What do we do when the “spark” of life fades?

The sorrows and fleeting pleasures of life can leave each of us despairing, burnt out, and unfulfilled. Yet even here, God offers us an alternative: real joy.

In this season’s opening episode of The Digital Examen, host Jay Y. Kim unpacks what Scripture really teaches about "joy." As Kim explains, the pursuit of pleasure in our modern age is like running endlessly on a treadmill—you never truly arrive. Yet, the entire Bible testifies to the joy God offers: a lasting inner steadiness built upon the goodness of God. Together, we’ll find that Jesus himself embraced a life of both palpable grief and abundant joy.

If you long to live a life marked by grounded delight, join us as we look to the most joyful being in the universe: God. You'll be encouraged that joy is not just possible, but readily available to you as a gift from God.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The difference between fleeting pleasures and lasting joy
• Deep joy is rooted in the presence and goodness of God
• How true joy prevails even amid suffering and struggle

Links from this episode:

• Read the transcript here
• Learn more about The Digital Examen
• Learn more about your host, Jay Y. Kim
• Preorder The Pace of Peace by Jay Y. Kim
• Listen to Meditations from The Digital Examen
• Download a Guide to The Examen

Slowing down in a culture of speed isn’t easy. Noticing in an age of distraction might be even harder. But walking intentionally with God happens at the pace of peace, leading us to that which often feels elusive: joy and delight. In this season of The Digital Examen podcast, host Jay Y. Kim joins an array of writers, educators, artists, and theologians to explore the many gifts God offers just beneath the surface of our frenzied lives, often hidden in plain view. Together, we’ll discover that a life marked by joy and delight is available to any and all who would slow down and notice.

Credits:

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPEXAMEN40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Consulting Producer: Helen Lee

✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Jack Reece

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard and Elsbette San Blas

✅ Theme Song: "For They Will Inherit the Earth" by Stephen Keech

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.