The Quiet Place with Sherri Youngward

I collected some previous episodes centered around the Gospel of John. I liked the idea of having them all in one place, and thought you might too. 

John 6:28-29

Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

Every time I read this chapter in John, I lean in when I get to the words, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” OK, tell me what to do.

I literally put my head in my hands and prayed, "Show me all the ways I need to believe more."

I was met with silence, and then I thought, "Actually, I don’t know if I could handle ALL the ways." 

Here is where I landed and what helped me.

I will read to you from:

Matthew 6:31-34

John 6:22-39

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John 20:31 

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John made it perfectly clear why he wrote his Gospel—that we would believe who Jesus is and have life in His Name.

In this episode, we will explore the life we are promised. 

John 10:10-11 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  

ABUNDANT: Over and above, more than enough, superabundance.

Antonyms: Depleted, insufficient, lacking, meager, needy, sparse, scarce.

I will confess which list I've related to more lately, and then share how the Lord drew my eyes back to the truth of my life with Him.

While I’m confessing, I have to admit I had made this list of antonyms once before, years ago. It seems I need redirecting often. I hope you might be encouraged (or redirected, if needed) back to the life you have in His Name. 

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Psalm 84:11–12

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts,

blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Last week, we looked at the authors of Psalm 84—the sons of Korah. This week, we’ll look at the Psalm itself. I went back and revisited some thoughts from an earlier episode, as well as adding new thoughts and commentary.  

Paraphrasing F.B. Meyer: In our need, God becomes exactly what we lack—light in darkness, protection in battle, grace for the moment, and glory to come.

I found “grace for the moment” by remembering that God doesn’t withhold good. He gives us Himself. He gave us His beloved Son and sent His Holy Spirit to live in us.

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Psalm 84:1-2

To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. 

A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

How lovely is Your tabernacle,

O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, even faints

For the courts of the LORD;

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Though Psalm 84 has long been a favorite of mine, this is the first time I ever looked into who the (human) authors were — the “sons of Korah.”

Now that I know more about them, this Psalm is all the sweeter. What a beautiful shift of heart and reputation they had. I’ll tell you all about it in this episode. 

Second chances and redemption stories reminded me of how "Amazing Grace" is all the sweeter when you know the story of John Newton.  

All these thoughts brought to mind the song, "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)," written by Joel Houston and Jonas Myrin, which I will play for you at the end. 

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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

— 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

This episode marks four years of the Quiet Place Podcast — happy birthday, Quiet Place listeners!

A recent conversation with writer and coach Ann Kroeker brought me back to my earliest days of faith. We talked about how writing helps us make sense of life.

I shared about the morning after I gave my life to Jesus at 18 years old — when I first understood I had been created and that God had a purpose for me.

As someone who feels deeply, life can get dark without guidance and assurance. But knowing I was made on purpose changed everything.

Years later, through music, my book We Take Our Turns, online gatherings, and this podcast, I still hope to share the comfort I’ve received from God. It almost always begins with an open Bible and a pen in my hand.

I still require a lot of comfort, but I’ve learned that’s okay — because God isn’t in short supply. He is the God of all comfort.

I hope this encourages you to return to whatever helps you receive that comfort — and maybe even pass it on to someone else.

I will end with the song, “While We Are Alive.”

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Luke 10:38-42

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 

But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

I can’t help but think Jesus was smiling when He spoke this to Martha. He knew her, and she knew Him. 

In this episode, we will look at God’s guidance and correction in our lives. What a blessing that Martha had the chance to adjust her heart before Jesus left her home. 

After all, if Martha hadn’t welcomed Jesus into her home, Mary couldn’t have sat at His Feet. 

I will end this episode with the song, "Jesus We Love You," written by Paul McClure.

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This Easter, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

1 Corinthians 15:8

Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw Him.

In this episode, I will share how I’ve prepared myself for Easter over the years. 

It's not only been figuring out songs, but also answering the question, "How do I know Jesus is real and alive?"

I will also share how my friend answered this question while we were texting about allergy remedies.

I will read to you from:

Isaiah 9:6

John 14:25-27

1 Peter 5:7

Luke 12:29-32

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Romans 8:38-39

Philippians 4:6-7

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

John 21:25

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

If way back when John wrote this, the world could not contain all the books filled with stories of what Jesus had done, think about now. Think about all the stories since then. Think about your own life and the volumes it contains. 

I asked my friend Nikki what came to her mind when she thought of God showing up for her in an unmistakable way. Her mind went back to a time years ago. I will share her story here. 

Like Nikki, I was brought back to a time years ago, too. Sometimes we have a mothership of an experience. It’s our own personal Red Sea, where we stood at the edge and saw no way to cross. And now here we are, living on the other side. 

You will also learn what inspired the song, “All the Wonders,” which I will play for you here. 

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Philippians 4:6–7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Recently as unexpected rain pattered on my window, I noticed the birds still sang away.

Inspired by the birds, I slid my window open and recorded a song for you.  (It’s not the first time) The song is called, "Be Anxious for Nothing" from Philippians 4:6-7. 

If you are familiar with the song, you may notice a little prayer I added at the end.

On the way to playing the song for you, I will also read verses and prayers with the birds and rain behind me. May His peace guard your heart and mind.

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PSALM 34 

A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away.

In this episode, I will begin by reading the backstory to Psalm 34. This is when David (to escape captivity and punishment) pretended to be insane. Many scholars believe Psalm 34 was written in the cave where David hid.

It is impossible to count how many Psalms, songs, stories, and sermons have bloomed from hardship. This Psalm only increases in beauty by remembering what David had gone through. Like a travel guide, David shines a light on the ways God met him in dark (sometimes insane) places. 

Psalm 34:18 

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.

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This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

1 Corinthians 16:10

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

What is the work of the Lord?

Though it takes energy and effort, the work of the Lord has nothing to do with earning our way to God.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

In this episode, we will consider the works God prepared beforehand and placed in our human-sized hands. 

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Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:

"As man can bear hunger much longer than he can bear thirst, he may continue without food for days but not without drink. So the psalmist mentions the thirstiest creature and the most ardent of the natural passions. He does not say, 'So I long for my former grandeur,' or, 'So I long for my friend,' but, 'So I long for you, God.' His soul had only one longing, one thirst; and every power and every passion had united itself to that one desire."

In this episode, I will share how Psalm 42 and this quote by Spurgeon helped redirect my soul back to the One Thirst above all others.

Thirst for God is my answer, my primary goal, and my primary need. All the other thirsts take a lesser place.

I will end the episode with another redirecting quote by C.S. Lewis, which inspired the song “Draw Me Near”—which I’ll play for you. 

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Matthew 28:8 

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 

Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene came to the tomb after the crucifixion of their Savior, son, and friend. Their dear Jesus. After seeing the angel, they had both “fear and great joy.”

Have you ever had fear and great joy? Or grief, sickness, weakness, unidentified weirdness, and great joy? 

It did me good to remember that, by faith, I can lean into joy, even in tough times. I hope you will be encouraged too. 

I will end with the song, “The Way to Joy.”

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Psalm 33:4-5 

For the word of the LORD holds true,

and everything he does is worthy of our trust.

He loves whatever is just and good,

and his unfailing love fills the earth.

Speaking of the last line ("and his unfailing love fills the earth"), FB Meyer wrote:

"The Psalmist means that there is no spot in it where the traces and footprints of God’s love may not be discerned, if only the eyes and the heart are opened."

In this episode, I will meander through Psalm 33 and point out some of those traces and footprints. Doesn’t it sound good to have our eyes and heart opened (and reopened) to the evidences of His unfailing love?

It helps our faith to remember that everything He does is worthy of our trust. 

I will end with the song, “Your Glory,” which was written by Leslie Jordan and sung by myself and Gia Lucid. 

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Matthew 23:11-12

The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

In this episode, I will explore what it means to humble yourself, including a story about my first object lesson on the topic. It involved my eighteen-year-old self, borrowing my mom’s Gran Torino, and facing a disgruntled cashier. 

You’ll have to listen. 

One thing is for sure, God meets us in the humble place. It’s a promise. 

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Matthew 15:32-33

Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

Then His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?”

(Spoiler alert) In the end, Jesus multiplied bread and fish, enough to feed thousands of men, women and children. 

A friend of mine pointed out how Jesus let the disciples pass out the food. He let them help - kind of like when you ask a toddler to help you cook.

It all began when Jesus called His disciples to Himself and shared what was on His Heart. In this episode, we will look at the beauty and transformation that happens when we answer His call.

I will end the episode with the song, “Come Away” and talk a bit about what inspired the lyrics.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Matthew 11:25-26 

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

I recently asked the women in our Bible Reading Group what came to their minds as they thought of a good father. Some had great fathers, some didn’t have any relationship with a human father whatsoever — but everyone can make a list of what a good father should be.

I will share what I learned from those lists and also pull from the responses of some friends who are fathers who answered the question, "What do you want most for your children?"

I hope you will see a beautiful resemblance of your Heavenly Father. 

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Psalm 18:28 

For You will light my lamp;

The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Without light, I can’t see behind me, beside me, or before me (as in my future). I have many stories of how God brought light in the midst of my darkness. Often that light is as delicate as candlelight. Just a flicker of hope. 

In this episode, I will share some recent memories and a personal story of how God brought light to my darkness in a most unexpected way. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Psalm 12:6

The words of the LORD are pure words;

As silver tried in a furnace on the earth,

refined seven times.

In Psalm 12, David expresses the drastic contrast between the fallen words of double-hearted people and the pure words of God.

“Refined” describes the purifying process of a refiner, who heats metal, takes away the dross, and is left with a pure substance.

Have you ever crossed a creekbed and searched for secure stones to stand on so you won’t fall in? My journal is filled with verses that met me in the moment and gave me a secure Place to stand.

I will end by reading some of the Scripture I have written down in my journal. It is my pure, safe Place to stand while navigating life’s unforeseen challenges. You know, like creekbeds or lava you weren’t prepared to cross.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Psalm 8:3-4

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--

the moon and the stars you have set in place--

what are mortals that you should think of us,

mere humans that you should care for us?

I love how David expresses what I have felt at the edge of the sea or underneath a blanket of stars — when there is an immediate adjustment to my perception of my size, and to my perception of God’s size. I need my eyes adjusted to God’s size often. 

Creation is meant for that, and this Psalm confirms it. 

Though we can’t look at the stars or sea together in this episode, I will try to express a measure of their grandeur. 

I will end with the ancient song (27 years old) called “Stars.” Thing is, this song still expresses to me what this Psalm describes.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.

On January 1st, I wrote these verses in my journal. I had in mind the women who are joining me in reading through Scripture this year (2025, you are welcome to join). I had myself in mind too.

Maybe because it was the first day of the new year, I saw this as a great goal to set — to be planted by streams of living water. 

And then I realized, more than a goal - this is a promise. 

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:3

This is my hope for us all, no matter the year, that our roots would go deeper and our faith grow stronger.

I will end the episode with the song "Psalm One" from Scripture Songs Volume 1. 

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Psalm 139:3

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

"And art acquainted with all my ways - All the paths that I tread; the whole course of my life. All that I do, in all places and at all times, is fully known to thee."

Barnes

As I reflected on the whole course of my life, I wanted to share the story of my second birthday, which happened when I was eighteen years old.

I discovered this has been one of my most played and shared episodes and I am revisiting it here on my birthday week. This might be a new yearly tradition.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Last week, we looked at God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ as an infant.

This week, we will move ahead to God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ as a grown-up.

I will share Scripture that gave me a literal sigh of relief.

I will read to you from:

Luke 4:14-21

Luke 8:42-48

Matthew 5:1-10

Matthew 11:28-30

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

What comes into your mind when you think of the face of Christ as an infant?

Who among us would choose to come into the world the way He did?

Even as an infant, He challenged the way of the world and the way of "me."

Right from the start, Jesus modeled humility, dependence and trust.

I will read to you from:

2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Luke 2:7

Isaiah 9:2

Matthew 1:19-20

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

“Grace is the overflowing favor of God, and you can always count on it being available to draw upon as needed.”

Oswald Chambers

Our understanding of grace deepens over time, doesn’t it? Though the very first time we experience God’s grace seems like it would be the most impactful, still over time there is a tenderness that grows and grows. I suppose it’s because our relationship with Jesus grows and grows. 

In this episode, we will have a moment of remembering God’s grace toward us. I will end with a homespun version of "Amazing Grace" that I recorded with a microphone facing out the window to capture the amazing birdies singing along.

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

Psalm 142:3

When my spirit faints within me,

you know my way!

In the path where I walk

they have hidden a trap for me.

In this episode, we will look at Psalm 142, which David wrote in an actual cave. There is much to learn from David in that room without a view.  

This Psalm met me recently and helped me identify some sneaky snares and traps. 

Once identified, it was much easier to step right over them. I hope you might identify your own and do the same. 

Even in the cave, there is hope.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

James 2:5 

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

As people who love and follow God, we can be both poor and rich at the same time. 

Poor means: helpless, powerless to accomplish an end, needy, lacking in anything.

In this episode, I will highlight the Source of our riches and consider how we might spend those riches while on Earth. It was helpful for me to remember what I have, and I hope the same for you. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails—

F.B. Meyer wrote:

"Jesus sits for his portrait in these glowing sentences, and of him every clause is true."

As I have been reading through F.B. Meyer’s commentaries on 1 Corinthians 13, I took some time to learn more about him. I’ll share a mini biography with you in this episode. 

I found much encouragement by Meyer’s love and practical help for the poor and discarded. I hope you will too. 

My favorite description of him is this: A profound concern for people in need marked his life. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

FB MEYER wrote:

"God’s nature is not specially characterized by faith, because there is no uncertainty with his perfect knowledge; nor by hope, because there is no future to his eternal existence. But God is love; and to love is to resemble Him."

Though returned love is wonderful, often our greatest heartache revolves around those we love the most. Jesus was the perfect example of sacrificial love.

When we choose to love even when it’s hard, we resemble Him. A lot of my friends resemble Him right now. 

I will play the song, “Love Never Fails” at the end of this episode. It’s a homespun version recorded with my friend Gia on a little microphone that works with my phone.

I hope as you listen to 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 read and then sung, you might be encouraged in your strengths and find God’s help where you are weak. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 9.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

This is the last episode of The Restore Project. I will go over some themes we’ve looked at in this series, kind of like when you skip a rock and it leaves rings where it’s been. Just a skim over.

Maybe you’ll hear something you want to revisit, or missed altogether. (Fun fact, I love skipping rocks.)

I will end with the song, "The Lord is My Shepherd," which is Psalm 23 in its entirety and is the third song I’ve written inspired by this Psalm. Well, I only wrote the music, David wrote the words.

Thank you for following along. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 8.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:1-3

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

In this episode, we will look at the Lord, our Shepherd, as our Guide. 

You follow a guide because they know more than you, they see what you can’t see — yet. They’ve gone before you and they’ve become an expert.

David Guzik wrote: The sheep didn’t need to know where the green pastures or still waters were; all he needed to know was where the shepherd was.

The shepherd would guide the sheep to what he needed.

We don’t have to navigate life on our own. We follow the Expert of experts. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 7.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

As I was preparing for this episode, I was particularly struck with the love and heart I have received from those who have prepared tables for me. Their example has helped me see the nature of Jesus in a new light. 

What love and promise in this verse. Think of all the Lord your Shepherd has prepared for you and continues to prepare for you. 

He gives us food that feeds our spirit. He gives us eternal words and daily bread. He even knows your food allergies and diet restrictions. He prepares a table before you— no matter what and who surrounds you. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 6.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

2 Corinthians 12:10

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Sometimes I expect way more from my human self than I have to give. I fight it and want to be more. Picture a sheep with a superhero cape. I am a new creation, but I am still bound by gravity, just like all of us.

I am deeply grateful that God chose to show both sides of the human tapestry in Scripture. Both the messy, tangled side full of mistakes, sin, defeat and doubt, and also the beautiful side filled with forgiveness, restoration, patience and healing.

Psalm 23 is the beautiful side of the tapestry. 

It took David a lot of messes and heartache to produce such art.  

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 5.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:1-2

The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

In this episode, we focus on how Psalm 23 reveals the symptoms of our soul and leads us toward the cure.

When I read that “quiet waters” can be translated as “waters of rest,” it made me pause and take a deep breath. These words brought to light a symptom within me—a longing for rest, not the sleep kind, but a much deeper rest.

I’ll end the episode by praying for us through each verse of the Psalm. This may become a regular practice, and I hope it brings you the same change of heart that it brought me.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 4.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:1
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

When trying to understand a word, I often list its antonyms. For "abundance," these might be: want, lack, need, poverty, and inadequacy.

In Ezekiel 34, God lists the failures of the bad shepherds who mistreated His flock. They didn’t strengthen the weak, heal the sick, or seek the lost. As a result, the people were scattered and vulnerable—sheep without a shepherd.

In this episode, we’ll explore the opposite of a bad shepherd and discover the beautiful attributes of our Good Shepherd—Who seeks, searches, saves, and restores.

I’ll close the episode with the song, “Where He Restores.”

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

(If you previously listened to this episode and thought it sounded familiar, you were right! We had a technical glitch, so this is a fresh version with the real episode for this week.)

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 3.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

As a king, David had pressure to lead and protect his kingdom. Still, he carved out time with God. Still, he stole away. Still, he worshiped and he wrote. 

David cared for the people he led, beyond just the physical realm. He tended their souls and spent valuable hours giving language to an Unseen Kingdom. 

In this episode, we will consider how we spend our valuable hours, and how we encourage the valuable hours in those around us.

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Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 2. 

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:1-3

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

David painted scenes we can see. You don’t always realize you’re thirsty until you see a glass of cool, clear water. 

Green meadows and peaceful streams stir memories of places we’ve been or would rather be. David’s words travel through the layers of human need and shine a gentle light on our souls. 

He beautifully expressed his need and his remedy— the thirst and the cup. He reflected over his life and led us to his Source of help. 

In this episode, I will encourage you (as I was also encouraged) to do the same. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Welcome to The Restore Project—a series centered around Psalm 23. 

Here is Session 1.  

(Feel free to listen in any order.) 

Psalm 23:1-3a

The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

This week, I am beginning a series inspired by Psalm 23. I’m not trying to pull the Psalm apart from the view of a scholar, although I will pursue their help here and there. 

I am looking at this Psalm through the eyes of a sometimes songwriter, and an all-the-time human, who has found much treasure in this Psalm.

I will end this episode with the song, "Restore My Soul."  

Welcome to the first episode of The Restore Project.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Psalm 23:1 

The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

If you’ve been following along in real time, you know I’ve been working behind the scenes on a new series. This series is called The Restore Project and is centered around Psalm 23. Though the series officially begins next week, I wanted to give an introduction—a prequel of sorts. 

In this episode, you will hear my heart for this series. I’ll also read from three friends who wrote about what came to mind when they thought of Psalm 23, and you’ll get a preview of the new background music (thanks to Danny Donnelly).

There’s something about this Psalm, written centuries ago, that still lands so beautifully.

Thanks for listening along. 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode while I work on an upcoming series. This replay was suggested by Erin S.

Psalm 19:1

The heavens tell of the glory of God.

The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.

Are you in a hard season? Give your eyes, ears and brain a breath of fresh air, and remember we are on our way to something greater. 

Let His reminders in the sky lift you out of the stucco walls and fluorescent lights.

Nature is a worship song, if you let it be.

Have a listen.

I will read to you from:

Psalm 121:1-8

Psalm 19:1-14

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode while I work on an upcoming series. This replay was suggested by Elizabeth F.

Psalm 36:5

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,

Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

When a songwriter wants to express something huge and meaningful, they think of the biggest things they can… mountains, galaxies, the ocean.

In this episode, we will look at God’s faithfulness. If you can see the sky, you have a glimpse at the size of it.

Along with the verses below, I will read part of the backstory to the hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness."

I will read to you from:

Psalm 33:4

1 Corinthians 1:9

1 Corinthians 10:13

1 Thessalonians 5:24

2 Thessalonians 3:3

2 Timothy 2:13

Hebrews 10:23

Psalm 36:5-9

Lamentations 3:23-24

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode while I work on an upcoming series. This replay was suggested by Stefanie R.

Genesis 16:13

Then she (Hagar) called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees;

Barnhouse wrote: 

“We must be triumphant exactly where we are. It is not a change of climate we need, but a change of heart.”

In this episode, we will look at how a mistreated servant, a woman at a well, a short man in a tree, a fisherman, and some lady in Northern California were transformed by a face-to-Face encounter with You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees. 

I will read to you from:

John 4:39-41

Luke 19:1-10

Luke 5:8-11

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode with a few additional thoughts. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Last week, I shared about my friend, her husband, their five kids and their cat, and how they took a road trip in their RV. 

My friend Gina shared a story of when she looked out the front window at the frozen slushy, tense road conditions and saw the kids in the rearview mirror contentedly reading books and playing games.

In this episode, I will share my lingering thoughts on how to be content like the kids in the backseat, while also being the adult who sees the stressful stuff in front of me. 

You will also learn what tomorrow’s trouble-fire means and I will play the song “Peace.”

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode with a few additional thoughts. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

Psalm 27:13-14

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the LORD

In the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Do you have ways, places, and perhaps people that help you see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living? Seeing carefree birds soar and hop on branches helps me. The kindness of people and children also helps me see the goodness of the Lord. 

Thinking of places, friends, and children gave me an idea, which resulted in receiving phone voice recordings and adding them to this episode. I hope you will find the same encouragement I did, and I wonder if you will agree with why I think Spurgeon would smile? 

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Psalm 142:3

When my spirit faints within me,

you know my way!

In the path where I walk

they have hidden a trap for me.

In this episode, we will look at Psalm 142, which David wrote in a cave! There is much to learn from David in that room without a view.  

This Psalm met me recently and helped me identify some sneaky snares and traps. 

Once identified, it was much easier to step right over them. I hope you might identify your own and do the same.

Even in the cave, there is hope.

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

Psalm 42:1

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.

It seems I go in circles and cycles. I face a need, these days it’s usually a physical need, and begin the search for answers.

Often the search is on YouTube or Google, and no amount of searching quenches the thirst. Usually, the thirst only deepens as the answers provided end with a huge price tag and a huge dose of exasperation.

Again and again, God draws me back to what I need first and foremost, which is a big drink of Living Water. There is no price tag on His presence and the outcome is peace surpassing understanding.

“I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?”

― C.S. Lewis

I will end this episode with the song, “Come Away.”

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Isaiah 61:1a

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

One place I go when I need my heart softened and strengthened is Isaiah 61. It’s where I have gone for decades when I want to remember the mission and the heart of Jesus.

I will end this episode with a song inspired by this lovely description of Jesus. And by the way, my favorite words to sing in this song are:

He comforts all who mourn

He gives them beauty for ashes

Then He looks into their heart

And heals the broken places 

The song is called, "If I Could."

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

Ephesians 1:3

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

I read this verse in multiple versions and three words stayed the same: “every spiritual blessing.”

In this episode, I will share a real-time quest to find spiritual blessings in the midst of a very loud morning here in my corner of earth. The crashing and scraping outside my window made the perfect metaphor for my often very loud thoughts, so I recorded it for you. You may be tempted to grab your hard hat. 

I will read to you from:

Psalm 19:1-14

Psalm 8:3-9

2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:1

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

Isaiah 35:6b

Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

Lettie Burd Cowman titled her devotional book, Streams in the Desert, after this verse.

It was first published in 1925. Her writings were based on her hardships and her experiences of fellowship with God. I randomly opened my dusty copy to a page and it met me in just the right way. It turns out there was nothing random about it after all.

F.B. Meyer wrote: Remember to store up an accurate remembrance of the way in which God comforts thee. 

I’m glad Lettie did just that.

I will read to you from:

2 Corinthians 12:7-12 

1 Peter 1:6-9 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!

This week, we are revisiting a favorite episode. We hope you enjoy going back with us.

Genesis 5:24a

Enoch walked with God

It’s a breathtaking thought that we can walk with God. 

I am someone who loves to walk. In this episode, I will share some thoughts from my journal.

From walking slowly arm in arm with my mom to stepping inches away from a coiled, rattling rattlesnake. 

I will also share some of my favorite walks in Scripture. 

I will read to you from:

Matthew 4:18-22

Luke 24:13-32

If you would like to support this podcast with a monthly or one-time donation, thank you!