Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

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

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

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

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]!

Awaken Delight: Cultivating awareness of God’s presence | with Jennifer Rothschild

Delighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance. Jennifer has kindly written the foreword to Stephanie’s new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying your soul’s longing for God (IVP, July 2026). Ready to order Stephanie's book? Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt [https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt]  More about the book at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight]  “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. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God * reshapes suffering * quiets restless striving * anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of you Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts. Awaken Delight 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. We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action. https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight]  Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt [https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt]  MORE ABOUT THIS CONVERSATION Delighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance. Together today they explore: * the difference between delighting in God as duty versus delight as Spirit-awakened response. * how experiencing God’s presence turns ordinary moments into opportunities for delight. * practical ways to cultivate awareness of God’s activity in everyday life. * the role of suffering in awakening deeper delight and intimacy with God. * how worship, community, and nature reflect God’s delight and invite our response. Delighting in God is both the fruit and evidence of a heart attuned to His presence and beauty. It’s not manufactured, but awakened by the Spirit, often through worship, community, and even suffering. The invitation is to participate in this “sing along” of relationship, responding to God’s delight over us—not because we are perfect, but because we are His. Jennifer Rothschild emphasizes moving delight in God off the "to-do list" and seeing it as a response—“it's not a duty, it's a response.” Authentic delight arises from an “awareness of His presence,” not from striving to manufacture feelings or perform. Recognizing that God's nearness itself is the catalyst for delight. Examples such as listening to birdsong became moments of delight for Jennifer because she trained her mind and heart to recognize God as the giver of all beauty. This “mental paradigm and heart posture” means seeing evidence of God in everyday experiences—a child’s laughter, the taste of good food, or the beauty of creation. Delight in God can only be truly awakened by God’s own Spirit in us—not conjured by human effort. Stephanie explains why her new book is titled “Awaken Delight,” highlighting that Christians delight in God because God births that desire in us through the Holy Spirit. God delights to partner with us—not as servants under command, but as beloved children invited into relationship. Our small acts of trust and faith, like a grandchild’s shy art offering, delight God the way a grandparent delights in a child’s offering. Jesus embodies God's delight—at His baptism, before any miracles or ministry, the Father declared delight in Him simply because He was His Son. Our delight is rooted in being “in Christ,” not in achievements. Surprisingly, suffering can be the crucible that awakens delight. Jennifer unpacks Paul's words about “delighting in weakness”, explaining that it means recognizing God’s good even in hardship—a perspective shift empowered by Christ. Practical Steps to Awaken Your Delight of God today * Meditate on a single verse all day to listen for God’s living word in everyday reality. * Attribute every beautiful or joyful experience back to God as the source. * Engage worship by savoring every word as a direct offering to God. * When struggling, turn “worship” into prayer—ask God to awaken the truth of the words in your hear. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE “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. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in God * reshapes suffering * quiets restless striving * anchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of you Learning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts. Awaken Delight 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. We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action. https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight]  Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt [https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt]  FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD “It is well with my soul.” For Jennifer Rothschild, these words are much more than the lyrics from a familiar hymn; they describe how she lives her life … in the dark. At the age of fifteen, Jennifer was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative eye disease that would eventually steal her sight. It was more than a turning point for the Miami, Florida native. Her dreams of becoming an artist and cartoonist faded. Words and music have replaced her canvas and palette for more than 30 years. As an author and speaker, Jennifer is known for her substance, signature wit, and down-to-earth style.  A unique mix of profound and playful, she weaves biblical truth with relatable stories, making God’s Word accessible to those just starting out in Scripture and endearing to those who have walked with Christ for years. Jennifer has been a featured speaker for the nation’s largest conference for women, Women of Faith.  She’s also been on the platform with Women of Joy, Lifeway Women Live, and Extraordinary Women. Since 2018, She’s hosted the popular 4:13 Podcast where she provides weekly biblical wisdom and practical encouragement to help women live the “I Can” life of Philippians 4:13. She is the author of 20 books and Bible studies with combined sales over one million units, including the latest video-based Bible study, Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight and the best-selling book, Lessons I Learned in the Dark. Jennifer has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Phil, ABC’s Good Morning America, and the Billy Graham Television Special, plus other national TV and radio programs including Hour of Power, Life Today, Family Life Radio, and others. Her life story and message has been the cover story of numerous national publications including Today’s Christian Woman, Virtue magazine, Becoming Family magazine, HomeLife magazine, and others. Jennifer is also the founder and host of Fresh Grounded Faith events and the womensministry.net Leadership Library, which equips women in ministry to lead well. She lives in Springfield, Missouri with her husband of over 35 years, Dr. Philip Rothschild. Jennifer is a boy mom, C.S. Lewis junkie, an obsessive audio book listener, a dark chocolate lover, a strong coffee drinker, and an avid encourager. https://www.jenniferrothschild.com/ [https://www.jenniferrothschild.com/]  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: Burnout, Weariness, and the Path Back to Delight in God | Episode 446

In this brand-new series centered around Stephanie’s new book, we explore several ways that we lose and can recover our delight in God, rooted in His delight of us. Today, in this first episode in our series, Stephanie explores spiritual fatigue in faithful believers and guides us toward God’s invitation to restoration, not just endurance. What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself. You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." If you’re spiritually weary, your fatigue does not prove you’re far from God. You’re invited to rest in the truth that delight begins by receiving God’s delight over you. Come honestly, bring your tired self, and let God awaken delight in your soul again. Your greatest need is not more pressure, but more permission to rest and be restored as His beloved. Many mature Christians find themselves exhausted, faithfully serving God while inwardly feeling emotionally distant. Obedience becomes duty, prayer is reduced to quick requests or guilty silence, and Scripture feels like data instead of bread. Outwardly, they are strong—teaching, leading, serving—yet inside, numbness, irritability, and spiritual dehydration prevail. 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 446. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately! Key Symptoms | When Weariness Overtakes Christians—Rediscovering Delight as God’s Beloved * Duty without delight; * Spiritual dryness, despite regular disciplines; * Resentment towards expectations and responsibilities; * Prayers and scripture reading that feel obligatory, not life-giving. Spiritual depletion rarely stems from bad theology or outright rebellion. Instead, it often results from: * Years of faithful overextension; * Ignored grief or disappointment; * Trying to do more and more to compensate for the sense of lost delight; * Living off “old oil”—past experiences with God, not present intimacy; * Feeling that delight and intimacy with God are for someone else, perhaps just for earlier seasons. Weariness emerges when we serve God from muscle memory, not fresh encounter, or confuse emotional invulnerability with spiritual maturity. The temptation is to force spiritual disciplines, tightening up routines, and demanding more from ourselves. But a weary Christian doesn’t lack discipline. Oftentimes, we lack receptivity. More striving usually deepens the exhaustion and guilt, rather than reviving joy. Instead of seeking restoration, weary believers mistakenly try to manufacture delight by moral strain or performance, but delight is not manufactured by moral strain. The path back is not correction but replenishment. Stephanie urges us to “come nearer, slower, truer,” rather than to “try harder”. Restoration means: * Honest lament and silence before God; * Allowing ourselves to be ministered to; * Sabbath, rest, and simplicity in spiritual practice; * Confessing not just sin, but exhaustion, disappointment, and overextension; Even our ache for God is proof that love is alive in us, not that faith has died. Jesus doesn’t just forgive; He invites the weary to come to Him for rest. Ultimately, our delight in God is rooted in His delight in us. Before time began, God chose to love and delight in His people, even at great cost to Himself through the cross. Our identity is found not in our ministry, productivity, or others’ approval, but in God’s unwavering, delighted gaze. 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]!