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Joy In Every Step: Feel God's Close Presence and Discover Joy in Life’s Challenges
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to forget that you are never truly alone. In this heartfelt episode of Joy in Every Step, Elder Sarita Bernadette reminds you of God's unwavering presence and His commitment to move on your behalf. Whether you're on the mountaintop or struggling in the valley, beloved, God cares for you—and His joy awaits in every step.
You’ll discover how biblical truths anchor us firmly in hope, even in the midst of uncertainty. From the powerful story of King Jehoshaphat’s battle in 2 Chronicles to the comforting promises of Jesus in Matthew 28, this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture. Gain insight into how your brain’s resilience and the spiritual practice of pausing can transform anxiety into trust. Elder Sarita shares personal anecdotes that make faith’s journey relatable and real—showing you that, with God's help, you can arise, stand still, and watch Him move.
New episodes every Friday
In this episode:
Biblical strategies for overcoming challenges
Neuroscience of resilience and grit
The importance of prayer, fasting, and trust in God
Scripture Reference:
2 Chronicles 20:17 NRSVue
Key Takeaway:
When we face overwhelming obstacles, we must remain steadfast and take a position of faith. As believers, we put our trust in God and His divine intervention.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant presence and unwavering love. As we journey through life's challenges, remind us that we are never alone. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your promises and to find joy in every step we take. Guide us with Your wisdom and fill our hearts with peace. May we stand firm in faith, knowing that You are always near. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Stay Connected:
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyineverystep.org1
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Joy-In-Every-Step/61577893053121/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyInEveryStepPodcast
Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/joyineverystep.bsky.social
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to forget that you are never truly alone. In this heartfelt episode of Joy in Every Step, Elder Sarita Bernadette reminds you of God's unwavering presence and His commitment to move on your behalf. Whether you're on the mountaintop or struggling in the valley, beloved, God cares for you—and His joy awaits in every step.
You’ll discover how biblical truths anchor us firmly in hope, even in the midst of uncertainty. From the powerful story of King Jehoshaphat’s battle in 2 Chronicles to the comforting promises of Jesus in Matthew 28, this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture. Gain insight into how your brain’s resilience and the spiritual practice of pausing can transform anxiety into trust. Elder Sarita shares personal anecdotes that make faith’s journey relatable and real—showing you that, with God's help, you can arise, stand still, and watch Him move.
New episodes every Friday
In this episode:
Biblical strategies for overcoming challenges
Neuroscience of resilience and grit
The importance of prayer, fasting, and trust in God
Scripture Reference:
2 Chronicles 20:17 NRSVue
Key Takeaway:
When we face overwhelming obstacles, we must remain steadfast and take a position of faith. As believers, we put our trust in God and His divine intervention.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant presence and unwavering love. As we journey through life's challenges, remind us that we are never alone. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your promises and to find joy in every step we take. Guide us with Your wisdom and fill our hearts with peace. May we stand firm in faith, knowing that You are always near. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Stay Connected:
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyineverystep.org1
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Joy-In-Every-Step/61577893053121/
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyInEveryStepPodcast
Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/joyineverystep.bsky.social
Creators and Guests
What is Joy In Every Step?
Each week, Sarita shares heartfelt messages rooted in the Word of God, filled with wisdom, joy, and the gentle reminder that God cares deeply for you.
Whether you’re walking through the valley or dancing on the mountaintop, Sarita’s voice will guide you back to His promises — step by step.
Welcome to a place of peace, hope, and divine encouragement. This is Joy In Every Step with your host, beloved preacher, retired teacher, and faithful faithful servant of the Lord, Sarita Bernadette. Each week, Sarita shares heartfelt messages rooted in the Word of God, filled with wisdom, joy, and the gentle reminder that God cares deeply for you. Whether you're walking through the valleys or dancing on the mountaintops, Sarita's voice will guide you back to his promises step by step. So open your heart, settle your spirit, and take the next step in faith with Joy In Every Step.
Sarita Bernadette:Hi there. I'm Sarita Bernadette, and welcome back to another episode of Joy In Every Step. I'm glad you're here. So one of the joys of being a minister of the gospel is hearing the testimonies of believers who've been blessed by the Lord. And beloved, God has been moving this past week.
Sarita Bernadette:Second Chronicles 20 verse 17 reads, This battle is not for you to fight. Take your position, stand still and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not fear or be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them and the Lord will be with you. We hear this particular verse often when we as believers need encouragement, right?
Sarita Bernadette:It reminds us that we cannot depend on our own strength in times of trouble. God is faithful and we must remember that He will step in when we need Him. It reminds us that when we're on the battlefield, the Lord will fight for us. Let's dig a little deeper into this scripture. For context, King Jehoshaphat rose to the throne after the death of his father Asa.
Sarita Bernadette:He was the fourth king of Judah and was considered a godly king. At 35 years old, we're told in second Chronicles chapter 17 verses three through six, the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. You see Jehoshaphat was an ancestor of David's. He sought the God of his father and refused to succumb to cultural pressures. He was able to purge the kingdom of symbols of other gods and he fortified the defenses of the Southern Kingdom Of Israel against the Northern Kingdom and even other surrounding nations.
Sarita Bernadette:As his reign went on, Jehoshaphat made additional moral changes like appointing judges throughout the land to handle any of the disputes they might have. He instructed them to make sure their judgments were righteous and honored the Lord. When our verse picks up, a group of nations, a great multitude or vast army have banded together against Judah. Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and the people of Judah seek help from the Lord. In second Chronicles chapter 17 verses 14 through 17, a man named Jehaziel speaks for the Lord and tells Jehoshaphat that he is going to deliver Judah and they won't have to fight.
Sarita Bernadette:God gave Jehoshaphat some strategy for the battle. The people were told to take their positions, to be prepared, to be present, to stand firm, to stand still. Don't panic. Trust in the Lord and watch him move. Jehoshaphat goes out there with the worship team praising the Lord and leading the way.
Sarita Bernadette:In verses 22 through 23, we see that group of nations turn against one another. None survived, and it took the men of Judah three days to collect the spoils left behind by their enemies. There's so much that we could unpack there. But the main point God is trying to give us here is the battle was his and not that of the people. Jehoshaphat was fearful, but he made a decision to seek the Lord for help through prayer and fasting.
Sarita Bernadette:And we can't overlook Jehoshaphat's prayer. He acknowledged God's sovereignty, and he was honest about the plight of his people. In verse 12, he ends the prayer with, for we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. So Jehoshaphat didn't just sit with his fear and do nothing.
Sarita Bernadette:He prayed with expectation and the Lord answered with strategy and victory. Yes, beloved, we know the Lord will indeed fight for you and we know also that we have a part to play. There are some things you have to do, right? Listen, during one of the first episodes of this podcast, I shared a bit about what I learned as God brought me through an extremely difficult time in my life. I remember telling someone that things were so dark, I found myself on the bedroom floor crying out to the Lord.
Sarita Bernadette:This person asked me how I made it, and I told them, I got up. I just got up. I took the first step, and by God's grace, I'm here. Back during that time, I had the distinct honor of singing with a church choir, and one of the songs came to my mind and heart last week. Some of you may know it.
Sarita Bernadette:It's titled Watch God Move by Joe Pace and it was originally recorded by the Colorado Mass Choir. I think it was 1996 perhaps. Does anybody miss choir music like I do? I mean, I love worship songs, but there are times that I want to worship with a good solid choir. Anyhoo, here's a snippet of the lyrics.
Sarita Bernadette:So you're having problems. You don't think you'll make it through the day. You tried everything you know and nothing seems to go your way. As you go to the Lord in prayer, remember this simple groove. Leave all your burdens there.
Sarita Bernadette:Get up, step back, watch God move. Watch him make a way for you. Get up, step back, and watch God move. The lyrics spell out what I stated earlier. God is willing and able to help us, but we have to be willing to do something as well.
Sarita Bernadette:The first thing we have to do is get up. Get up. Arise, beloved. Jeremiah eighteen and two reads, the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord. Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my word.
Sarita Bernadette:So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel as seemed good to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done, says the Lord? Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Sarita Bernadette:These verses from the eighteenth chapter of Jeremiah encourage us to move out of anxiety, worry, and even stagnation. Yes, sometimes you just feel stuck. Right? Well, it may be hard, but you have to push through. Get up and move into God's presence.
Sarita Bernadette:Things change in the presence of the Lord. In His presence, we can hear His voice. In His presence, there's safety. In His presence there's fullness of joy. In the presence of the Lord we change, beloved.
Sarita Bernadette:He shapes us according to His plan for our lives. It takes some determination to take that first step. I love the fact that we are discovering how scripture and neuroscience are connected. So do you know that there's a part of our brain that gets stronger when we push through difficult times? God's handiwork can be seen in every part of our bodies, but beloved, our brains have been incredibly well crafted.
Sarita Bernadette:The brain is amazing. When you Google the anterior mid cingulate cortex, or AMCC or AMC, you'll read that it serves as a central hub for cognitive control for motivation and decision making, particularly when facing challenges or uncertainty. In tough times this part of the brain processes discomfort, regulates emotions, and plays a crucial role in increasing effort and persistence. What we've come to know as grit. It does that with a larger volume, often correlating with greater longevity and resilience.
Sarita Bernadette:Consistently engaging in difficult, uncomfortable tasks is believed to activate and grow this region of the brain. The AMCC or AMC adapts and strengthens through consistent challenging action enhancing resilience. It builds our grit. So pushing yourself to get up when you don't feel like it strengthens that part of your brain and it gets easier as time goes on. Get up, beloved.
Sarita Bernadette:You're getting better. Next part, step back or stand still. Exodus 14 verses 13 through 14. But Moses said to the people, do not be afraid, stand firm and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again.
Sarita Bernadette:The Lord will fight for you and you will only have to keep still. Beloved, this is not passivity. It's not inactivity. It's faith in action. It requires us to let go of the need to control outcomes.
Sarita Bernadette:Hello, somebody. It's resisting the inclination to fight battles that belong to the Lord. We do our part and God does His. Listen, Psalm 4six 10 reminds us to be still and know, right? Be still and know.
Sarita Bernadette:When this was written, the psalmists, the sons of Korah, a group of Levites responsible for music in the temple, were likely under threat by an enemy. As the writers declare the faithfulness of the Lord throughout that psalm, they're facing their enemies. And God's response is, Be still. Pause. Beloved, when we pause in His presence, our brains shift from anxious and unclear thinking to calm and insightful thinking.
Sarita Bernadette:The prefrontal cortex comes back online and it begins working to gain clarity about what we're facing. The stillness, the pause, the quiet comes first and then the knowing. Side note, while you're waiting in that still quiet place, hold on to the vision God gave you. You know, the vision or the image of the place you're dreaming about, the vision or the image of you living in total peace, that picture of you coming out of the darkness and standing in the light, that picture of you in a victorious state. If you don't have a vision, ask God to guide you into one.
Sarita Bernadette:And beloved, stepping back is also about us moving out of the way. Yes, sometimes we are in our own way. When we step back, we allow God to work on our behalf. Jeremiah one twelve, Then said the Lord to me, you have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over my word to perform it. God is faithful.
Sarita Bernadette:He's committed to his word. He will fulfill his promises. We have to trust that God is working behind the scenes. Breakthrough is on the way. Now watch God move.
Sarita Bernadette:You've been listening to Joy In Every Step. I'm Sarita Bernadette, and I'm grateful you chose to spend some time here with me. Feel free to share this episode with someone you know would appreciate it. You can find Joy In Every Step wherever you listen to your podcasts and give us a follow there. Do check out the website at joyineverystep.org.
Sarita Bernadette:See you next time.