Putting Distractions in Their Place, Part 1

Overcoming Discouragement with the Gospel

Cheryl Marshall welcomes Christine Chappell, biblical counselor and author, to discuss how believers can overcome discouragement by turning to the gospel, especially through the practice of biblical lament. Christine shares her personal story of grief, depression, and faith, offering practical frameworks and spiritual truths to help listeners pour out their hearts before God in seasons of struggle. Key Topics Covered * The reality of discouragement in the Christian life  * Christine Chappell’s personal journey through grief, sorrow, and depression  * The gift and practice of biblical lament: what it is and why it matters  * The “EVAC” model for practicing lament: Engage God, Voice complaint, Ask for help, Choose to trust based on Psalm 13  * Practical examples from Psalms 13 & 44 on bringing your pain to God  * Facing affliction and confusion when seeking to live faithfully * Finding hope and comfort in the suffering and love of Christ  * Encouragement for those in a place of deep discouragement  Take Aways * You’re not alone: Both long-time and new Christians experience times of hardship and confusion, but nothing can separate us from God’s love  * Lament is a gift: It’s not just an emotion but a way to speak honestly to God, providing a pathway to refuge and healing  * Transformation happens in the presence of God: Relief from pain may not be immediate, but true strength and comfort come from drawing near to him  * Look to Jesus: When help seems absent, look to the cross for the ultimate proof of God’s love  * God-glorifying perseverance: Glorifying God in discouragement looks like trusting Christ and depending on him moment by moment  Next Steps 1. Practice Lament: Try using Psalm 13 and the EVAC model in your personal prayer time this week to honestly pour out your heart to God. 2. Reflect on Christ’s Love: When discouraged, turn your gaze to Calvary. Let the cross remind you of God’s unchanging love. 3. Dive Deeper: Explore Christine Chappell’s books and podcast for further encouragement. 4. Connect with Scripture: Spend time reading and meditating on Psalms of lament and refuge (like Psalms 13 and 44). 5. Share the Encouragement: If this episode blessed you, subscribe, review, and share it with a friend who might need hope. 6. If you’d like more from Christine Chappell, tune in next week for another conversation about moving from weeping to worship in the midst of discouragement! Resources Mentioned * Christine Chappell’s books: * Lament: Crying Out in Faith [https://christinemchappell.com/lament/](Forthcoming September 2026, P&R Publishing) * Midnight Mercies: Walking with God Through Depression in Motherhood [https://christinemchappell.com/midnightmercies/](P&R Publishing, 2023) * Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder [https://christinemchappell.com/help/](Shepherd Press, 2021) * Hope + Help Podcast [http://christinemchappell.com/podcast](hosted by Christine Chappell) * Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship [https://ibcd.org/] * Mark Vroegop’s “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy [https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Clouds-Deep-Mercy-Discovering/dp/1433561484/ref=sr_1_1?crid=293LBG5T0YVWS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AnEE9TG2WqzDjDaOneFMKNytnyiyzG5AejRbaxYvoMvcwONm_R93Bs5PRv2th5f1LUOkGRDGStsyWL94Ny7xw0D4x_bajJ8pF-S6_MlVlQz1FJpIHBDSLhCmTS3JadNtLI6Yq1rsNeZtMwDfh1xYb4cYOOvWt_3pZsrzABC6m1CG9NcjKrvDuOUM9PpmYINYGZr5vrp9azqV22JrXlvapLxHzSsT1WphP761sWyOtNs.BAT7p-CvidpojZMTJ2AhLErLgs5nUHnuBcPm9fCsA28&dib_tag=se&keywords=dark+clouds+deep+mercy+by+mark+vroegop&qid=1783033232&sprefix=deep+clouds%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1]” (on lament) * Cheryl Marshall’s book: “All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]” * Psalms 13 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2013&version=ESV], 44 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2044&version=ESV], 62 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2062&version=ESV], 109 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20109&version=ESV] (Scripture references for lament and suffering) Connect * Cheryl Marshall: * Listen to more episodes of Whole Life Worship [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/podcast] * Subscribe and leave a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whole-life-worship-with-cheryl-marshall/id1896563848] to help others find encouragement * Order: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] * Order: When Words Matter Most [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] * Follow Cheryl Marshall: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] * Join: Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library] * Christine Chappell: * Website: christinemchappell.com [http://christinemchappell.com] * Podcast: Hope + Help Podcast [http://christinemchappell.com/podcast] * Christine Chappell Bibliography: * Lament: Crying Out in Faith [https://christinemchappell.com/lament/](Forthcoming September 2026, P&R Publishing) * Postpartum Depression: Hope for a Hard Season [https://newgrowthpress.com/minibooks/medical-issues-and-psychiatric-issues-books/postpartum-depression-hope-for-a-hard-season/](New Growth Press, August 2024) * Misericordia En La Oscuridad: Caminando Con Dios a Través de la Depresión En La Maternidad [https://christinemchappell.com/misericordia-en-la-oscuridad/] (P&R Publishing, 2024) * Midnight Mercies: Walking with God Through Depression in Motherhood [https://christinemchappell.com/midnightmercies/](P&R Publishing, 2023) * Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder [https://christinemchappell.com/help/](Shepherd Press, 2021) * Help! My Teen is Depressed [https://christinemchappell.com/helpmyteen/](Shepherd Press, 2020) * Christine Chappell Social Media: * facebook.com/cleanhomemessheart [https://www.facebook.com/cleanhomemessheart] * twitter.com/chappellwrites [https://x.com/chappellwrites] * instagram.com/christinemchappell [https://www.instagram.com/christinemchappell] * youtube.com/@christinemchappell [https://www.youtube.com/@christinemchappell] * Hope + Help Podcast: * christinemchappell.com/podcast [https://christinemchappell.com/podcast/]

How God Meets Us in Discouragement

Description Cheryl Marshall explores the challenges of spiritual discouragement, especially when life’s circumstances make you feel like you’re falling behind in your faith. Drawing from personal experience and the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, Cheryl offers encouragement and practical insights for glorifying God right where you are, regardless of your situation or limitations. Key Topics Covered * The subtle dangers of discouragement in the Christian walk * Common misconceptions about what it means to serve and glorify God * Practical steps for overcoming discouragement and continuing in “whole life worship” * The importance of not measuring spiritual significance by visibility or reach Take Aways * Your circumstances do not disqualify you from glorifying God; He can use you right where you are (08:44). * Discouragement can subtly divide devotion, but God meets us in gentleness and provides what we need (17:11). * What seems small or unseen in service to others can be significant in God’s sight (10:52). * Physical and spiritual care are both important during times of discouragement (19:10). * Do the next right thing; small acts of faithfulness matter (20:29). * When you honor God in small ways, He is honored in great ways (11:00). Resources Mentioned * Cheryl Marshall’s book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] * Key Verses: 1 Kings 18-19 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2018-19&version=ESV]Psalm 103: 13-14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%20103%3A13-14&version=ESV] Next Steps * Identify and reflect on discouraging thoughts or lies you might believe about God or yourself. * Bring those thoughts to God in prayer and seek truth from His Word. * Embrace God’s practical care (rest, nourishment, spiritual encouragement). * Take small steps of faith, do the “next right thing” in your circumstances. * Review, subscribe, and share the podcast to encourage others. Connect * Listen to more episodes of Whole Life Worship [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/podcast] * Subscribe and leave a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whole-life-worship-with-cheryl-marshall/id1896563848] to help others find encouragement * Order: When Words Matter Most [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] * Follow Cheryl Marshall: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] * Join: Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]

How to Fight Personal Sin, Part 2

Description Cheryl Marshall continues the conversation with author and counselor Rush Witt about overcoming persistent, "die-hard" sins. Together, they discuss the importance of knowing and understanding our personal patterns of sin, how beliefs and desires shape our actions, and the wealth of resources God provides for our sanctification. This episode encourages listeners to pursue lives wholly devoted to God with honesty, grace, and hope. Key Topics Covered * Embracing a posture of "contented discontent" in the Christian walk * Becoming a student of your own sin: self-examination without despair  * Recognizing patterns and triggers of sin (DFIT: Duration, Frequency, Intensity, Triggers)  * The value of honest community and godly friendship in fighting sin  * How beliefs and desires at the root of our hearts shape the fruit of our lives  * God's provisions for fighting sin: Himself, the Bible, the gospel, the church, and the ordinances  * Psalm 1 as a model for rooted, fruitful Christian living Take Aways * Real change starts with honest self-awareness, fueled by grace and rooted in gospel hope. * Understanding your sin, its patterns, triggers, and impact, equips you to fight it more purposefully. * Lasting transformation comes from the inside out, beginning with renewed beliefs and desires. * Community and godly friendships are essential for seeing where your perspective may be skewed and for encouragement in the journey. * God provides everything believers need to battle sin: His presence, His Word, and His people. * Happiness and holiness are deeply connected in God’s plan for us (see Psalm 1). Resources Mentioned * Books by Rush Witt: * I Want to Escape [https://www.amazon.com/Want-Escape-Reaching-Christian-Counselor/dp/1645072754/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1002RLD270OTC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4PzNjDtDeAECZcMXVmcscQ.CERf5kqGxEs44lLl3wOV2a384ioaFYPqZwvdhR-YpLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+want+to+escape+rush+witt&qid=1781264501&sprefix=i+want+to+escape+%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1] * Die Hard: How to Fight Wisely Against Destructive Daily Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Diehard-Sins-Wisely-Against-Destructive/dp/1629954853] (topic of this episode) * Shepherding Time [https://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-Time-Pastors-Guide-Management/dp/1645076555] (forthcoming, September 2026) * Rush Witt’s Podcast: “The Most Interesting Person in the World [https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-most-interesting-person-in-the-world/id1674377498?l=nb]” * Rush Witt’s Website: mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com] * Cheryl's Latest Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Next Steps 1. Reflect on patterns and triggers of sin in your own life, consider journaling using the DFIT acronym. 2. Invite a trusted, godly friend or mentor into an honest conversation about areas of struggle. 3. Spend intentional time in God’s Word (consider memorizing Psalm 1). 4. Explore the books mentioned for further insight and practical help. 5. Commit to regular prayer, asking God for grace, wisdom, and perseverance in the fight against sin. Connect & Take the Next Step * Subscribe: Don’t miss Part 2 of this crucial conversation. Subscribe to Whole Life Worship. * Share & Review: If you found this episode helpful, rate and share it with a friend. * Reflect: Consider how you experience both struggle and hope in your own fight against sin. Journal or pray through the “four gifts” discussed. * Visit: Learn more about Rush Witt and his resources at mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com]. * Join the Conversation: Connect with Cheryl Marshall [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]and take the next step in pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, without comparison, in every circumstance. Additional Ways to Connect Order: When Words Matter Most [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Follow Cheryl Marshall: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] Join: Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]

How to Fight Personal Sin, Part 1

Description Cheryl Marshall welcomes Rush Witt, lead pastor, biblical counselor, and author, to discuss how believers can effectively recognize, understand, and fight personal sin, especially those persistent, “die-hard” sins. With practical wisdom and gospel hope, Rush Witt unpacks biblical definitions, shares his own journey, and highlights the spiritual resources God provides to help us persevere in the lifelong battle with sin. Key Topics Covered * Defining Sin & “Die Hard Sins”  * Jesus’s Compassionate Ministry to Sinners * Sin as a Worship Disorder  * Four Gospel-Centered Gifts for Battling Sin  * The Challenge of Long-Term Struggles & “Contented Discontent”  Takeaways 1. Sin is More Than Behavior: Sin runs deeper than outward actions; it involves desires, attitudes, and even our patterns of worship. 2. Gospel Hope in the Battle: God gives believers four unchanging gifts: His presence, our dependence, the gospel message, and ongoing vigilance, to encourage and equip us in fighting sin. 3. Perseverance, Not Perfection: The fight against personal sin is a lifelong journey. We’re called to continual repentance, finding hope in God’s faithfulness and the promise of future redemption. Resources Mentioned * Books by Rush Witt: * I Want to Escape [https://www.amazon.com/Want-Escape-Reaching-Christian-Counselor/dp/1645072754/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1002RLD270OTC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4PzNjDtDeAECZcMXVmcscQ.CERf5kqGxEs44lLl3wOV2a384ioaFYPqZwvdhR-YpLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+want+to+escape+rush+witt&qid=1781264501&sprefix=i+want+to+escape+%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1] * Die Hard: How to Fight Wisely Against Destructive Daily Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Diehard-Sins-Wisely-Against-Destructive/dp/1629954853] (topic of this episode) * Shepherding Time [https://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-Time-Pastors-Guide-Management/dp/1645076555] (forthcoming, September 2026) * Rush Witt’s Podcast: “The Most Interesting Person in the World [https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-most-interesting-person-in-the-world/id1674377498?l=nb]” * Rush Witt’s Website: mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com] * Cheryl's Latest Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Next Steps Looking to apply what you heard in this episode? Here are some practical next steps inspired by the conversation between Cheryl Marshall and Rush Witt: 1. Reflect on Your Understanding of Sin Take some time to consider how you’ve defined sin in your own life. Ask yourself: Do I view sin as more than just outward actions? How might my desires and attitudes need to change? Refer back to Rush Witt's explanation at 07:44. 2. Read Matthew 9:35-36 Meditate on how Jesus approaches sinners with compassion, as highlighted by Rush Witt at 06:00, and consider how this impacts your own struggles. 3. Identify Your Die Hard Sins Following the episode, make a list of persistent struggles in your life, those “die hard” sins that seem difficult to overcome (08:19). Pray for insight and honesty as you write. 4. Remember God’s Hope-Filled Gifts Review and pray through the four “hope-filled gifts” discussed by Rush Witt at 16:27: * God’s presence remains with you. * Your dependence on Him continues. * The gospel is your central weapon. * Vigilance can endure because of God’s grace. 5. Practice Contented Discontent with Sin Embrace both a determination not to settle for sin and a patient trust in God’s slow but certain work in your life, echoing Rush Witt at 20:01. 6. Look Forward to Part 2 Commitment: Listen next week for further practical help on fighting personal sin. Connect & Take the Next Step * Subscribe: Don’t miss Part 2 of this crucial conversation. Subscribe to Whole Life Worship. * Share & Review: If you found this episode helpful, rate and share it with a friend. * Reflect: Consider how you experience both struggle and hope in your own fight against sin. Journal or pray through the “four gifts” discussed. * Visit: Learn more about Rush Witt and his resources at mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com]. * Join the Conversation: Connect with Cheryl Marshall [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]and take the next step in pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, without comparison, in every circumstance. Additional Ways to Connect Order: When Words Matter Most [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Follow Cheryl Marshall: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] Join: Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]

Is Sin Sabotaging Your Devotion?

Episode Description In this episode of Whole-Life Worship, Cheryl Marshall explores how unaddressed sin can sabotage our devotion to God, dividing our hearts and undermining our pursuit of whole-life worship. Through relatable analogies and biblical examples, she identifies three common ways we mishandle sin—compartmentalizing, minimizing, and rationalizing—and offers practical, hope-filled insight from 1 John on how to respond faithfully. This episode encourages listeners to embrace honesty before God, leading to forgiveness and renewed devotion. Key Topics Covered * Three Ways We Mishandle Sin: * Compartmentalizing: Isolating disobedience while serving God outwardly. * Minimizing: Downplaying the seriousness of sin, redefining it, or avoiding biblical terminology. * Rationalizing: Creating excuses or “good reasons” for our disobedience. * Biblical Examples: Lessons from Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5), Lot’s wife (Genesis 19), and King Saul (1 Samuel 13) illustrate these pitfalls. * Gospel Hope: 1 John 1:5–9 gives believers a blueprint for confession, forgiveness, and restoration. Three Takeaways 1. Unchecked Sin Divides Devotion Compartmentalizing, minimizing, or rationalizing sin disrupts our fellowship with God, often leading to a divided spirit, diminished worship, and spiritual stagnation. 2. Honest Confession Brings Restoration Biblical confession—calling sin what God calls it and turning from it—invites God’s faithful and just forgiveness, restoring our intimacy with Him as described in 1 John 1:5–9. 3. God’s Grace Exceeds Our Failures No matter the depth of our disobedience, God promises gentle, thorough forgiveness in Christ for those who sincerely repent, freeing us from guilt and enabling wholehearted worship. Resources Mentioned * Scriptures Referenced: * Acts 5:1-11 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205%3A1-11&version=ESV] * Genesis 19:15-26 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2019%3A15-26&version=ESV] * 1 Samuel 13:11-14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2013%3A11-14&version=ESV] * 1 John 1:5-9 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A5-9&version=ESV] * Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God by Cheryl Marshall — Available through major booksellers and via the link in the show notes. * Quote: C.H. Spurgeon — "When we deal seriously with our sin, God will deal gently with us."  Next Steps * Reflect: Take time this week to honestly examine your own heart. Are you compartmentalizing, minimizing, or rationalizing any sins? * Confess: Humbly and quickly confess any revealed sins to God, trusting in His gentle and faithful forgiveness. * Engage: Subscribe, review, and share the podcast to encourage others on their journey toward whole-life worship. * Explore Further: Consider reading "All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]" by Cheryl Marshall for deeper encouragement and practical tools.   Additional Ways to Connect Order, “When Words Matter Most [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Follow Cheryl Marshall: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] Join Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]