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 differen...

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 - Elij...

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 ...

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 pow...

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 ...

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 al...

How should followers of Jesus love their country? In this Independence Day reflection, John Ortberg explores Psalm 8, the Gettysburg Address, and the biblical foundation of human dignity. Drawing from the writings of Abraham Lincoln, philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff, and the opening chapters of Genesis, John explains why every human being possesses immeasurable worth—not because of what they achieve, but because they bear the image of God. This episode explores: - Psalm 8 and human dignit...

What does it actually mean to fear God? In this reflection on Psalm 130, John Ortberg shares from a reunion with lifelong friends and explores one of Scripture's most misunderstood ideas. Why does the psalm say: "With You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared"? Drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, John explains the difference between fearing punishment and revering someone you deeply love. This episode explores: - Psalm 130 and crying out from the depths - God's forgiveness ...

Would you welcome a loving rebuke? In this reflection on Psalm 141, John Ortberg explores one of the most surprising prayers in Scripture: "Let a righteous person strike me—that is a kindness." Why would anyone ask to be corrected? Through stories from the life of Winston Churchill, personal reflections, and the wisdom of the Psalms, John shows how humility and honest feedback can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. This episode explores: - Psalm 141 and guarding our words - Why ...

Can you actually grow better with age? In this reflection on Psalm 92, John Ortberg is joined by his wife, Nancy Ortberg, for a warm and thoughtful conversation about lifelong spiritual growth. Together they explore the psalm's remarkable promise: "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green." From stories of nursing patients to reflections on curiosity, hospitality, and John's grandmother Gladys, this episode offers a hopeful vision of aging with joy, purpose, a...