Living Well in a Fractured World: Rediscovering Christian Virtue | with Dr. Alan Noble

Awaken Delight: Trusting the Hidden Christ When Suffering Clouds Our Faith | Episode 452

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE: I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself! So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord. **If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight [http://gospelspice.com/awakendelight] and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com [contact@gospelspice.com%20] ** Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him! Deep suffering and the felt absence of God are not signs of weak faith, but invitations to deeper trust, raw honesty, and the formation of roots that will later sustain delight when the next “spring” arrives. This week, Stephanie centers on understanding Christian suffering, especially in seasons when God feels absent, and explores how to trust Christ in the midst of pain, grief, and confusion. We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie’s new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth. Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of pain and suffering: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast] and find the form for Episode 452. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately! What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight: * Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity. * Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him. * Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering. * Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It’s the antidote to burnout. It’s even the foundation for sustainable ministry. * God’s delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God’s delight in you frees you from striving! That’s the beginning of delight. * Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God. * You can build a delight-centered spiritual life. Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God. This week, Stephanie invites us to examine the nature of suffering from a Christian perspective. She addresses different types of pain—physical, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual—and affirms that suffering is a universal human experience. She shares several composite stories: * Thomas: Endures chronic physical pain, wrestling with why healing hasn’t come but continues to pray and trust that God is enough. * Aisha: Struggles against spiritual oppression and insomnia, clinging to God’s promises despite not sensing His presence. * Dan: Faces depression and spiritual dryness, with faith persisting stubbornly beneath the surface. * Margaret: Grieves the loss of her spouse, finding grace in small mercies. * Javier: Suffers the pain of family estrangement, daily choosing forgiveness and hope for reconciliation. We are encouraged to identify with these stories and realize we are not alone. Common Experiences in Christian Suffering 1. Feeling Misunderstood Sufferers often receive shallow platitudes from others—such as “God’s got this” or “Count it all joy”—which, while technically true, are often hurtful when mistimed. Suffering Christians primarily need presence, not slogans. 2. Emotional Fluctuation Suffering brings emotional unpredictability—peace and panic, gratitude and anger. These ups and downs do not mean spiritual instability; rather, they are normal human responses. 3. Seeking Comfort, Not Explanation Although initial pain leads us to search for answers, comfort is ultimately found not in reasons but in the Shepherd’s presence. 4. Holding Both Faith and Anguish Mature Christian suffering means affirming both God's goodness and the reality of pain simultaneously; raw, honest prayers replace polished formulas. 5. Reduced Religious Performance Suffering eradicates concern for spiritual image. Depth in Scripture reading grows—not in breadth, but as a lifeline, especially in Psalms, Job, and the story of Jesus’ suffering. 6. The Role of Lament Lament becomes covenant communication: honest complaints, questions, and cries are not signs of weak faith but of depth and intimacy. While suffering may sometimes result from sin, it is not always the case. Discernment and the Holy Spirit’s clear conviction are key. Vague guilt and general feelings of punishment are not from God; His conviction is always specific. When God seems silent, it’s not proof He has abandoned us. Moments of suffering can be where He works most deeply, just as the cross felt like God’s greatest absence but was His greatest act of love. Faith in suffering is not the absence of questions, lament, or feeling lost, but the commitment to remain with God—even if only weakly. Practical Lessons 1.      Pray honestly and directly, not just politely. 2.      Resist withdrawal from God and community. 3.      Remember: God’s commitment is final and irreversible—even when you cannot sense Him. 4.      Trust His heart even when you cannot see His hand. DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth. In Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J], Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable. Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus. It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart. Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4. More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] * Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.” * Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers." * Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French." * Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Awaken Delight: transforming hardship into growth | with Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE: I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself! So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord. **If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight [http://gospelspice.com/awakendelight] and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com [contact@gospelspice.com%20] ** Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him! Stephanie Rousselle and her guest Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith explore what it truly means to delight in God, moving the focus from external circumstances and religious duties to genuine intimacy and spiritual maturation. This conversation around Stephanie’s new book, Awaken Delight (IVP, July 2026), calls us to a deeper, more resilient delight in God, rooted in relationship, practiced in community, and modeled perfectly by Jesus. As we will see together, delighting in God means choosing intimacy and noticing His presence, especially in hardship. It requires intentional practice, honest wrestling, and learning from Scripture. Together, we will discuss how our identity is rooted not in performance but in receiving God’s boundless love. As disciples, we are called to move from spiritual infancy to mature faith, just as Jesus perfectly role-models for us. Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J%C2%A0] Find out more about all the ways you can awaken your delight in God: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Here are some notes about the conversation: Defining Delighting in God Saundra Dalton Smith describes delighting in God as akin to the joy and pleasure we feel towards something we love—a sunset, a flower, or even a brownie. Delighting in God means taking pleasure not just in what He does, but in who He is. It is enjoying His presence, intimacy, and communion. Saundra says, “How do I allow myself to take pleasure in who he is, not what he's doing … but him specifically?” Practicing Delight Amidst Life’s Highs and Lows True delight in God requires ongoing practice. Our human instinct focuses on obtaining and receiving, but spiritual maturity redirects our gaze to God as the source rather than the resource. Saundra shares that practicing delight in God on good days builds the muscle to notice His presence even during difficult moments, such as when children misbehave or pets get sick—recognizing God’s gifts even in hardships strengthens our relationship with Him. Interpreting Hardship Through God’s Lens When challenges arise, Scripture invites us to “rejoice in suffering.” Instead of forcing joy over the hardships themselves, Saundra advises finding joy in knowing God is with us (“the fourth man in the fire”). Practicing noticing God equips us to see His goodness regardless of circumstances. Biblical Foundation and Fresh Perspective Anchoring in Scripture provides strength. For example, Psalm 23’s phrasing “goodness and mercy shall follow me” becomes richer when understood as “pursue”—God’s love relentlessly seeks us. Reading familiar passages with fresh eyes allows the Word of God to “read” us and unearth deeper truths and areas for healing. The Importance of Community Stephanie and Saundra emphasize the necessity of authentic Christian community. Vulnerability with trusted believers helps us remember God’s goodness when we struggle. Without community, isolation can make us susceptible to discouragement and lies about our worth and God’s love. Identity: Receiving God’s Love The foundational truth is, “the only thing God desires of you is you.” Our worthiness isn’t dependent on accomplishments but on accepting God’s love. Saundra says, “If I never did another thing other than be a recipient of his love, that's all he required.” Spiritual Maturation: Wrestling and Rest The journey toward delighting in God isn’t effortless—it’s a wrestling, much like Jacob’s biblical encounter. Honest communication with God (“Help my unbelief”) leads to healing and new identity, reframing our lives through deeper intimacy. Countercultural Faith and Jesus as Role Model Culture often romanticizes Christianity, but real maturity comes from moving beyond the honeymoon phase into resilient faith. Jesus exemplifies delight in the Father—through learning, obedience, miracles, and suffering. For “the joy set before him,” He endured the cross, modeling love for God and people. RESOURCES Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice [https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J%C2%A0] Find out more about all the ways you can awaken your delight in God: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth. In Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J], Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable. Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus. It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart. Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4. More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] * Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.” * Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers." * Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French." * Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

America 250 | What made America great in the first place? with Os Guinness

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE: I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself! So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord. **If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight [http://gospelspice.com/awakendelight] and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com [contact@gospelspice.com%20] ** Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him! Stephanie welcomes Os Guinness again to explore what has made America unique in its freedom and what threatens that legacy today. They examine foundational principles, historical roots, the virtues necessary for sustaining freedom, and the challenges now facing the American experiment. America’s greatness rests not only on its achievements but on its founding principles. Os Guinness stresses that neither contemporary political movements nor leaders have answered the vital question: What made America great in the first place? To steward freedom, each generation must understand, embody, and transmit the foundational ideas and virtues that made the American experiment possible. The Republic’s survival—and America’s blessing to the world—hangs on recovering this covenant vision. The American republic was never intended to be a pure democracy; the framers deliberately moved away from direct rule by majority, fearing the dangers of unchecked popular power. Its distinctive structure draws from ancient Hebrew ideas, especially the Exodus and Deuteronomy, rooting political liberty in biblical covenant rather than secular philosophy. Os Guinness highlights that America is “…a nation by intention and by ideas.” It means at least that: * Societies must begin by shaping principles before policies; neglecting foundational ideas leads to losing the core of freedom. * The American Revolution’s most-cited book was Deuteronomy, not Locke or Montesquieu—emphasizing spiritual over philosophical freedom. * Modern political discourse overwhelmingly focuses on policies rather than underlying principles, missing the root causes of freedom’s decline. The sustainability of freedom relies on what Os Guinness calls the "Golden Triangle": * Freedom requires virtue * Virtue requires faith * Faith requires freedom Abandoning any side of this triangle causes freedom to wither. In recent times, American society has widely dismissed the importance of virtue, attacked faith, and misunderstands freedom’s true foundation. Authoritarian societies depend on fear. Free societies depend on trust, built on shared morals and character. Several virtues are essential for sustaining freedom, including: * Freedom: Modeled on God’s own restraint, granting humanity genuine free will. * Reciprocity: Mutual responsibility and equality; its neglect enabled the tragedy of slavery. * Civility: Respectful public discourse grounded in truth—now degraded in contemporary society. * Morality: Freedom is a "moral accomplishment." Public life requires both the rule of law and private character; otherwise, legal structures become weapons for power rather than justice. * Fidelity: The conscious passing of identity and purpose to the next generation. Education and storytelling sustain freedom. Guinness cautions that America's crisis is not only external (the "wolves at the door") but internal—moral decay ("the termites in the floor") is often the greater danger. Failure to transmit and sustain these virtues can render America’s freedom a "byword" rather than a "city on a hill". As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, the Republic is at a tipping point. However, Os Guinness grounds hope in the power and truth of the biblical heritage that birthed American freedom. For example, * Reform and recovery are possible if Americans reembrace the core virtues and principles from Scripture. * Christians, in particular, have a calling to model and advocate for these truths, showing society the way back to lasting freedom. The lesson for Christian and freedom-loving citizens is clear: freedom is not inevitable or self-perpetuating. It requires gratitude for its biblical roots, courage to exemplify truth, virtue, and responsibility, and commitment to pass these on. As Os Guinness says, our hope lies not in political maneuvering but in recovering the profound, transformative truths of the Bible as the wellspring of true liberty. MORE ABOUT OS' LATEST BOOK, "A FREEDOM LIKE NO OTHER" To renew America, we must remember what made it great in the first place. Across the ages, republics have been lost not only to enemies without, but to corrosion within. Free societies are rare. Lasting free societies are rarer still. So, what are the prospects for the American republic at the 250th anniversary of the revolution? Many citizens long to “make America great again,” but far fewer ask the deeper question: What made America great in the first place—and what kind of freedom can last? What does it mean that half a century of cultural conflict, ideological polarization, and unprincipled power has left Americans fractured, disillusioned, and tempted by extremes of chaos on one side and control on the other? And what happens when the older menace of tyranny is joined by the newer challenge of artificial intelligence—magnifying the forces that weaken truth, character, and self-government? In A Freedom Like No Other, Os Guinness offers not another round of outrage from left or right, but a constructive path forward—twelve foundational principles for restoring the Republic and renewing ordered liberty. The third in a quartet of studies on the crisis of America and the West (following Our Civilizational Moment and America Agonistes), this book is a foreign admirer’s call for America’s semiquincentennial to be more than celebration: a time of honest self-examination, needed correction, and national rededication. Drawing on America’s Jewish and Christian roots and the covenantal vision of freedom and responsibility that shaped the Republic at its best, Guinness sets out the moral and civic architecture a free people must recover if they are to remain fit to be free. This is a book for every American who believes freedom is worth the cost, and for anyone around the world who knows the alternatives and longs for a human-friendly future. Purchase today here: https://a.co/d/06XUZLbK [https://a.co/d/06XUZLbK]  DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth. In Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J], Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable. Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus. It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart. Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4. More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] * Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.” * Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers." * Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French." * Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Awaken Delight in God Even When Life Feels Heavy | with Erica Wiggenhorn

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE: I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself! So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord. **If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight [http://gospelspice.com/awakendelight] and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com [contact@gospelspice.com%20] ** Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him! Stephanie welcomes her dear friend Erica Wiggenhorn for a transparent, encouraging conversation about what it means to delight in God. Drawing from personal experiences, Scripture, and practical examples, they explore how all believers can experience and sustain joy in the Lord—even through difficult seasons. Stephanie, when pondering this conversation, took away these key points to remember: * Delight is not limited to profound spiritual moments; it can be awakened in ordinary, beautiful encounters with God’s world. * Delight is sometimes borrowed from others, shared through community, creativity, and kindness to oneself during dry seasons. * God uses even our hardest experiences as a foundation for authentic delight and hope, especially as we support each other. * Getting the Word into us daily is not just a duty—it’s the ongoing source of delight and transformation. * Delight is rooted not in our performance but in Christ’s finished work and the Father’s unchanging love. Here’s more from this conversation: Delighting in God doesn’t require deep theological expertise or perfection. Instead, it’s woven into everyday life and accessible to everyone. Erica describes experiences from her childhood at the beach—watching children squeal with joy as they run into the waves, or observing baby whales playing for the first time—highlighting how witnessing God’s creation leads her heart to delight in Him. Life isn’t always easy. Erica is honest about facing times when delight in God seems distant—whether due to discouragement, struggles, or the pressures of daily life. She insists it’s a common, human experience and gives listeners permission to acknowledge seasons where faith feels routine or strained. She offers three practical helps for regaining delight: * Music – Worship songs often “tear down the walls” of her heart and renew her connection with God. * Movement – Getting outside and moving, especially in sunshine, lifts her spirit. * Community – Sharing experiences with others, and especially seeing God through the delight in someone else’s eyes, reignites her own joy. Erica shares personally about parenting wayward children and organizing resources for others in similar struggles. She teaches that as we surrender our pain to God, He uses it for deeper purpose—serving others and discovering fresh delight through His redeeming work. Community and expectancy in God’s goodness anchor us during heartbreak. For more details about the MOMentum conference, see below. Scripture is the chief wellspring of delight. We get to know God, experience His love, and gain new joy through His Word. Erica encourages varied approaches—listening to the Bible, studying alone or with others, or combining the Word with creative activities. The important thing is to absorb Scripture in the way that fits how God has wired you. In Isaiah 61:10, God dresses us in garments of salvation as a beloved bride. Erica reminds listeners that while we may struggle with shame or self-critique, God sees us beautifully in Christ. We don’t earn His delight; we receive it as a gift by simply approaching Him. If you struggle to believe God delights in you, print a picture of a radiant bride and declare, “This is me in the eyes of my King.” Ask Him for faith to accept His joy over you. MORE ABOUT THE MOMENTUM CONFERENCE, JANUARY 29-31 2027, PHOENIX, AZ Your child is going their own way, in a direction you would never choose, leading to disruption and separation in your relationship. But what if you found a new pathway for connection, where you could both move forward, together? The Momentum Conference provides a safe place to rest, remember you’re not alone and receive tools and perspective empowering you to stand strong in faith and pursue healthy connection with your child. God is for you, for your family — and together we can cling to His promises and find hope. Details and tickets at https://ericawiggenhorn.com/momentum/ [https://ericawiggenhorn.com/momentum/]  What is the Momentum Conference? Momentum is a Friday night through Sunday morning getaway with a balance of biblical teaching, practical help, group connection and time to pursue individual rest. The weekend schedule has been designed to lavish love, impart resources and provide hope to moms who are walking a hard road with their teens, young adult, or adult children. Freedom to pursue preferential activities provided by the resort promises a time of rejuvenation as well as a mental, emotional and spiritual reset. DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth. In Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J], Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable. Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus. It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart. Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4. More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] * Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.” * Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers." * Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French." * Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Awaken Delight from Checklist Faith to Lasting Joy: Savoring Awe with God | Episode 448

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE: I want to share a special invitation with you. You may have heard that I will be releasing my first book with IVP on July 28, 2026. It’s a big deal and I am so overwhelmed with God’ goodness in allowing me to share such an essential message about delighting in Him as the true essential foundation for all our spiritual growth and maturing. Truly, when we delight in the Lord, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts – namely, more of Himself! So, here's the invitation. If you feel this message is indeed important, and you know people – including yourself perhaps – who need to be encouraged to awaken and cultivate their delight in God, would you consider joining my book launch team? It’s a great and super easy way to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ, Jesus, our Lord. **If you’re interested, please go to gospelspice.com/awakendelight [http://gospelspice.com/awakendelight] and find the section about joining the launch team, or email me at contact@gospelspice.com [contact@gospelspice.com%20] ** Together, let’s encourage everyone we know with the wonderful news that, in Christ, God delights in us and invites us to delight in Him! Success in the Christian life is not measured by relentless output, but by deep enjoyment and awe of God. The high-performer’s journey is to move from striving to abiding, from anxious self-optimization to restful delight. This week, Stephanie challenges us to reconsider our definition of success: Will we dare to let our delight in God, and His delight in us, become our most treasured spiritual possession? Many Christians find themselves exhausted, seeking spirituality through constant effort rather than true joy. In our current series, Awaken Delight, we explore different ways that prevent us from living the reality of Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. This week, we explore the dangers of "high-performance Christianity" and discover the invitation to redefine success by delighting in God rather than striving to impress Him. Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are feeling weary and exhausted in your faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast] and find the form for Episode 448. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately! Let’s be completely honest. Are you… * Exhausted by trying to “feel” spiritual? * Performing faith without real joy? * Feeling unworthy despite consistent effort? * Wondering if Psalm 37:4 really works? What if the problem isn’t your faith, but the way you’ve been pursuing God? Delight isn’t about effort; it's about learning how to receive God as your deepest joy. This isn’t extra joy on Sundays. It’s the foundation for deep delight in God which will * strengthen your prayer life * provide you with resilient peace, * reframe your pain and suffering, * transform your obedience into soul-satisfying joy. Many Christians become experts in prayer, service, and discipline but forget the joy of simple communion with God. This mindset measures spiritual health in terms of effort and accomplishment: “Did I pray enough? Did I do enough?” The Dangers: * Spiritual Output over Relationship: Faith becomes a checklist of activities rather than a relationship rooted in love and delight. * Performance Equals Worth: Feelings of worth rise and fall based on spiritual “productivity.” Rest becomes guilt-ridden and Sabbath feels inefficient. * Comparisons and Insecurity: The high-performer compares their visible fruit to others’, believing that more impact equals more favor from God. This mindset leads to spiritual dryness. High performers feel relationally undernourished: “Effective for God, but not really deeply at rest in God”. Growth is sought in results, but true spiritual maturity often appears slow, cyclical, and hidden. When setbacks arise, self-worth plummets, and failures feel catastrophic. At its core, this approach makes delight in God seem like a luxury reserved for the less “serious." But Scripture repeatedly calls delight foundational, not optional. "Delight in the Lord" is central — it deepens trust, strengthens endurance, and transforms work into worship. How do we shift from performance to delight? We must reorder our ambitions with God at the center. As Stephanie explains, “Your problem isn’t that you’re too serious, it’s that you’re too serious through the lens of a secular operating system”. The calling isn’t to do less, but to let delight in God be the fuel, not the reward, of our efforts. Practical Steps: 1. Identity Rooted in God’s Delight: Our worth is anchored in God’s unshakeable love, not our achievements. 2. Work Flows from Delight: We work, rest, and strive not to prove ourselves, but out of the security that comes from being loved by God. 3. Resilient Obedience: Obedience is rooted in delight, not desperation; failure or success does not shake our identity. Delighting in God is not just an emotion—it is a chosen, steady confidence that allows us to pursue excellence without fear. When rooted in God’s love, ambition becomes resilient, setbacks less threatening, and rest becomes restorative. As Stephanie encourages, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”. This call is an invitation into a secure, unshakeable identity and delight —the true measure of success. DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth. In Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J], Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable. Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus. It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart. Awaken Delight [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4. More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] * Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.” * Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers." * Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French." * Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight%C2%A0] Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J [https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J] Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!