The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

True revival doesn’t begin with better habits or stronger resolutions—it begins with humble repentance and a renewed pursuit of God. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 7:14, this devotional reminds us that healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal start when God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their sin. Highlights Revival is deeper than emotion; it begins with repentance. God’s call to humility starts with us, not others. Pointing out sin in the world without self-examination blocks spiritual growth. Repentance is an intentional turning away from darkness and toward God. Revival flows from obedience, not performance or perfection. When God’s people respond with humility, He promises forgiveness and healing. Personal surrender can ignite widespread spiritual renewal. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: We Don’t Need a Resolution… We Need Revival. By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV As we are in the midst of New Year’s resolutions, I want to challenge you with an alternative option: instead of simply making New Year’s resolutions, what if we prayed for revival? Now don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions. There’s nothing wrong with saying “I want to do more of this” or “I want to do less of that”. But more than making New Year’s resolutions, what if we prayed for revival? We all need revival. We pray for it. We’ve seen it sweep across college campuses. We’ve studied the Great Awakenings in our history books, and now, we’re praying for it to happen again. We have always needed God, and we’ll never stop needing Him. But if we look around the shattered state of our country and our world, I think we can all agree we need Him now more than ever. Revival isn’t based on feelings. We recognize our nation needs revival, yes. Our world needs it, yes. But revival doesn’t happen because we have an amazing pastor or top-notch worship leader. I think a lot of people hear stories of revival and want the feel-good emotions they think will come with it. But honestly, revival is messy. Revival starts with us, and it starts with repentance. So many people desire the revival, but they would prefer to ignore the call to repentance that precedes the revival. Without repentance, there is no revival. Sometimes, we may look at the people around us and think, “This person needs God. They need revival, and they need to change.” Which is true. They absolutely need God, and maybe they do need to change. We all do. But look at what Jesus says in Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV): “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” This is a call of conviction. We are so quick to look at other people, at the rest of the world (and I’m not saying this world is not messy. It absolutely is). But we all need Jesus. Your kids’ nemesis at school who just won’t seem to leave them alone.The politician who makes you so angry when he steps up to the podium. The list could go on. Me. And you. But revival starts with each one of us individually. If we want revival? We must repent. What is the first thing God commands His children to do in 2 Chronicles 7:14? Humble themselves. Not their neighbor. Not the bully at school. Not the politician in the opposing party. Themselves. Next, they need to pray and seek the Lord’s face and turn from their wicked ways. This is part of the repentance and is the decision to surrender the sin we cling to—the conscious turning away from the darkness that has crept into our hearts. Intersecting Faith & Life: If we do these things, then God promises: “I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). Don’t get me wrong. Revival is not dependent on our good works. But we do need to be obedient to God’s call. If we keep pointing fingers and saying “They need to repent” while ignoring the log in our own eye, then we are no better than the hypocrites Jesus called out in the Bible. That humble individual act of turning away from sin and seeking the Lord—that is what is going to fan the flame and spread genuine revival throughout the entire world. Do we believe it? More importantly, do we live like it? Pray with me: Dear Father, we confess that we often desire the blessings of revival without repentance. We confess we are too quick to see the sins of others while ignoring the “log in our own eye.” Lord, make us humble. We lay down our self-righteousness today. Please help us to sincerely pray, seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways. We ask You to forgive our sin and, starting with us, heal our land. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Humility creates space for God to work powerfully in and through our lives. In Luke 1:46–52, Mary’s response to God’s calling shows how choosing worship over worry allows fear to shrink and faith to grow, making room for God’s strength to shine through human weakness. Highlights God notices and honors a humble heart. Mary’s worship shifted her focus from fear to God’s greatness. Humility helps us trust God with outcomes we can’t control. Fear keeps us focused on limitations; humility lifts our eyes to God’s power. God often calls people forward through blessings that feel both exciting and scary. Choosing worship over worry positions us to receive God’s plans with faith. God looks for humility when He wants to accomplish great things through someone. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Looks for HumilityBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” – Luke 1:46-52, NIV Mary had just received news that would completely turn her life upside down: an angel announced she would give birth to the Son of God. The news was wonderful, but also terrifying. Mary was a young, unmarried woman in a society where a pregnancy outside of marriage led to shame and even danger. The angel’s message was the best news possible for the world, but for Mary herself, it must have brought up feelings of fear about what her future would be like. Still, Mary responds with faith, despite her fear. She focuses on God’s greatness and she celebrates that God has blessed her because God has been mindful of her humility. Mary overcomes her very real fears by changing her perspective. She moves her focus off her humble state and onto God, the Mighty One who is greater than her problems, and who can work through her in powerful ways. Mary’s song of praise is about God, rather than herself. She realizes that if God is powerful enough to save the world through the Messiah, he is certainly powerful enough to take care of her reputation and her safety. God sees humble people like Mary and acts through their lives with great power. When have you heard some good news from God that’s a blessing, but also scary? Maybe God is calling you to start working toward making a dream a reality, but you’re afraid that you won’t be able to accomplish that goal, so you’re considering letting that dream go to stay in your comfort zone. Or, maybe God is encouraging you to forgive someone and restore a relationship, but you fear getting hurt again, so you’re neglecting God’s guidance because you want to protect yourself. Fear can cause you to miss out on making the decisions God wants you to make, because it directs your attention to only your own circumstances and limitations. When fear is in control, you only perceive the threat and miss the miracle. God’s good news is right there, but you can’t fully receive it because you’re so busy listening to worries in your mind. In order to fully hear and embrace the good news God sends you, you must make the same choice Mary did: Choose worship over worry. You can do that when you’re humble, because humility helps you see beyond yourself to God, which inspires you with reverence and awe for God. When you can see how big God really is, your fear shrinks, and you can step into the great plans God has for you because you can trust that God will empower you. God looks for humility when he looks for people to serve in great ways. Don't let the fear of what might happen in the future stop you from embracing the blessings God wants to send you. Like Mary, be in a humble state that’s ready to serve God. Then look forward to what God will do through your life! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to be humble for God to work in great ways through your life, reflect on these questions: What “good news” has God given you recently that’s both exciting and scary for you? What worries you about moving forward with how God is leading you, and what specific truth about God’s character (like his power or his love) can you remind yourself of to move past your fear? Like Mary, how can you focus on God’s unlimited strength rather than on your own limitations? In what areas of your life do you struggle to be humble, and how can you choose humility more so you can better hear and obey God’s messages? How does Mary’s celebration of God’s strength inspire you to choose worship over worry? Further Reading:Isaiah 41:102 Timothy 1:71 John 4:18Psalm 56:3Philippians 4:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling distracted, annoyed, or judgmental at church can quietly reveal places where freedom hasn’t fully taken root. John 8:36 reminds us that true worship flows from the freedom Christ gives—not from conformity, comparison, or comfort. Highlights Judgment can quietly imprison our hearts, even in worship. What looks distracting on the outside may be evidence of deep healing and redemption. God often invites us to love the very people we instinctively avoid. Freedom in Christ doesn’t always look neat, quiet, or familiar. Worship involves the whole person—heart, mind, and body. Letting go of fear of others’ opinions creates space to encounter God more fully. Jesus frees us not only from sin, but from rigid expectations and spiritual pride. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When You Feel Annoyed at ChurchBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." – John 8:36 NIV I tried to close my eyes. That was my best attempt to ignore the woman standing in front of me. If I close my eyes, I won't have to be bothered with her. That was my line of thinking, anyway. If I close my eyes, I can think about the words in the song, and the love for God in my heart—not her. Yet, before long, I squinted my eyes open to catch a glance. She was still doing it. She was moving her body during worship. She wasn't standing still. She wasn't being like everyone else. She was swaying her body, unlike the rest of the church. She's distracting. She is one hundred percent distracting. She shouldn't be allowed to do this. I was bothered in my heart, perturbed in my mind, and critical with my words. In the car, I told my husband about it. Later, though, at home, after praying about gathering a group of women at my house to experience God's love and the truth of His Word, she came to mind. God, do you want me to invite… her? Indeed, I had a strong impression on my heart that she is exactly who He wanted me to invite. Anyone but her. Despite my hesitancy, I obeyed. Once she was at my house, some of the ladies began to open up about their stories. When it was the dancing girl’s turn, she shared, "I used to be a stripper. Then, I found Jesus. He saved me and rescued me out of that. Now, when I move during church worship, it is like He is redeeming all the dances I did before. He is redeeming me, as He looks upon me in worship, I just know it..." My mouth wanted to drop. How could I have judged her? God was doing something with her. How could I have declared her a stumbling block? Her story was now healing me of judgment. How could I have been such a Pharisee? It was people like this that Jesus came to save and love. I was the one in the wrong. While I was in a prison of judgment, she was experiencing the freedom of Christ Jesus. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 NIV) Maybe she knew something I didn't. Maybe moving during worship is part of experiencing freedom. Maybe moving breaks free of a room that may be conforming. Was she on to something? During worship, I started to sway a little. I started to raise my hands. I started to break out of normal to pursue God, not only with all my heart, but with all my body. And, wow! God met me in that place. I felt His heart near me. I felt His grace around me. Who knew? Intersecting Faith & Life: How might God be calling you to break a norm? How might He be encouraging you to worship Him with all your heart? What would it look like to stop fearing what you look like before man and to give Him more of yourself in worship? How do you fear what others think of you? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When emotions feel tangled or words won’t come out right, God invites you to pour out your heart to Him as a safe refuge. Psalm 62:8 reminds us that whether we speak freely or sit silently, God listens closely and welcomes every concern we bring before Him. Highlights God invites you to pour out your heart—without fear or filtering. Whether you process internally or externally, God can handle your words or your silence. God is a refuge, not threatened by emotion or overwhelmed by honesty. When words fail, the Holy Spirit helps express what’s on your heart (Romans 8:26). God bends down to listen, drawing closer rather than pulling away. David modeled honest expression through prayer, music, and worship. God can communicate what you cannot find words to say—even to others. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Pouring Out Your Heart By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8 NASB) Do you ever long for a safe place to pour out your heart? Some people are internal processors. They run thoughts through their minds and at times find it difficult to verbally express what’s on their hearts. At times, I wish I were that way. To the contrary, I struggle with keeping it all inside. As a verbal or external processor, I repeat instructions aloud to make sure I understand them. And I express my thoughts verbally as a way of sorting through them. To my husband, who is an internal processor, that’s exhausting at times. For me, it’s essential. To hold it in is to put a stopper on my heart, and I feel I will suffocate. Until pent-up feelings eventually blow, like an eruption of emotion that can be overwhelming to those I love the most. In the aftermath of a gush of words, there can sometimes be regret. But God is not threatened by my words—or yours. And He’s not irritated by our silence, either. He tells us, in His Word, to pour out our hearts before Him, and then He tells us He is a refuge, a safe place—we don’t need to fear what we said or the words we withheld. He knows, and can handle them all—or none at all. And if you’re one who struggles with how to verbally express how you feel, or when you do, you choose the wrong words, Romans 8:26 tells us His Spirit will communicate with yours and express your very heart to your Heavenly Father. I love how the Contemporary English Version renders Psalm 62:8: “Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Could you use a safe place when it comes to bearing your soul? Do you need a refuge, a place to hide, when you’re not ready to express how you feel? God is there for us whenever we need to process our thoughts and feelings. He is the Ultimate Listener and the Perfect Communicator. He is the Quiet Encourager and our Comforting Presence. Psalm 116:2 in the New Living Translation says: “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” I love how that verse indicates He will come near us, rather than walk away, when we have something we need to say. He will draw closer—in order to listen carefully—when He knows we struggle with how to express what’s on our hearts, or how to filter our words. As a father with an ear bent toward his loving child, our God will listen. So, pour it out. Or keep it in, and just close your eyes and reflect on being in His presence. He knows exactly what you need to say. He can hear your unspoken words, too. I tend to think David, the psalmist, needed to write music and lyrics in order to express his heart. And I believe he counted on God to help him find words for what he felt, so he could express those words to God and sing them back to Him. In doing so, he experienced God’s strength in the midst of his weakness. What do you need to express to someone today, while you struggle to find the right words? Can you tell it to God instead, or ask Him to search your mind and thoughts and help you convey what you need to say to someone else? Many times, when I’m at a loss for how to say something to someone at just the right time and in just the right way, I’ve asked my heavenly Father to convey to that person what’s on my heart without me having to say anything. He has an amazing way of touching someone’s heart and making them “hear” what I really wanted to say to them, but never found the words to do so. Oh, the overwhelming, astounding love of God. All His ways are perfect, says Psalm 18:30. And through His help, we are strengthened. The next time you need to speak up or hold it in, praise Him for being a God who listens. And then pour out your heart before Him. Your words are safe with Him. Further Reading:Psalm 139:1-18. For more on connecting more closely with God, and with others, see my books, The New Loneliness and The New Loneliness Devotional. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God in times of trouble anchors your heart when life feels heavy, exhausting, or uncertain. Nahum 1:7 reminds us that God’s goodness doesn’t change with seasons or circumstances—He is a steady refuge who deeply cares for those who choose to trust Him. Highlights Trouble is part of life, but God promises His presence through it. God is a refuge—safe, reliable, and unshaken by your circumstances. His goodness is constant, not dependent on your emotions or environment. God cares personally about your sadness, stress, and unanswered prayers. Trusting God means releasing control and surrendering outcomes to Him. Rest comes when we stop striving and lean into God’s care. God’s presence provides the warmth and light we need in dark seasons. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trust God to Care for YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” – Nahum 1:7, NIV During the winter – when the days are shortest, the weather is coldest, and the festive energy of the holidays has worn off – many people struggle with feeling sad and tired. The winter can feel like an unending time of trouble since it’s a dark, cold season that seems to drag on forever. But in this fallen world, there are so many challenges that you can experience trouble anytime. Thankfully, this Bible verse reminds you that God is a refuge you can turn to in times of trouble. A refuge is a safe place with reliable help. God is the ultimate refuge for you, whenever you’re facing any kind of trouble. God is always purely good. He doesn’t change with the seasons or with your feelings. God’s goodness is a constant truth you can build your life on. The Bible doesn’t promise that you won’t experience trouble. In fact, it often acknowledges that trouble is a part of life in this broken world. Jesus says straight out in John 16:33 that: “in this world you will have trouble”. But he adds in that same verse: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Nahum 1:7 assures you that you don't have to face trouble alone. You can take refuge in God, who is completely trustworthy in every situation. The second part of this verse gives you the confidence that God “cares for those who trust in him.” The same God who created the vast universe and knows every star by name cares about the specific challenges you’re facing right now. He cares about the sadness and stress you’re feeling, and he hears your prayers and plans to answer them. When other people don’t really care about how sad or exhausted you feel, you can relax and be honest with God. God will listen to how you really feel, and he really cares. But God also asks you to trust him. Trust is the key that unlocks God’s care in your life. How can you trust God to care for you? You need to let go of the need to control the outcomes of the troubling situations you’re facing. Just like you can’t control the temperature or the amount of daylight in winter, and you can’t force yourself to feel better. But you can choose to surrender your struggle to God, and you can trust that God will help you with whatever you need when you ask for his help. So, talk with God honestly. Share all of your difficult feelings with God, and tell him you’re choosing to trust him to help you with what you need. Then, rest in the reality that God will keep his promises. God promises to be a refuge for you in times of trouble. He promises to care for you when you trust him. So, choose to believe that God will really do that! In the cold, dark days of winter, trusting God allows you to stop worrying about finding the warmth and light you need. Instead, you get to rest in the warmth and light of God’s presence with you. You can take a deep breath and remember that God’s goodness is your greatest resource. God is watching over you, guiding you, and providing for you – even in times of trouble. Take the pressure off yourself to be cheerful when you’re feeling sad, or to be productive when you’re tired. Just focus on connecting with God’s presence with you, and trusting God to help you. God is good, he is your refuge, and he cares for you. Let God’s care be the strength that gets you through times of trouble. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to trust God to care for you in times of trouble, reflect on these questions: What kind of trouble are you currently facing? How does knowing that God is a refuge for you change how you view the trouble you’re going through right now? Does it feel less overwhelming? What’s a situation in your life where you’re trying to control the outcome? How can you trust God to help you with that situation so you can relax and experience God’s best for you? When was a time in the past when you were going through a time of trouble and God cared for you then? How can you remind yourself this week to trust God more when you’re feeling sad or tired? Further Reading:John 16:33Psalm 46:1Psalm 91:2Isaiah 41:101 Peter 5:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Waiting on God’s answers can stretch our faith, especially when prayers feel unheard or delayed. Drawing from Matthew 7:7–8, this devotional reframes waiting as part of God’s process—assuring us that He hears every prayer and faithfully responds, even when His answers are still unfolding. Highlights God hears every prayer, even when the answer doesn’t come immediately. Delayed answers don’t mean ignored prayers—sometimes they’re simply “in the queue.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 remind us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Waiting requires trust in God’s timing, not doubt in His goodness. Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s faithfulness and unchanging character. God’s track record throughout the Bible proves He keeps His promises. A loving Father gives good gifts, even when the wait feels long. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: My Prayer Is Still in the Queue By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” - Matthew 7:7-8 Something I’ve been learning is the importance of patience in prayer. Often, I expect and hope God to answer right away. I’ll be praying so desperately, hoping to hear His response. When I don’t hear anything, I wonder, God, are You answering my prayer? This happened recently when I was praying for something. What God revealed to me is that He was answering my prayer, but it was still in the queue. Do you remember the days of downloading music? If you downloaded multiple things at once, the computer would download about three, and all the others were in the queue, waiting to be downloaded. I remember how impatient I would feel, eager to listen to these songs. It was a wait. Eventually, though, I would be able to play them. In this illustration, God helped me to understand that sometimes, my prayers are in the queue. God has heard them, He has answered them, but I have to wait for a little while for those answers. They are in the works. Matthew 7:7-8 encourages me that God not only listens to my prayers but answers them. He says that “everyone who asks, receives” (emphasis added). So, when I pray, He responds. Intersecting Faith & Life: What do we do when we are desperate to hear from God? According to this passage in Matthew, we keep praying. We continually seek His help and look for Him. He tells us that He will answer. So, what do we do when our prayers are in the queue? We must learn to patiently wait. We must trust in God as we wait. Scriptures like Psalm 34 and 40 comfort me when I am desperate to hear from the Lord. In Psalm 34, it says, “In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles” (Psalm 34:6). David says in Psalm 40:1, “I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.” It goes on to tell of how the Lord helped David and was faithful to him. When we are in need of God’s help and cry out to Him, He will not fail us. We can trust in Him. When we are waiting on God, in that challenging space, how do we know God is trustworthy? We know we can trust God because of His track record and also because of His Word. In the Bible, there are many stories of God’s faithfulness to His people. His Word also tells us of His character: “…And you have done what you promised, for you are always true to your word” (Nehemiah 9:8b). In Psalms, it says, “For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth” (Psalm 33:4-5). God is so good. Following the passage about asking, seeking, and knocking, Jesus says, “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:9-11). We can trust God in the waiting. We can trust Him when our prayers are in the queue. We are assured that He hears every word —that He knows what we need before we even ask Him—and that He answers our prayers (Psalm 34, Matthew 6:8). Lord, Thank You that we can trust You in the waiting, that You are a faithful God. We thank you that You are faithful to answer every prayer. We love you. In Jesus’s name, Amen. Further Reading: Matthew 6:8 Nehemiah 9, 9:8b Matthew 7:7-11 Luke 11:1-13 James 1:16-17 2 Samuel 22:31 Psalm 33:4-5 Psalm 34 Psalm 40:1-3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling brokenhearted, crushed in spirit, or painfully alone can make God feel distant—but Psalm 34:18 assures us the Lord is near in our deepest pain. This devotional points to God’s nearness in suffering, reminding us that He sees, understands, and saves those who feel shattered by life’s hardships. Highlights Feeling alone often hurts more deeply than difficult circumstances themselves. David wrote Psalm 34 during a season of fear, humiliation, and desperation. Scripture describes “brokenhearted” and “crushed” as being shattered beyond repair—yet God draws near. David chose to seek God rather than bitterness or despair. God hears our cries and remains attentive to every moment of distress. Turning to God in pain brings comfort, clarity, and renewed hope. Praise and prayer can coexist with fear, sorrow, and uncertainty. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Held By the One Who Sees and Understands Our Pain By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18, NIV When I look back on some of my most painful experiences, particularly during my homeless period in my late teens, it wasn’t my circumstances that caused the most grief. What hurt most was the fact that I felt alone. I now realize that wasn’t my reality; that the Lord saw me, loved me, and, as today’s verse assures, remained with me every dark moment of every distressing day. David, ancient Israel’s second king, wrote Psalm 34 during a time of crisis. In fear for his life, he hid in Philistine territory, the land of ancient Israel’s fiercest enemies, and in the very city from which Goliath, the warrior David beheaded, came. Learning of his presence, the king's servants said, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” (1 Samuel 21:11, NIV). In other words, isn’t this the guy who killed many of our warriors? 1 Samuel 21:13 states that, “David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish, king of Gath” (NIV, emphasis mine). This gains emphasis when one considers that, as a teen, he took on and defeated a large, heavily armed tyrant that had paralyzed the entire Israeli army. And yet, he felt afraid. In desperation, David prayed to God, asking for mercy and declaring, twice, that he would place his trust in the Lord (Psalm 56). He then pretended to be insane, “making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard” (1 Samuel 21:14, NIV). How humiliating this must have been—a powerful and successful warrior and the man anointed to reign as ancient Israel’s next king, survived by feigning severe mental illness. As humiliating as this must have been, it saved his life. Then we get to Psalm 34, a beautiful passage in which he declared His trust in and love for God, stating, “I will extol the Lord… his praise will always be on my lips … my soul will boast in the Lord” (V. 1-2, NIV, emphasis mine). He wrote that God heard his cries, saved him from his troubles, and kept His eyes upon him, adding today’s verse in which he confidently proclaimed the Lord’s nearness in times of distress. Again, today’s verse states, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. David wasn’t just sad, concerned, or discouraged. In the original Hebrew, the word that our Bibles translate as broken has the connotation of something that’s been shattered into pieces. The ending phrase conveys a similar meaning. The word translated as crushed, in the original Hebrew, refers to something pulverized to dust and beyond repair. Scripture uses the same word in Psalm 90:3, which reads: “You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals’ (NIV, emphasis mine). Have you ever experienced emotional pain so intense that your chest physically hurt and you struggled to breathe? That was how David felt, and understandably so. He feared for his life, likely the lives of his family, was run out of his homeland and everything he knew, and was forced to live as a fugitive for at least a decade. Oh, how lonely and disoriented he must’ve felt. He could’ve turned bitter or become swallowed up in his grief. Instead, he turned to God and sought comfort in Him. That was David’s regular practice. As the New International Chronological Bible states, “Virtually every important encounter he faces becomes memorialized in his petitions to God.” Yet, his psalms don’t just record his requests. They’re also always filled with praise. Intersecting Life & Faith: What a powerful example for us to follow. Sadly, when I feel sad and afraid, initially, I often get stuck in my head. That only makes things worse as one concern tends to lead to another, then another, until I’m nearly buried in gloom. Thankfully, God always meets me there, draws me into His tender embrace, and speaks encouraging truths to my soul. As today’s verse states, He moves close to the brokenhearted. This won’t change. I’m learning, however, that my sorrow feels much more manageable and less dark when I turn to the One who always turns toward me. He’s turning toward you, in your pain, as well. Further Reading:Psalm 145:9Psalm 86:15Psalm 103:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

False accusations, broken trust, and relational pain can shake our confidence—but Psalm 27:13–14 reminds us that God’s goodness is still at work in the land of the living. This devotional encourages us to place our trust fully in God, not people, and to wait on Him with strength and courage when relationships fail. Highlights Betrayal and false accusations reveal how fragile human relationships can be. Trusting people to meet soul-level needs often leads to disappointment. David’s experience with Saul shows that jealousy and envy can drive cruelty. God uses difficult relationships to reveal truth and refine our perspective. Waiting on the Lord builds spiritual strength, not weakness. God’s goodness is not delayed—it is present, even in painful seasons. True security comes from placing faith in God alone, not in others’ approval. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Put Your Trust in GodBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” - Psalm 27:13-14 In high school, I always struggled to fit in. I had friends in various circles within my class, but I never seemed to fit in anywhere. I tried desperately to fit in with a group that lived near me, and we shared the same bus. But just when I got a boyfriend who was a mutual friend of theirs, things got ugly. People who I thought were my friends were spreading vicious lies about me. They couldn't understand what their mutual friend saw in me. This is especially true since one of the friends in that circle had dated him before. The night of our Sophomore dance, I took that mutual friend as my date. We all shared the same ride and went to the dance together. But after returning from the bathroom, I saw my friend in my group flirting with my new boyfriend. I was devastated. How could she do this to me? After that, we didn't speak to each other for quite some time. Eventually, that mutual friend and I broke up. Once that happened, the friend from my circle started talking to me again. Although this is before I knew the Lord, it taught me a valuable lesson: life can be cruel. The friends you think you've made may turn on you in an instant once they find you have something that they want. I struggled until graduation, wondering if these were truly my friends or not. I quickly concluded they weren't and started making friends with someone else. I never felt so lonely. It wasn't until I met the Lord a year later that I realized what true happiness and companionship could be. The Lord filled the hole in my soul, and I no longer needed fallible, fragile human beings to fill that void for connection and intimacy. The above verse reminds me of God's sovereignty, presence, and omniscience. Although this verse is positive, verse 12 above it puts it into context: “Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise against me, spouting malicious accusations.” I learned the harshness of this reality during that encounter with my friend. We stopped being friends after that, and after graduation, we stopped talking altogether. The psalmist David wrote this in this context to promise the readers that we will see goodness and mercy come on this earth. David had personally experienced hardship and persecution from Saul. Saul was envious of his position, and he would stop at nothing to get it—even murder him. This must have been devastating for David since he had done nothing to Saul. Jealousy and envy can be difficult emotions to process. But David's encouragement in the above verse is straightforward: if we hold on to God, we will see goodness and mercy flow from others. But it is important to change our perspective to do so. Instead of seeing my friend’s accusations as a loss, I should have seen them as a strength. I'm glad the Lord showed me that side of her because I could understand fully that she was never my friend. I was placing my trust in someone nice to my face, but behind my back was anything but pleasant. The Lord will use things in our lives to show us people's true colors. Sometimes, difficult circumstances will bring out the worst in people. This is when you can truly see who people are on the inside. If you are going through a difficult circumstance, take heart. Hold on to the encouragement of this verse. Wait on the Lord, he will be good and provide you with everything you need. He may also turn your situation around for his good and glory. God will sometimes use situations like this to show you people's true colors. In the end, it is better to know who people truly are and not put your faith and trust in them, but instead in God. Put your faith and trust in God always, and you'll never be disappointed. Father, let us hold fast to you. Let us take heart and place our hope in you. Allow us to trust you, knowing that you can change any situation for your good. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Did you ever have a situation where someone hurled false accusations at you? Go to God with those feelings. Further Reading:John 16:33 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Celebrating someone else’s failure can reveal a deeper struggle with envy, comparison, and misplaced gratitude. Rooted in 1 Samuel 18:9, this devotional confronts the subtle sin of rejoicing in others’ misfortune and invites us to trade jealousy for gratitude, humility, and trust in God’s provision. Highlights Envy can quietly turn another person’s hardship into our momentary emotional relief. Comparison tempts us to feel better about ourselves when others fall. Scripture shows envy is not a minor issue—Saul’s jealousy toward David led to spiritual and emotional destruction. Envy says to God, “What You gave me isn’t enough.” Coveting blinds us to the blessings God has already placed in our own lives. Gratitude breaks the cycle of jealousy and restores spiritual clarity. Healing begins when we honestly acknowledge envy and invite God to reshape our hearts. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Do You Secretly Celebrate Others Fails or Flaws? By Kelly Balarie Bible Reading: “And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” – 1 Samuel 18:9 NIV I am happy this happened to her. For a split second, my friend's misfortune was my utter joy. As if I was watching her situation unfold on a big screen, I couldn't help but lean in, rub my hands together, and rejoice in her big cash outlay. Oh yes, I am not the only one who must pay an unexpected bill...! Shortly thereafter, I felt bad. I love this woman. “What is wrong with me?" I thought. Of course, I'd never admit this sinful thought to another soul. These sorts of things you keep to yourself. I knew better. I knew better to admit my deep satisfaction found in my friend's horrible misfortune. I knew better than to tell anyone how her bad made me feel good for a moment. I don't think I am alone either. None of us would admit it, because we know better, but I’d venture to say that this is why tabloids are so loved! When the high and mighty fall, for a moment we feel lifted. We think, "At least my life is not as bad as hers." Looking at the tabloids in the grocery aisle, we think, at least I’m not as bad as this celebrity who is now busted as a drug addict or a 5-time cheater.At least I’m not her. Tabloids are the outlet to the joyful slander of envy, just as much as my friend's misfortune was the release for mine. I wanted what she had, but I didn’t have it, so I coveted her life, her goods, and her income. Envy makes slander easy. Envy easily cuts someone else down to be emotionally built up. I’m not proud of it, but today, in humility, I admit it. While no one ever admits this truth, I know I am not alone. It’s as old as Bible times. Think: Cain and Abel, Joseph and His brothers, Saul and David. Saul envied David, saying, “And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” And from that day forward, Saul kept a jealous eye on David. (1 Sam. 18:9 NIV) How did God handle envy, in Saul’s case? “The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul…” (1 Sam. 18:10 NIV) God did not take envy lightly, and He doesn’t today either. When we envy another person, we say to God, “What you gave me is not enough; I hate my portion you gave me; I want their bounty.” Rather than walking with an attitude of gratitude, we count another’s blessings and miss our own. We see another’s lot and miss our own flowers. We look at another’s increase and think it spells out our demise. We lose our minds with envy, coveting, and jealousy. I suppose this is why a great command in the bible is, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Deut. 5:21) Is there grace? Absolutely. Is there a fresh start for those like me, who aren’t even thinking while critiquing and judging others from a root of bitterness called envy? You bet. But is there a sobriety and a reality check involved with this sin? Yes. We cannot give God glory for things that we don’t acknowledge. We can’t see God’s best way when we are looking at someone else’s way and sizing it up. We can’t effectively say thank you when we feel hate-filled. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever tried to drive at high speeds ahead by looking back for long periods of time? Likely no. When we look back for prolonged periods, we are going backwards. The same goes when we compare what we have to what others have. What can you give thanks for in your life today? What has God done for you? How does true gratitude make you feel? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s new mercies for a new year remind us that lasting hope isn’t found in resolutions, productivity, or perfectly planned goals, but in the daily faithfulness of the Lord. Rooted in Lamentations 3:21–27, this devotional points us to the steady truth that God’s compassion never fails, His mercy is renewed every morning, and His presence is sufficient for each ordinary day ahead. Highlights Ordinary, quiet days can feel harder than busy ones, yet they are sacred gifts from God. Our relationship with God is not a goal to achieve but a journey to continue. New Year’s resolutions cannot sustain spiritual growth the way daily dependence on God can. God’s mercy, love, and compassion are renewed every single morning without fail. Hope is not found in knowing the future but in trusting the God who reigns over it. There is always enough mercy for each day—never more, never less. Living one day at a time frees us from fear and anchors us in God’s faithfulness. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: New Mercies for a New Year By: Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:I reach up for my coffee cup in the cabinet. Silently, while my house is still quiet, I pour the steaming liquid. The morning hours are sacred, peaceful, and go by too fast. My children, all five of them, will wake up early. The rooms will be filled with voices, doors opening, and then the noises of food being fixed in the kitchen. Although they are older now and can make their own breakfast, I walk in with my empty coffee cup. I’m ready to help them pack their lunches and pour the orange juice. The morning hours will once again be quiet after getting them off to school, but facing my day means I face the truth that ordinary, mundane days are often harder than the busy ones. How do I spend my day? What is truly important? If I made a list, it would be a mile long. New days bring new to-do lists. Jobs, careers, family, and ministry weave together as the years go by, but how do we decide what to do with our days? Each day is a gift from God, and we don’t want to waste our time, so how do we live better? As the new year approaches, you and I want to make our lives better. We want our health to be better, our relationships to be better, and we want our faith to be better. Although New Year’s resolutions are great, maybe even beneficial, what we cannot resolve to do better is our relationship with God. Our connection to God is something to grow, not a goal to reach. I admit that many times over the years, I’ve spent time writing out my goals and aspirations for my life in December and January, including “spiritual things.” I would write down things like praying more, reading my Bible more, and doing more for God. Although we can make tangible goals like that, God is not asking us to reach a certain point, but to continue on in the journey with Him. What if instead of looking for more, we looked for new? In the new year, maybe we can find hope, mercy, and peace not in our goals or resolutions, but in the daily mercies God is already giving us. What do we have that is something we’ve forgotten about God? What if we stopped looking for more and looked to God for the daily? In the book of Lamentations, we see a powerful passage of hope. The author has spent two and a half chapters lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem. Sorrow, death, and fear surrounded the city. The author’s heart was completely overwhelmed. If you are entering this new year with trepidation, fear, or sorrow, listen closely to the turning point that happens here in the following verses. Yet this I call to mindand therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietlyfor the salvation of the Lord. -Lamentations 3:21-27 (ESV) God’s love, compassion, and mercy are new every morning. Our lives are not built because we make New Year's resolutions or meet all our goals. In the daily choices we make, that’s what really counts. How can we daily look to God for our hope? We don’t know what will happen in the coming year, but we can know for sure God will be on his throne (Psalm 47:2), there is hope (Psalm 9:18), and Christ is with us. (Matthew 28:20) As we enter the new year, don’t forget that God’s mercies are new today. Every year, every morning, and each moment we walk through life, God is with us and His mercy has no end! This gives us a place to start connecting with God right now. Each day, there is enough mercy for that day. There will always be enough. God’s mercy and love are faithful to show up every day without fail. It never runs out. You won’t disappoint, sin, or make mistakes that keep you from God’s love and compassion. We can’t outrun God’s love for us. Don’t get wrapped up in trying to prepare for the whole year in January. Just trust God, there will be enough for each day as it comes. He invites us to live this life one day at a time. Make one resolution or goal: to connect with God daily. Psalm 68:19 says that God “daily bears us up” (ESV). Each day God lifts us, provides for us the hope and mercy we need. God will never fail us. In Romans 8:31-39, Paul tells us what can separate us from God’s love. Spoiler: Nothing can! Intersecting Faith & Life: A New Year can invite us to celebrate God’s new mercies, which show up every day. We access this through His Word. Do you have a regular Bible reading habit or study plan? If life feels overwhelming, I invite you to begin with the Psalms. Check out the podcast Psalms to Help You Sleep to jump-start a daily Bible routine. You can start experiencing God’s new mercies in this new year. Further Reading: Psalm 40:1-3 Isaiah 43:18-19 Romans 8:28-39 1 John 5:14-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.