Podcast Summary: Rick Renner Podcast (Audio)

Episode: TIME with Denise Renner – What is the Secret of Peace?
Host: Denise Renner
Date: January 4, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Denise Renner dives deep into the biblical path to freedom from worry and the secret to experiencing sustained peace. Drawing from her own life, scripture, and Old Testament examples, Denise unpacks practical ways Christians can say "goodbye" to worry and step into the supernatural peace and deliverance Jesus paid for. The recurring message: Peace is not only possible but is a promise and provision from God, accessible through trust, prayer, and thanksgiving.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Freedom from Worry Is Possible

• Denise opens by challenging the listener to believe that living free from worry is not only possible but is God’s intention for every believer.
  • “That's so powerful to even think of that, that you and I could be free from worry.” (00:15)
• She observes that the world profits off fear, but Jesus offers peace that conquers our mind, body, and spirit.

2. Scriptural Foundation – Philippians 4:6–7

• Denise unpacks Paul’s exhortation:
  • “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil 4:6)
• She breaks down the Greek for "nothing" ("T"):
  • “From the biggest care, worry, problem to the smallest, we're to be anxious for nothing.” (03:45)
• Emphasis on Paul’s circumstances—writing from a prison full of stench and danger—and yet commanding peace:
  • “If the Apostle Paul can write that with such conviction by the Holy Spirit... then God is talking out to us.” (05:55)
• The reason worrying is unnecessary: Jesus has already paid the price for peace, and it's one of the fruits of the Spirit.

3. Prayer, Supplication, and Thanksgiving

• The alternative to worry is immediately to bring every concern to God:
  • “If you're tempted to worry about it, then you could pray about it.” (07:05)
  • Supplication is “pouring out your heart to God... telling him exactly what you want, exactly where you are.” (07:45)
• Thanksgiving is key—don’t just list complaints, but thank God for who He is and what He’s done:
  • “The power is being anxious, saying no, and then praying about it, and then thanking God for His goodness, magnifying Him for who He is.” (09:35)

4. The Role of God’s Peace as an Umpire

• The peace of God is described as a spiritual "umpire" standing guard:
  • “Something comes up against your mind... the peace of God in your heart like an umpire... says, no, you're not coming in.” (10:50)
  • Memorable analogy: a hockey goalie preventing the puck (worry, fear) from entering the net (your heart). (11:15)
  • “The peace of God is greater than that goalie... No worry, you're not coming in here.” (11:35)

5. Drawing Near to God for Transformation

• Practical testimony from Denise’s life:
  • Struggled with personal distress and initially prayed for her husband to change.
  • Holy Spirit revealed: “That person doesn't need to change. You need to change.” (13:15)
• She dedicated herself to early morning Bible study, specifically in Proverbs, seeking God daily despite not seeing immediate results.
• Breakthrough moment: God reveals root issues (competition in her heart) and delivers her:
  • “He revealed to me what it looked like, the sin of it, what was wrong with it, the darkness of it... He delivered me in that moment. And I wept over that for a few days, and that's the truth. But do you know that I was completely delivered?” (16:55)
• Key principle: When we draw near to God, He draws near to us with answers and deliverance (James 4:8).

6. Old Testament Example – Jehoshaphat and the Israelites

• Facing insurmountable odds (enemy three times their size), Jehoshaphat leads Israel to fast and seek the Lord (2 Chronicles 20).
• God’s instruction: “You will not need to fight in this battle... Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord... do not be afraid or dismayed... for the Lord is with you." (18:10)
• Israel’s obedience:
  • They worship and praise God, carrying no weapons except praise.
  • “If they were all consumed with worry and distrust... they would have never been able to walk down to their enemy with only one weapon: the praise of God in their mouth.” (20:05)
• Result: God creates confusion in the enemy camp, enemies destroy each other, and Israel gathers abundance for three days.
  • “If we worry, we're closing our eyes to what God really wants to do... when we say, no, Lord, I am not going to worry... I want to see you, God, do great and mighty things.” (22:05)
  • “If we trust in the Lord then we have an open door for Him to direct our paths.” (22:50)

7. The Power of Trust and What Worry Blocks

• “If we're worrying, we're not trusting that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think.” (24:55, referencing Ephesians 3:20)
• Closing encouragement: Saying “no” to worry opens the door to supernatural answers, power, and peace.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The power is being anxious, saying no, and then praying about it, and then thanking God for his goodness, magnifying him for who he is.” – Denise Renner (09:35)
• “The peace of God is greater than that goalie. And he stands up and says, no fear, you're not coming in. No worry, you're not coming in here.” – Denise Renner (11:35)
• “When you draw near to Him, He doesn’t draw near to you empty handed. He draws near with answers and deliverance and power for your situation.” – Denise Renner (16:30)
• “If we worry, we're closing our eyes to what God really wants to do... if you trust in the Lord, then we have an open door for Him to direct our paths.” – Denise Renner (22:05 & 22:50)
• “If we're worrying, we're not trusting that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think.” – Denise Renner (24:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 02:10: Introduction and overview; freedom from worry as a central theme
• 03:00 – 06:00: Diving into Philippians 4:6–7; context and meaning
• 07:05 – 09:50: Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving as antidotes to worry
• 10:50 – 12:00: The “umpire” analogy for God’s peace
• 13:00 – 18:00: Denise’s personal testimony on transformation through seeking God
• 18:10 – 22:20: Jehoshaphat and Israel: an Old Testament lesson in trust and praise
• 22:50 – 24:32: Trusting God over worry; making space for the supernatural
• 24:32 – end: Summary encouragement; call to take hold of God’s power over worry

Final Reflections

Denise Renner’s heartfelt teaching combines scriptural wisdom, personal vulnerability, and practical steps to empower listeners to reject worry and embrace God’s supernatural peace. The episode’s core message is that worry is both a spiritual and practical battleground, but through prayer, thanksgiving, and trust, believers can experience breakthrough and invite God’s miraculous interventions into their lives.

Resources Mentioned

• Five-part video series: “Worry Goodbye”
• Companion study guide for deeper study
• Book: Jesus Is Your Healer by Denise Renner

“Jesus never tells you to do something without giving you the power to do it.”
— Denise Renner, closing encouragement