Is Sin Sabotaging Your Devotion?

Moving from Weeping to Worship

Cheryl Marshall welcomes Christine Chappell to explore how believers can move from weeping to worship in seasons of discouragement. Drawing from the Psalms of Lament and Christine’s forthcoming book, "Lament: Crying out in Faith," the conversation unpacks what biblical lament is, why it matters, and how it can help Christians experience genuine gladness, grow in grace, and embrace both honest sorrow and steadfast praise. Key Topics Covered * What is Lament? * Christine Chappell defines biblical lament as “a way of talking to the Lord about our pain, of fellowshipping with him in the midst of our grief...a way of taking refuge in God in our distress”  * God’s Grace in Lament * Discussion on how it is a distinct privilege for God’s people to approach Him with our burdens, highlighting the unique access believers have to God’s presence and comfort 04:02. * Seeking Gladness Apart from God * Honest reflection on how both believers and non-believers are tempted to “gladden their own hearts apart from the Lord” and examples of unhealthy coping mechanisms, versus turning to God for true joy. * The Goals of Lament * Examining God’s good intentions in our sorrows, reorienting our goals, purging impurities, giving wisdom, reviving hope, and strengthening us to take our next steps in faith. * What is Biblical Hope? * A definition of biblical hope as “a settled assurance that all God has promised will come to pass”, and clarifying the difference between hoping in God’s promises versus our preferences. * The Relationship Between Lament and Praise * How lament and praise coexist, and how honest sorrow before God can also be an act of worship. “We are holding these two truths, lament and praise, at the same time. And that is a spiritual skill that grows with practice and time”. Take Aways * Lament is Not Weakness: It’s an act of faith and fellowship with God in our darkest moments. * God Invites Honest Emotion: We can approach God authentically and reverently in pain, and He welcomes us because we belong to Him in Christ. * Run to God: Searching for comfort apart from Him ultimately leaves us empty; God alone can truly gladden our souls. * Shift Our Hopes: Biblical hope rests on what God promises, not always on what we desire. * Worship in Weeping: Weeping and worship are not mutually exclusive; honest lament can itself be worship when paired with a heart of trust. 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) * Psalm 86 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2086&version=ESV] and the Psalms of Lament * Website: christinechappell.com [http://christinechappell.com] Next Steps * Reflect on your current sorrows: Have you practiced biblical lament, honestly pouring your heart out to God? * Try praying through a Psalm of Lament, trusting God to meet you in your pain. * Consider what hopes or comforts you may be seeking apart from God, and intentionally turn to Him for gladness. * Embrace the dual reality: It’s okay to weep and worship at the same time. 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/]

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]