Become New with John Ortberg

Become New
  • 4.8 (364)
  • Spirituality
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Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

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

    18h ago

    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 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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

    14 min
  2. 22. God Loves Imperfect People

    1d ago

    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 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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”

    13 min
  3. 21. Why We Can’t Worry Our Way to Peace

    2d ago

    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 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 🙌 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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

    12 min
  4. 20. Psalm 1 and the Problem With Twitter

    5d ago

    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 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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

    13 min
  5. 19. The Secret Language of the Psalms

    6d ago

    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 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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

    14 min
  6. 18. How Worship Neutralizes Envy

    May 27

    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, 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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”

    14 min
  7. 17. Psalm 126 and the Spiritual Power of Joy

    May 26

    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: - 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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

    15 min
  8. 16. Remembering Is a Form of Prayer

    May 25

    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 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 connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at 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: BecomeNew.com/study-guides 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://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

    14 min
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4.8
out of 5
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Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.

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  • Creator
    Become New
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Become New with John Ortberg
  • Show Website
    Become New with John Ortberg

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