# 13. Why We Avoid What Matters Most (Psalm 42)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/become-new-with-john-ortberg-3584281/13-why-we-avoid-what-matters-most-psalm-42
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/become-new-with-john-ortberg-3584281/13-why-we-avoid-what-matters-most-psalm-42.md
Podcast: [Become New with John Ortberg](https://stenobird.com/podcast/become-new-with-john-ortberg-3584281)
Published: 2026-05-20T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2118006/episodes/19206291-13-why-we-avoid-what-matters-most-psalm-42.mp3
Audio file: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2118006/episodes/19206291-13-why-we-avoid-what-matters-most-psalm-42.mp3
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Duration seconds: 826

## Resource

Why do we avoid uncomfortable truth? In this teaching on Psalm 42, John Ortberg explores self-awareness, attention, distraction, procrastination, and the deep spiritual thirst at the center of the human soul. Using Psalm 42’s famous image — “As the deer pants for streams of water…” — John reflects on how human beings often distract themselves from the deeper realities happening inside them. Why do we avoid certain thoughts? Why do difficult truths fade when we procrastinate? And what does p...

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## Transcript

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