CCEF Podcast: Where Life & Scripture Meet

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss discouragement and its various dimensions. They emphasize the importance of language in articulating discouragement and how honest expression can lead to deeper conversations with God. The conversation also delves into scriptural insights that provide hope and encouragement, highlighting the role of endurance and prayer. Mentioned in this episode: Looking for biblical counseling training? Check out Westminster Theological Seminary's Master of Arts in Counseling, offered in collaboration with CCEF faculty. You can learn more at wts.edu/mac. Related resources: - "Blessed are those who are weary of the struggle." (Matthew 5:3) | Journal article by Esther Liu - When Life Feels Disconnected from Faith | Blog post by Lauren Whitman - An Open Letter to a Discouraged Saint | Blog post by Mike Emlet

Gunnar Gunderson and Darby Strickland, both CCEF faculty members, share their insights and personal journeys with anxiety. They explore the profound connection between mind and body, highlighting how physical symptoms often stem from mental distress. The conversation touches on the effects of past trauma and the importance of community in managing anxiety. Listeners can find hope in divine support and practical strategies like prayer and physical activity to navigate their struggles. The dialogue weaves in faith, personal anecdotes, and biblical lessons for a deeper understanding of anxiety.

In a heartfelt discussion, personal experiences with anxiety are shared, revealing its many forms and connections to perfectionism. Insights from Scripture underscore anxiety as an opportunity for deeper conversations with God. The speakers highlight the role of faith, prayer, and gratitude in finding peace, reminding listeners that it's possible to transform anxiety into a pursuit of God's kingdom. Community support and the assurance of God's closeness offer hope, showing that rest can be found even in the midst of turmoil.

Discover how ancient Psalms of lament help navigate grief and express sorrow. The hosts share personal journeys of finding solace through vulnerability and honest prayer. They explore the difference between lamenting and grumbling, emphasizing the relational aspect of communicating with a compassionate God. Dive into how these psalms articulate complex emotions, fostering deeper connections during difficult times. Embrace the healing power of expressing grief, leading to a transformed relationship with the divine.

Gunner Gundersen, a faculty member specializing in biblical theology, and Esther Liu, an expert on the intersection of Scripture and life's challenges, dive into the intricacies of conflict. They discuss the emotional toll of confrontation and the importance of understanding one’s heart through grace. Gunner and Esther highlight reframing conflicts as growth opportunities while sharing practical strategies to engage with empathy and self-restraint. Their insights offer a roadmap for navigating relational challenges with compassion and faith.

“We have a God who loves, cares, and knows, and I can rest utterly in the hope that he will be with me, he will walk with me, and he will provide. He will care for every last moment of my day tomorrow as I am exhausted.” Do you ever have nights where you can’t sleep? Whatever the reason may be, struggling to sleep is a form of suffering. In this rerun of an episode originally released in 2022, Alasdair Groves explores what it looks like to lean on the Lord when we can’t sleep, assured that he is near and he cares.  

Would you consider donating to CCEF to help us continue to provide the church with resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life? You can give at ccef.org/donate. Today’s episode is a session from our national conference a few years ago on anxiety. This session is by Ed Welch and is titled “Daily Bread: Today’s Strength for Anxious People.” Ed talks about God’s invitation in anxiety to come to him and find strength for today.

Explore the challenges of seasonal depression and discover the power of community and faith in coping with winter's gloom. Personal stories and biblical insights provide practical strategies for navigating difficult times. The podcast also reflects on the journey towards a deeper connection with scripture and God, using the metaphor of ocean undertow to illustrate the struggles of faith. Tune in for inspiration and encouragement this season!

Today’s episode is a free session from the 2024 National Conference: Rest. The session is by Aaron Sironi and is titled “Created to Do Good Work.” It considers the goodness of work and how it relates to rest in the cycle and rhythm of our lives. You can find more audio from our rest conference at ccef.org/2024.

Explore the profound connection between prayer and processing negative emotions. Discover how expressing fears and doubts to God can be a powerful act of faith. The discussion gives practical insights on how to incorporate biblical perspectives into emotional healing, emphasizing that pouring out your heart is not just acceptable, but vital.