In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the pervasive issue of busyness. They explore how busyness can often be a form of suffering, how our misguided desires can exacerbate the experience, and how the Lord's compassion makes a difference. They discuss why it's hard to say no to good things and the costs of busyness, and they highlight the freedom that comes from the reality of God's sovereignty and his presence in our busy world.

Mentioned in this episode: Read an important update from CCEF's Board of Trustees here.

Related resources:

• Busy Families: Learning to Say "No" in Order to Say "Yes" | Conference session by Mike Emlet
• When a Command Became a Promise | Blog post by Darby Strickland

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the different ways we can experience loneliness, particularly within church community. They explore the importance of recognizing and addressing these emotions, as well as finding ways to move toward those on the margins. They consider some helpful practices and insights on how to navigate loneliness, such as viewing others as family, taking one step at a time, moving outward, and being honesty before the Lord. Related resources:

• Pushing through Loneliness to Contentment | Conference session by Cecelia Bernhardt
• Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships | Book by Ed Welch
• Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog post by Darby Strickland

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the challenges and expectations that come with church relationships. They discuss the importance of clear communication, understanding different personalities, and the role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful connections. They emphasize how our future hope and the steadfast friendship of Jesus are a source of comfort and strength in navigating these relationships. Related resources: - Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships | Book by Ed Welch - Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog post by Darby Strickland - Expecting Less from Church | Blog post by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the common struggle of engaging with Scripture, especially during difficult seasons. They consider God's patience and gracious intent for our Scripture reading, what it means to engage with the Word even when we don't hunger for it, and creative ways to engage with Scripture, such as through art or memorization. The conversation emphasizes the long-term nature of engaging with the Bible and the significance of community in fostering a deeper connection with God's Word.

Related resources:

• A Host of Scripture for Every Hardship | Podcast episode by Alasdair Groves
• Restoring Hearts to Scripture: Reconnecting with God’s Words After They Were Used to Hurt You | Conference talk by Darby Strickland
• Beyond Devotional Doldrums: Using Scripture and Prayer to Foster Intimacy with God | Conference talk by Mike Emlet

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

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the interplay between anxiety and the body, discussing personal experiences and insights. They consider the impact of past experiences on anxiety responses, the significance of community, and practical strategies for navigating anxiety in the moment. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about our upcoming conference: To Live Is Christ: The Life & Ministry of Paul, where we'll consider not so much the content of Paul's theology, but rather how he did ministry. We'll ask the question, What does it look like when someone does ministry with Jesus at the center of everything? Register before the price increases after March 31. Learn more at ccef.org/2025. Related resources: - Anxiety & the Body | Conference talk by Mike Emlet - "Take a Deep Breath"—How Counseling Ministry Addresses the Body | Journal article by Todd Stryd - When Your Mind Gets Stuck | Blog post by Ed Welch - "How do I get over or deal with certain anxiety triggers?" | Video by Todd Stryd - God & Anxiety: Turning to Him for a Deeper Connection | Podcast episode by CCEF Faculty

In this episode, CCEF faculty share personal experiences of anxiety and consider how it manifests in many different ways. They share insights from Scripture and talk about how anxiety is a continual opportunity for conversation with the Lord. Mentioned in this episode: Check out the CCEF Blogcast, where CCEF authors read their own blogs. Find it on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Podcast Related resources: - Free Audio for Anxiety- A Small Book for the Anxious Heart | Book by Ed Welch - Running Scared: Fear, Worry & the God of Rest | Book by Ed Welch - Anxiety: 2019 CCEF National Conference

• Become a Psalmist | Blog by Ed Welch
• Psalms 42 & 43 | Podcast episode by Mike Emlet & Alasdair Groves
• How Lament Leads to Rest | Conference session by Mark Vroegop
• Am I Doing This Right? What Lamentations Teaches Us about Rest | JBC article by Todd Stryd

• JBC Must Reads: On Conflict

“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.