[136] Conflict, faith and growth with David Livingston

Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

Pastor David Livingston discusses the concept of abundant life and how it can be experienced in the present. He emphasizes that abundant life is not solely about material well-being or a perfect life, but rather about finding spiritual and emotional well-being in the midst of life’s challenges.

Pastor Livingston shares his personal experience with anxiety and how he has found peace and permission to be anxious through reframing the language of Jesus’ command to not be anxious. He also discusses the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care in order to maintain spiritual and emotional health. Additionally, he explores the idea of finding meaning and redemption in difficult circumstances, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of pain and suffering. Finally, Pastor Livingston offers practical suggestions for deepening one’s spiritual connection, such as journaling, prayer practices, engaging in acts of service, and reading the Bible with a focus on understanding and reflection rather than completing a set reading plan.

David is lead pastor at Old Mission United Methodist Church in Fairway, Kansas, and the author of “Getting to Good: Moving to a Fuller More Abundant Life Right Now”.

In this episode:
(00:00) Reverend David shares wisdom on spirituality and coping.
(04:53) Struggle with anxiety, find peace through faith.
(09:07) Mother soothing and comforting child with words.
(11:04) Individual response to anxiety has biochemical basis.
(13:00) Setting boundaries to manage anxiety and stress.
(18:15) Staff sponsored Bible halted, allowing others to help.
(19:53) Parenting: allowing kids to fail, avoid catastrophizing.
(22:54) Disagreement with Romans 8:28 passage interpretation.
(28:23) Life is hard, but there’s redemption.
(30:09) Journaling and prayer can bring clarity and faith.
(32:43) Devotional books help encounter the divine.
(37:23) Peter’s story reveals redemption in the gospel.
(39:12) New episode in 2 weeks. Chat then. Peace.