Become New with John Ortberg

What if the two most freeing words you could say are: "I can't." In this reflection on Psalm 143, John Ortberg explores why admitting our limitations isn't failure—it's the beginning of faith. Through a humorous story about assembling a chair, the story of Elijah's exhaustion, and a fresh look at Philippians 4:13, John reminds us that we were never meant to carry life...

Is denial always a bad thing? In this reflection on Psalm 39, John Ortberg explores one of the Bible's strangest prayers: "Look away from me." Why would anyone pray that? Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard, Søren Kierkegaard, and Greg Ten Elshof, John explains the surprising difference between healthy denial and unhealthy denial, and why God often reveals truth gradually rather...

Is the opposite of fear really courage? In this reflection on Psalm 27, John Ortberg offers a surprising answer: No. The opposite of fear is God’s presence. Drawing on the wisdom of Dallas Willard, John explains why Jesus could repeatedly tell His followers, "Do not be afraid," and what that invitation actually means. This episode explores: - Psalm 27 and trusting God - Why courage isn&a...

What actually makes someone a good person? In this reflection on Psalm 51, John Ortberg explores one of the most important differences between religion and the teaching of Jesus. David doesn't simply pray, "Forgive my sins." He prays, "Create in me a clean heart." Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the remarkable story of Joni Eareckson Tada, John explains why God...

What do you do when prayer feels impossible? In this conversation, John Ortberg is joined by pastor and author Glenn Packiam to reflect on Psalm 73 and the reality of spiritual slumps. Glenn shares why he always returns to the Psalms when he struggles to pray, and together they explore envy, self-pity, hope, and God's unwavering presence. This episode explores: - Psalm 73 and spiritual honest...

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

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

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

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

How does God actually guide His people? In this reflection on Psalm 32, John Ortberg explores one of Scripture's most comforting promises: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go." Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the story of Peter in the book of Acts, John explains the difference between mechanical control and personal guidance—and why God desires re...

What if the key to gratitude is realizing that none of us is self-made? In this reflection on Psalm 136, John Ortberg explores the repeated refrain: "His love endures forever." Through a powerful exercise inspired by philosopher Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John invites us to trace the hidden network of people and gifts behind the things we enjoy every day—and ultimately back to God Himself...

How do you process painful emotions without letting them control your life? In this conversation on Psalm 30, John Ortberg sits down with counselor and friend Rick Blackmon to explore one of the most practical lessons in the Psalms: Own your emotions—but don't enthrone them. Together they discuss anxiety, grief, anger, praise, humor, counseling, and the hope found in God's presence. This...

How do you become a grateful person? In this reflection on Psalm 103, John Ortberg explores one of the great themes of spiritual life: gratitude. At the center of Psalm 103 is a simple command: "Forget not all His benefits." Drawing from philosopher Robert C. Roberts and the rich imagery of the Psalm itself, John explores why gratitude grows through remembering and why forgetting often l...

Do you ever struggle with doubt? In this teaching on Psalm 91, John Ortberg explores faith, trust, doubt, works, and what it really means to believe. Drawing heavily from the teachings of Dallas Willard, John introduces a powerful framework for understanding belief and asks a challenging question: What do your actions reveal that you actually trust? This episode explores: - Psalm 91 and trusting G...

What if one of the greatest acts of love is simply paying attention? In this reflection on Psalm 8, John Ortberg and Laura Turner explore wonder, attentiveness, and the surprising connection between love and noticing. Drawing on insights from Marilynne Robinson, the film Lady Bird, and the writings of Simone Weil, they invite us to slow down and rediscover God's presence in the ordinary. This...

What if one of the greatest gifts you could give someone is helping them develop a taste for what is good? In this reflection on Psalm 34, John Ortberg revisits the famous invitation: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." But this time he explores a surprising idea: every one of us is a tastemaker. Through stories from Anthony Bourdain, insights from C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton, an...

How do you move faith from your head to your heart? In this reflection on Psalm 34, John Ortberg explores one of the most famous invitations in Scripture: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Many people know about God. Far fewer learn to experience God's goodness in everyday life. Drawing from the story of David, reflections from Augustine of Hippo, and a memorable scene from Pri...

What do you pray when life hurts so much that ordinary words no longer feel adequate? In this reflection on Psalm 69, John Ortberg explores one of the most emotionally intense prayers in all of Scripture. Drawing a surprising connection to Howl, John examines how the Psalms give voice to grief, despair, loss, betrayal, injustice, addiction, depression, and suffering. This episode explores: - Psalm...

How do you actually learn to love God? In this reflection on Psalm 31, John Ortberg explores one surprising pathway to loving God more deeply: curiosity. Drawing from theologian Cornelius Plantinga Jr., relationship researcher John Gottman, and Dallas Willard, John invites us to think about building a "love map" for God. This episode explores: - Psalm 31 and loving God - Curiosity as a s...

What if grace has a rhythm? In this teaching on Psalm 46, John Ortberg explores stillness, spiritual disciplines, grace, and the river of life that flows throughout Scripture. Drawing from A River Runs Through It, John shares a powerful picture of spiritual formation through the practice of learning God's rhythms. This episode explores: - Psalm 46 and God's presence - The purpose of spir...

Do you matter? It may be one of the most important questions a human being can ask. In this teaching on Psalm 127, John Ortberg explores meaning, significance, anxiety, achievement, and what the Bible says about human worth. Drawing from the work of Rebecca Goldstein, John examines what she calls a "crisis of mattering" and why so many people feel insignificant despite living in an age o...

What is the difference between being nice and being kind? In this reflection on Psalm 138, John Ortberg explores one of the most beautiful biblical ideas: God's loving kindness. Why does Scripture constantly praise God for His kindness but never describe Him as "nice"? What is the difference? And how might understanding God's kindness transform the way we live? This episode exp...

What is the secret to deep relationships? In this teaching on Psalm 133, John Ortberg explores intimacy, connection, loneliness, and the small daily habits that strengthen relationships. Drawing from the work of relationship researcher John Gottman, John explains the powerful idea of "bids for connection"—the small invitations people make every day to share life together. This episode ex...

What if unity is one of the things God cares about most? In this teaching on Psalm 133, John Ortberg explores unity, reconciliation, the Trinity, and Jesus' remarkable prayer that His followers would be one. Moving from Psalm 133 to Ephesians 4 and John 17, John shows how unity is not merely a church strategy or relational ideal. It is rooted in the very nature of God Himself. Father, Son, an...

What do you do when your soul feels downcast? In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with Kevin Palau to explore Psalm 42, anxiety, discouragement, emotional honesty, and hope. Kevin shares candidly about his own struggles with anxiety, the pressures of leadership, and why Psalm 42 has become one of the most important prayers in his spiritual life. This episode explores: - Anxiety and spirit...