Stephanie Rousselle and her guest Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith explore what it truly means to delight in God, moving the focus from external circumstances and religious duties to genuine intimacy and spiritual maturation. This conversation around Stephanie’s new book, Awaken Delight (IVP, July 2026), calls us to a deeper, more resilient delight in God, rooted in relationship, practiced in community, and modeled perfectly by Jesus. As we will see together, delighting in God means choosing intimacy and noticing His presence, especially in hardship. It requires intentional practice, honest wrestling, and learning from Scripture. Together, we will discuss how our identity is rooted not in performance but in receiving God’s boundless love. As disciples, we are called to move from spiritual infancy to mature faith, just as Jesus perfectly role-models for us.
Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J
Find out more about all the ways you can awaken your delight in God: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
Here are some notes about the conversation:
Defining Delighting in God
Saundra Dalton Smith describes delighting in God as akin to the joy and pleasure we feel towards something we love—a sunset, a flower, or even a brownie. Delighting in God means taking pleasure not just in what He does, but in who He is. It is enjoying His presence, intimacy, and communion. Saundra says, “How do I allow myself to take pleasure in who he is, not what he's doing … but him specifically?”
Practicing Delight Amidst Life’s Highs and Lows
True delight in God requires ongoing practice. Our human instinct focuses on obtaining and receiving, but spiritual maturity redirects our gaze to God as the source rather than the resource. Saundra shares that practicing delight in God on good days builds the muscle to notice His presence even during difficult moments, such as when children misbehave or pets get sick—recognizing God’s gifts even in hardships strengthens our relationship with Him.
Interpreting Hardship Through God’s Lens
When challenges arise, Scripture invites us to “rejoice in suffering.” Instead of forcing joy over the hardships themselves, Saundra advises finding joy in knowing God is with us (“the fourth man in the fire”). Practicing noticing God equips us to see His goodness regardless of circumstances.
Biblical Foundation and Fresh Perspective
Anchoring in Scripture provides strength. For example, Psalm 23’s phrasing “goodness and mercy shall follow me” becomes richer when understood as “pursue”—God’s love relentlessly seeks us. Reading familiar passages with fresh eyes allows the Word of God to “read” us and unearth deeper truths and areas for healing.
The Importance of Community
Stephanie and Saundra emphasize the necessity of authentic Christian community. Vulnerability with trusted believers helps us remember God’s goodness when we struggle. Without community, isolation can make us susceptible to discouragement and lies about our worth and God’s love.
Identity: Receiving God’s Love
The foundational truth is, “the only thing God desires of you is you.” Our worthiness isn’t dependent on accomplishments but on accepting God’s love. Saundra says, “If I never did another thing other than be a recipient of his love, that's all he required.”
Spiritual Maturation: Wrestling and Rest
The journey toward delighting in God isn’t effortless—it’s a wrestling, much like Jacob’s biblical encounter. Honest communication with God (“Help my unbelief”) leads to healing and new identity, reframing our lives through deeper intimacy.
Countercultural Faith and Jesus as Role Model
Culture often romanticizes Christianity, but real maturity comes from moving beyond the honeymoon phase into resilient faith. Jesus exemplifies delight in the Father—through learning, obedience, miracles, and suffering. For “the joy set before him,” He endured the cross, modeling love for God and people.
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Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J
Find out more about all the ways you can awaken your delight in God: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.
In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.
Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.
Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.
Delighting in God isn’t sentimental optimism. It’s deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.
It’s the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.
Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.
More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J
- Kind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God’s delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you’ll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”
- Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie’s joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."
- Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call: "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."
- Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie’s love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."
More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5J
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