In this concluding episode of the “Love & Clarity” season for The Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle dives deep into the challenge of finding true joy during difficult seasons, especially around the holidays. With her signature honesty and insight, Lisa explores how chronic perfectionism and a tendency to overanalyze can steal your ability to experience the present moment.

She also reveals how shifting your focus from “what was” or “what if” to “what is” can unlock a new perspective on life—one that allows you to embrace the joy you’ve been missing. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling stuck in your circumstances or letting past disappointments define your present, this episode is for you. Lisa will help you see beyond the fog of perfectionism and disappointment, offering a fresh lens through which to view your life, your struggles, and the good that is still waiting to be discovered!

Listen in to learn more:

(0:49) The challenge of finding joy when life "should" be joyful

(2:04) How chronic perfectionism can trap you in a cycle of overthinking

(3:01) Shifting your focus from "what was" and "what if" to "what is"

(5:58) The difference between things working out and things working together

(7:29) How God helps you see the good, even in difficult times

(9:29) Finding peace when life’s circumstances feel unfair or wrong

RESOURCES

Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.

Mentioned in the episode:

Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joe/

The Hard Good: https://shopstyle.it/l/bJp1l

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

In another powerful conversation of the “Love & Clarity” season, Lisa Whittle sits down with Ian Simpkins, internet personality and Lead Pastor of Bridge Church in Nashville, to explore the deep truths of what it means to be an image-bearer of Christ versus a work-doer. Together, they tackle the tension between spiritual hunger and productivity, discussing how both intimacy and humility require intentionality. Ian opens up about the struggles of balancing family, ministry, and self-care while offering practical insights into building deeper connections with God and others. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of life, work, or faith, or are grappling with bitterness or isolation, this conversation will offer you hope and real-life tools to navigate those challenges. Listen in to discover how you can radically shift the way you live, love, and serve.

Listen in to learn more:

(4:00) How to stay spiritually hungry in ministry

(7:49) The real challenge of true humility

(14:34) Production vs. consumption in faith

(20:16) Are you a “work-doer” or “image-bearer?”

(32:58) What are the hidden effects of bitterness?

(40:03) The difference between solitude and isolation

(47:16) How listening can actually be an act of love

(49:48) What is the last thing Ian would say about Jesus?

RESOURCES

Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.

Mentioned in the episode:

Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joe

Bridge Church: https://www.bridge.tv

One-on-One Coaching: https://www.lisawhittle.com/coaching-with-lisa

Connect with Ian:
Website: https://iansimkins.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iansimkins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iansimkins1/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@iansimkins

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Are you the type of person who tends to see the glass as “half-full” or “half-empty?” In a culture where cynicism is widely accepted, and even admired, it can be tempting for believers to fall into negative thought patterns as well. In this episode of the “Love & Clarity” season, Lisa exposes the hard truth about cynicism and skepticism – offering a deeper look at the meanings, motivations, and impacts of each. When trust is broken and life disappoints you, there is a way out of cynicism. Pull up a chair and listen in to discover lasting hope that cannot be shaken.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

(1:16) Optimism: A natural trait or an intentional choice?

(3:43) How to distinguish cynicism from skepticism

(6:28) What is at stake when you have a cynicism outlook

(8:43) The secret ingredient to transform your thinking

(10:46) What comparison and purpose have to do with cynicism

(14:21) Lisa shares her own journey with cynicism and offers a way out

RESOURCES

Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.

Mentioned in the episode:

Sharron Miller: https://sheworships.com/

Bob Goff: https://www.bobgoff.com/

Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joe/

Speaking: https://www.lisawhittle.com/speaking

Connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.lisawhittle.com

Substack: https://letsbeclear.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial