pinocchio's story intersects with ours. Transformation doesn't begin when we finally become the person we think God wants. It begins when the person we actually are becomes willing to stand honestly before Him. In this episode: Psalm 55 and honest prayer Why every emotion in the Psalms isn't necessarily an instruction Bringing our troubled thoughts before God The surprising theology of Pinocchio Conscience, rebellion, and the love of the Father Biblical echoes of Jonah and the Prodigal Son Moving from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh Why transformation begins with getting real Scriptures: Psalm 55 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Hosea 11:3 Luke 15 Jonah 1–2 Matthew 12:38–40 Ezekiel 36:26 #Psalm55 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Psalms #Pinocchio #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HonestPrayer #Transformation 🙌 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: Welcome to the World by Sarah Watson - License # MB01LXS9AQLSJGH 00:00 Which Version of You Does God Want? 00:39 Learning to Pray With the Psalms 01:06 Are All the Psalms Supposed to Be "Right"? 01:49 The Psalms Are Raw Journals 02:15 Psalm 55 & Troubled Thoughts 02:43 Fear, Trembling & Anguish 03:31 Praying About Difficult People 03:55 The Two Versions of You 04:18 The Book John Never Wrote 04:44 The Original Pinocchio 05:14 Pinocchio Rebels Against His Father 05:39 God Taught Israel to Walk 06:17 Jiminy Cricket vs. the Original Story 06:39 Pinocchio Kills His Conscience 07:03 The Tragic Story of Jiminy Cricket's Voice 07:59 Pinocchio Needs Help Beyond Himself 08:50 The Prodigal Son & a Heart of Flesh 09:21 Jonah, Resurrection & Becoming Real 10:07 Transformation Begins With Reality 10:28 Pour Out the Ugly Stuff 10:56 Don't Bring God the Disney Version 11:21 Bring the Real You, Splinters and All

57. This Psalm is Deeply Important to Me

August 11, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 121, 1 Kings 18, Romans 8:35–39

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, and danger. The psalmist looks directly toward them and asks: Where does my help really come from? John explores what it means to live under God's watchful care, why Psalm 121 doesn't promise a life without suffering, and how this Psalm became deeply personal as he recited its final words at his father's deathbed. Whatever hills you're facing today, your help comes from the One who made them. In this episode: Psalm 121 and God's watchful care "I lift up my eyes to the hills" The high places and ancient idolatry What we're tempted to trust instead of God Nicholas Wolterstorff and Lament for a Son Why God's protection doesn't mean a pain-free life Romans 8 and God's inseparable love John Ortberg's final moments with his father Scriptures: Psalm 121 1 Kings 18 Romans 8:35–39 #Psalm121 #JohnOrtberg #Psalms #Prayer #TrustGod #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Faith #godspresence 00:00 Two Actions for a Really Good Day 00:21 John's Most Meaningful Psalm 00:43 I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills 01:30 God Is Watching Over Your Life 02:22 Living the Watched-Over Life 02:46 What Does "Lift Up My Eyes" Mean? 03:08 The Hills & Ancient Idolatry 03:29 What Are Your Idols? 04:13 The Hills We Have to Climb 04:55 "He Will Not Let Your Foot Slip" 05:17 Nicholas Wolterstorff & Lament for a Son 05:39 The Friend Who Put Psalm 121 to Music 06:04 The God Who Never Sleeps 06:34 Living in the Shade of God 07:16 The Moon, Madness & a Sound Mind 07:40 Harm Doesn't Mean No Hurt 08:05 Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love 08:31 Psalm 121 at My Father's Deathbed 09:26 Face Your Hills & Lift Your Eyes 09:48 My Help Comes From the Lord

56. Why You Shouldn't Pray Every Psalm

August 10, 2026 • John Ortberg • Matthew 26:30, Psalm 109, Psalms 113—118, Matthew 5:43–48

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 honest prayers in process. They teach us how to bring our real emotions into God's presence without pretending, suppressing, or acting on them. This episode explores: - Psalm 109 and the imprecatory psalms - Why the Bible gives voice to victims - The difference between words and actions - Internal processors vs. external processors - Why prayer is a journey, not a performance - How Jesus Himself prayed the Psalms Scriptures: - Psalm 109 - Psalms 113–118 - Matthew 5:43–48 - Matthew 26:30 #Psalm109 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Psalms #RenéGirard #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HonestPrayer #Jesus 📚 Today's Resources: René Girard, I See Satan Fall Like Lightning Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird Lewis Smedes, Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve 🙌 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: Welcome to the World by Sarah Watson - License # MB01LXS9AQLSJGH 00:00 "Don't Pray the Psalms" 00:32 The Prayer Book of Jesus 01:25 Psalm 109 Begins 02:07 One of the Harshest Prayers in Scripture 03:04 Are We Supposed to Pray This? 03:46 Giving Voice to Victims 05:19 Words, Not Actions 06:10 "But You, Sovereign Lord..." 06:56 When the Heart Begins to Turn 07:47 Does God Hate the Same People You Do? 08:24 A Story of Deep Betrayal 09:36 "I Hate Him" 10:40 Honest Prayer Changes Us 11:26 Internal vs. External Processors 13:05 The Psalms Are External Processing 14:00 Let the Psalms Shape Your Prayer 15:18 Jesus and Loving Your Enemies

55. Stop Comparing. Start Living.

July 17, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 37, Genesis 4, Genesis 25—30, Genesis 37, Matthew 5:5

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 everyone else's. This episode explores: - Psalm 37 and overcoming envy - Why comparison is so destructive - The difference between jealousy and envy - Biblical stories of envy - Social media and the comparison trap - Living each day under God's loving care Scriptures: - Psalm 37 - Genesis 4 - Genesis 25–30 - Genesis 37 - Matthew 5:5 #Psalm37 #JohnOrtberg #Envy #Comparison #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Contentment #Faith 📚 Today's Resources: Rebecca Konyndyk De Young, Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies Victor Hugo, “L’Avarice et L’Envie,” Le Conservateur littéraire (1819) Pope St. Gregory the Great, Moralia in Job (~580 CE) Francis Bacon, “Of Envy” (1625) Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., “Harrison Bergeon,” The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction 🙌 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 Comparison Is Stealing Your Joy 00:36 Psalm 37 Begins 01:09 The External Solution to Envy 01:32 Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron 02:49 Why Equality Doesn't Cure Envy 03:18 Living in God's Kingdom 03:42 Don't Fret or Ruminate 04:02 Delight Yourself in the Lord 04:55 Jealousy vs. Envy 05:48 Why God Is Jealous but Never Envious 06:46 The Bible's Story of Envy 07:33 Envy Begins With Deficiency 08:05 An Envy Self-Assessment 09:16 Victor Hugo's Story of Envy 09:56 How Envy Shows Itself 10:56 Social Media & Comparison 11:32 Spending Your Days Under God's Care 12:13 Live an Envy-Free Day

54. Does Prayer Actually Change Anything?

July 16, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 74

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, responds, and is deeply moved by His people. This episode explores: - Psalm 74 and communal lament - Psalms of orientation and disorientation - Why the church needs lament - God's unchanging character and responsive heart - Dallas Willard's "Most Moved Mover" - Why your prayers matter Scriptures: - Psalm 74 #psalm74 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #WalterBrueggemann #DallasWillard #Lament #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #God 📚 Today's Resources: Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy 🙌 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 Does Prayer Change God? 00:30 Why Pray If God Already Knows? 01:24 Psalm 74 & Communal Lament 02:03 Psalms of Orientation & Disorientation 02:40 "Why Have You Rejected Us?" 03:34 Remembering God's Faithfulness 03:59 Walter Brueggemann on Lament 05:25 The God Who Suffers With Us 06:21 Is God Really Unchangeable? 07:07 Dallas Willard's Community of Prayerful Love 08:13 The Most Moved Mover 09:00 The Unmoved Mover vs. the God of the Bible 10:03 Jesus Reveals God's Heart 11:03 Bring God Your Disorientation 12:02 Enter Into Another Person's Lament

53. The Surprising Cure for Loneliness

July 15, 2026 • John Ortberg • Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 139, Romans 8:35–39

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 discover God's loving presence most deeply. This episode explores: Psalm 139 and being fully known by God - The difference between aloneness and loneliness - Why we distract ourselves with constant noise - Dallas Willard's "strange cure for loneliness" - Romans 8 and God's inseparable love - How solitude leads to deeper community Scriptures: - Psalm 139 - Romans 8:35–39 - Hebrews 13:5 #Psalm139 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #Loneliness #Solitude #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #GodKnowsYou 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard, Hearing God Ludie Day Pickett, “Never Alone” Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy 🙌 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 Strange Cure for Loneliness 00:30 Psalm 139 Begins 01:01 You Have Searched Me and Know Me 01:47 God Knows Every Moment 02:16 Even There, You Are Present 02:49 Fearfully and Wonderfully Made 03:23 Holding My Newborn Daughter 04:28 Dallas Willard's Story of Aloneness 05:17 The Human Condition of Being Alone 06:26 God Can Go Where No One Else Can 07:01 Never Alone 07:56 Why We Distract Ourselves 08:41 The Cure for Loneliness 09:19 Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love 10:05 God Already Knows 10:33 Present to the Presence 11:06 Solitude Leads to Community 11:32 You Are Never Alone

52. Does God Feel Far Away?

July 14, 2026 • John Ortberg • Matthew 27, Mark 15, Mark 3, Isaiah 53, Psalm 22

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 the remarkable hope hidden in one tiny word that many of us overlook: "My." This episode explores: - Psalm 22 and the experience of forsakenness - Why abandonment wounds so deeply - Jesus' cry from the cross - The man with the withered hand - The difference between explanation and healing - The hope found in belonging to God even in our darkest moments Scriptures: - Psalm 22 - Matthew 27 - Mark 15 - Mark 3 - Isaiah 53 #Psalm22 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Jesus #Cross #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hope #Suffering 📚 Today's Resources: The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri 🙌 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 Deepest Prayer in Scripture 00:36 Psalm 22 Begins 01:21 What It Means to Be Forsaken 02:09 Why Forsakenness Hurts So Deeply 03:07 The Question That Won't Go Away 04:06 It's a Cry for Healing 04:43 The Man With the Withered Hand 05:07 God-Forsaken 06:20 The Fellowship of the Withered Hand 06:52 Jesus Prays Psalm 22 07:50 The Cross & Complete Forsakenness 08:16 One Little Word Changes Everything 08:50 "My God..." 09:42 He Is Still My God 10:18 Meeting Jesus in Our Deepest Pain 11:06 When the Prayer Becomes Simply... "My God"

51. This Law Explains the Whole Bible (Psalm 113)

July 13, 2026 • John Ortberg • Exodus 15, 1 Samuel 2, Luke 1, Psalm 113, Genesis

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 His disciples' feet, Scripture tells one remarkable story: God's kingdom operates differently. This episode explores: - Psalm 113 and God's care for the overlooked - The Law of Inversion - The world's pecking order - Hannah's prayer and Mary's Magnificat - The Beatitudes - Jesus' upside-down kingdom - Why every person has access to "the good stuff" Scriptures: - Psalm 113 - Genesis - Exodus 15 - 1 Samuel 2 - Luke 1 - Matthew 5 - John 13 - Philippians 2 #Psalm113 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #KingdomOfGod #Beatitudes #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Humility 🙌 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 Who Gets the Good Stuff? 00:35 Psalm 113 Begins 01:15 God Raises the Poor From the Dust 01:40 The World's Prestige System 02:10 Dallas Willard's Law of Inversion 02:30 Cain, Abel & the First Reversal 02:53 Jacob, Joseph & God's Pattern 04:00 Miriam's Song of Victory 04:21 Hannah's Prayer 05:16 Mary's Magnificat 06:05 The Pecking Order Explained 07:21 Jesus Turns the World Upside Down 08:07 The Beatitudes & the Blessed Life 09:33 Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet 09:56 The Great Law of the Kingdom 10:26 Remember: You Are Blessed 10:53 See People the Way God Does 11:16 Live the Law of Inversion

50. These Two Words Will Change Your Life

July 10, 2026 • John Ortberg • Philippians 4:13, Psalm 143, 1 Kings 19, Psalm 127:1

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 our own. This episode explores: - Psalm 143 and praying from weakness - Why self-sufficiency is a spiritual trap - Elijah's burnout and God's compassion - "The journey is too much for you" - A better understanding of Philippians 4:13 - Why "I can't" opens the door to God's strength Scriptures: - Psalm 143 - 1 Kings 19 - Psalm 127:1 - Philippians 4:13 #Psalm143 #JohnOrtberg #Prayer #Faith #DependenceOnGod #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #SpiritualFormation #Philippians413 #Hope 📚 Today's Resources: Gerald F. Hawthorne, World Biblical Commentary: Philippians 🙌 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 Two Words That Can Change Your Life 00:23 Psalm 143 Begins 00:59 My Spirit Grows Faint 01:52 Teach Me the Way I Should Go 02:14 The Barrel Nut Story 03:11 Two Life-Changing Words: "I Can't" 03:59 What You Cannot Control 05:06 Why We Need God 05:31 Elijah's Exhaustion 06:03 "The Journey Is Too Much for You" 06:58 Unless the Lord Builds the House 07:19 Rethinking Philippians 4:13 08:04 "I Can Face All Things" 08:38 I Can't. He Can. 09:00 The Honest Prayer of Psalm 143

49. Why God Doesn’t Reveal Everything At Once

July 9, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 39, Luke 5:8, Job 7:16–21, Jonah 1, John 16

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 than all at once. This episode explores: - Psalm 39 and radical honesty - Why Job, Peter, and Jonah wanted distance from God - Healthy vs. unhealthy denial - Self-deception and procrastination - Why Jesus said, "You cannot bear it now" - The grace of gradual transformation Scriptures: - Psalm 39 - Job 7 - Luke 5 - Jonah 1 - John 16 #psalm39 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #SelfDeception #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Truth #Healing 📚 Today's Resources: Gregg A. Ten Elshof, I Told Me So: Self-Deception and the Christian Life Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness Unto Death Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart 🙌 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 One of the Strangest Prayers in the Bible 00:33 Why We Need Denial 00:59 Psalm 39 Begins 01:22 Silence Isn't the Goal 02:12 "Look Away From Me" 02:51 Job's Similar Prayer 03:40 Peter & Jonah Run From God 04:29 How Self-Deception Works 05:08 "I'll Deal With It Later" 05:35 Kierkegaard on Denial 06:13 "You Cannot Bear It Now" 06:58 Dallas Willard on Healthy Denial 08:05 "You Can't Handle the Truth" 08:50 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Denial 10:30 Are You Ready to See? 11:16 God Reveals Truth With Love 11:57 Denial Is an Emergency Brake

48. The Opposite of Fear Isn't Courage

July 8, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 27, Exodus, Esther, Matthew 1, 1 Samuel 17

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 the ultimate antidote to fear - The difference between emotional states and character traits - The powerful "Then what?" exercise - A practical prayer for anxious moments - Learning to be hidden in God's presence Scriptures: - Psalm 27 - Exodus - Esther - Matthew 1 - 1 Samuel 17 #Psalm27 #JohnOrtberg #Fear #TrustGod #Prayer #DallasWillard #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Anxiety 📚 Today's Resources: The Big Book of AA, Step 4 🙌 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 Fear Isn't the Real Problem 00:47 The Opposite of Fear Isn't Courage 01:15 Was Jesus Nuts? 01:43 Psalm 27 Begins 02:18 The Lord Is My Light and Salvation 02:44 Hidden in God 03:08 God Is the Antidote to Fear 03:33 State vs. Trait 04:43 Becoming a Courageous Person 05:33 Fear Not Doesn't Mean Feel Nothing 06:14 Moses, Esther & Joseph 06:41 What Are You Afraid Of? 07:18 The 12-Step Prayer About Fear 08:01 The Great White Shark Story 08:48 "Then What?" 10:25 Bringing Fear to God 11:17 Take Action, Then Trust God 11:40 The Lord Is My Light and Salvation

47. What God Actually Wants

July 7, 2026 • John Ortberg • Psalm 51, Matthew 5, Matthew 23, 2 Samuel 11—12

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 after something far deeper than behavior modification. He wants transformation from the inside out. This episode explores: - Psalm 51 and David's prayer - The difference between behavior and the heart - Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount - Why outward obedience isn't enough - Joni Eareckson Tada's powerful insight about sin - Becoming the kind of person who naturally desires what is good Scriptures: - Psalm 51 - Matthew 5 - Matthew 23 - 2 Samuel 11–12 #Psalm51 #JohnOrtberg #JoniEarecksonTada #DallasWillard #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HeartTransformation #SermonOnTheMount 📚 Today's Resources: Dallas Willard Joni Eareckson Tada 🙌 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 Does God Really Want? 00:44 The Most Misunderstood Part of the Spiritual Life 01:32 Psalm 51 & David's Prayer 02:15 Create in Me a Clean Heart 03:04 What Makes Someone a Good Person? 03:41 Jesus vs. Behavior Modification 04:43 Lust, the Heart & the Sermon on the Mount 05:18 Why Jesus Talks About Gouging Out Your Eye 06:08 Reductio ad Absurdum Explained 06:57 Meet Joni Eareckson Tada 07:50 "Sin Was an Attitude as Much as an Act" 09:20 The Prayer We All Need 09:48 Stop White-Knuckling Your Faith 10:34 God Wants to Change Your Desires 11:01 Love, Joy & Peace Begin in the Heart

46. Don't Let a Wounded Heart Become a Bitter Spirit - Glenn Packiam

July 6, 2026 • John Ortberg, Glenn Packiam • Psalm 73

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 - The danger of a wounded heart and bitter spirit - "The Bible is reading you" - Why "Yet I am always with You" changes everything - Christian hope beyond present circumstances - Ty Cobb's surprising lesson for prayer - Why the best thing you can do is simply keep showing up Scriptures: - Psalm 73 #Psalm73 #JohnOrtberg #GlennPackiam #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Psalms #Hope #FaithInHardTimes 🙌 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 Meet Glenn Packiam 00:48 Returning to the Psalms 02:20 Psalm 73 & A Slipping Faith 03:23 Envying the Prosperity of the Wicked 04:05 When the Bible Reads You 04:56 A Wounded Heart & Bitter Spirit 05:52 Losing Perspective 06:13 "Yet I Am Always With You" 07:00 God Holds You by the Hand 07:29 My Flesh and My Heart May Fail 08:18 When You Can't Fix Yourself 09:46 A Future Filled With Hope 10:31 Ty Cobb's Bunting Lesson 11:14 What to Do in a Spiritual Slump 11:53 Keep Showing Up