The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

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.

Setting goals for the new year often focuses on achievement, productivity, and personal growth—but Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that lasting transformation begins with surrendering our hearts to God. When we commit our plans, desires, and direction to the Lord, He shapes not only what we do but who we are becoming, aligning our goals with His purposes and power. Highlights God is more concerned with who you are becoming than what you accomplish. Committing your plans to God starts with aligning your heart with His. Many goals fail when they rely on personal strength instead of God’s power. The Holy Spirit works from the inside out, transforming character as goals are pursued. Spiritual growth flows from becoming, not just doing. Jesus shaped His disciples through relationship before responsibility. God establishes plans by shaping them to fit His good purposes, even when they change. 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: Set Your Heart, Not Just Your GoalsBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3, NIV When a new year starts, it’s natural to think about goals. You may want to set some New Year’s resolutions to start some new habits, or at least make plans for the year ahead. While it’s good to want to set and achieve new goals, it’s important to focus on more than just accomplishing a list of tasks. God wants you to focus less on doing and more on becoming. God cares far more about who you are than what you check off a list. Proverbs 16:3 highlights a simple yet significant truth: If you commit what you do to God, he will establish your plans. The key is first committing your plans to God. You can only do that if your heart is lined up with God’s heart. When you “commit to the LORD whatever you do,” you’re not just handing God your goals; you’re handing God your whole self. That choice opens the door for God to transform you and lead you into plans that are really the best plans for you. Maybe that’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fall apart a few weeks into the year. It’s hard to make much progress on goals if you’re relying only on your own limited power to achieve them. But if you’re relying on God’s unlimited power to help you achieve goals God wants for you, you’ll experience the Holy Spirit empowering you to accomplish those goals in any kind of circumstances. The Spirit’s power works from the inside out, so in the process of working toward your goals, you’ll be transformed as a person. This year, instead of asking yourself what you want to accomplish, ask God who he wants you to become. Think of your goals less as what to do and more as how to be. How does God want to strengthen your character during this new year? Do you sense God calling you to be more courageous, patient, joyful, kind, generous, or trusting? When you focus on becoming, the doing naturally follows. Habits flow from the heart. So, your goals will flow from the kind of person you are becoming, with God’s help. Jesus didn’t start by giving his disciples tasks; he started by inviting them to follow him. Walking closely with Jesus changed who they were long before it shaped what they did. Their lives were transformed from the inside out. God wants to do the same with you! So, this new year, bring your goals to God, but bring your heart first. Ask God how he wants you to learn and grow this year so you can become the person he wants you to become. Then listen. Be open and willing to take slow, steady steps closer to God throughout this year and beyond. When Proverbs 16:3 says God “will establish your plans,” it means God will shape them so they match his good purposes for your life. It doesn’t mean everything will go exactly how you imagined. Some plans will unfold beautifully. Some will change unexpectedly. Some will be put on hold. Some will lead you into places you never thought you’d go. But when you set your heart in the right place with God, you’ll fulfill all the important purposes for your life. This year, don’t pressure yourself to achieve everything you want all at once. Instead, set your heart before God and let him shape you. Focus not on trying harder, but on trusting God more. The more you build a closer relationship with God, the more your own goals will line up with God’s goals for you. Give God your year, and look forward to how he blesses your heart! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how it’s important to set your heart on God to set the best goals, reflect on these questions: What goals have you made in the past that focused more on doing rather than becoming? What qualities do you sense God wants to grow in you this year? Are there any plans or expectations you need to surrender to God today? What would it look like for you to “commit to the LORD whatever you do” day by day? How does knowing that God establishes your plans give you peace or confidence? Further Reading:Psalm 37:5Philippians 1:6Proverbs 3:5-6Ezekiel 36:26Psalm 90:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Everyday routines don’t always spark excitement—but Colossians 3:23 reminds us that even the most ordinary moments can be filled with purpose when we approach them with our whole heart for the Lord. This devotional reframes enthusiasm as a byproduct of gratitude, inviting us to rediscover joy, sincerity, and meaning in the daily work God places before us. Highlights Enthusiasm often fades in routine, not just in hardship. God calls us to work heartily—with our whole heart—for Him, not people. Gratitude is the gateway to renewed enthusiasm. Sincere thankfulness reshapes how we view mundane tasks. Every opportunity, joyful or dull, can be used for God’s glory. Knowing God’s character deepens gratitude and joy. Everyday faithfulness matters just as much as mountaintop moments. 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: Renewing Your Enthusiasm for Everyday Life By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. - Colossians 3:23 I’m a full-blooded beach girl. But considering I live about ten hours from any coast, I don’t make it to the sandy shore as often as I’d like. And when I do, enthusiastic is a fitting description of my heart posture from the moment my plans are in place, all the way through to the impending day of departure. When I’m not so enthusiastic—the week after. Back at home, when the monotony of the same ole, same old greets me the following Monday morning. What is it that fills you with enthusiasm? Is it a vacation to the beach, mountains, or the city? Maybe family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or certain seasons and holidays? And what doesn’t excite you so much? Maybe you can relate to my lack of enthusiasm on the mundane days of life. Or you may feel the staleness of your job, daily tasks, or house chores and the accompanying list of needed updates. Possibly you’d confess you’re not so thrilled with the constant demands of parenting toddlers or teens, or with the serving opportunities you’re signed up for. I get it. It’s hard to match the excitement we feel with the things that most delight our senses and souls, with the ordinariness of our everyday routines. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could? Personally, I love this idea. I’ve heard it said it’s no fun, to have no fun, or on the flipside, it’s fun to have fun. And I’m sure we can agree. Fun is more favorable. And when we find enthusiasm, we find more fun. Of course, we’d love to find and add more fun, enthusiasm, and enjoyment to the everyday aspects of life because that’s where we spend the majority of our time, thus all our days really. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Some versions replace all your heart with enthusiasm or heartily. This verse and varying versions remind me that we are not just to do some things with enthusiasm, but all things. It also speaks to me that if we desire enthusiasm in what we do, we will approach it with our whole heart. And for the sake of the Lord. So then, how do we do something, or everything, heartily and wholeheartedly for God? How do we add enthusiasm to everyday tasks and chores? Assignments that feel more mundane. That we, quite frankly, don’t feel so enthusiastic about. It occurred to me that doing something with a whole heart involves a sincere heart. And I believe we gain sincerity through appreciation and gratitude for the subject. The subject of Colossians 3:23 is God. Do we have an appreciation and gratitude for our almighty Father when we’re walking through the everyday, dull, and disappointing parts of life? As much as when we’re vacationing or celebrating with loved ones? And is our gratitude sincere? Or are we forcing smiles, faking our thanks, and allowing a sarcastic spirit? I know it’s not always natural or easy, but we should aim to be genuinely grateful in all circumstances. In the fun and joyous occasions, as well as in the blah and bothersome moments. The truth is, God gives us all our opportunities for good. For our good, and most importantly for his good and glory. The more we see that everything we do and every opportunity placed before us is for God and his glory, and the more we get to know the character and heart of him who we serve—Him who loves us like crazy and has given us more blessings than we can count—the more we grow in gratitude toward God. He is indeed the giver of gifts. And as we grow in gratitude for God and every moment that he gives, our hearts become more sincere, and we begin to add more enthusiasm to the most mundane of moments and the dullest of days. I know sincere gratitude can be harder in some seasons and on difficult days. I feel this struggle too often myself. And those are the times we need some assistance and additional reminders to refresh our understanding of who God is and what God does. And re`12gardless if you’re feeling jazzed about the task at hand or not, we can always grow in gratitude and benefit from getting to know him better. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you could use a boost in enthusiasm, stop and spend some time reflecting on the work or the day directly in front of you. Sit still in God's presence. Pray for a sincere heart of gratitude for what he has set before you. Soak in his power and greatness in the pages of his word. Understand that he is good. Understand that he is using every single thing for your good and the good of all those around you. And thank him for it all. Even the seemingly not-so-ideal parts. Thank him for that, too. And then rise up sincerely grateful. Deep down in your heart, seek an angle, find a way, to be thankful for the very thing before you. There is always something in everything to be thankful for. And when you find more sincere gratitude in every moment, you'll find more enthusiasm and enjoyment in your everyday moments. If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A new year brings fresh goals and expectations, but lasting growth happens when God shapes our plans from the very beginning. Grounded in Psalm 90:12, this devotional invites us to number our days wisely by centering our decisions, goals, and hopes on God’s Word—so our year is formed by His wisdom, not just our intentions. Highlights Resolutions often fail when God is left out of the planning process. Seeking God’s wisdom leads to better decisions—not just faster ones. Prayer helps align our goals with God’s purposes for our lives. Gratitude grows when we recognize everything we have as a gift from God. Trust is strengthened by remembering how God has carried us through before. Hope remains steady because it’s rooted in an unchanging God. Daily dependence on God shapes a year marked by growth and 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: How to Let the Word of God Shape Your YearBy Aaron D’Anthony Brown Bible Reading:“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” (Psalm 90:12, CSB) With the new year comes new hopes, expectations, and disappointments. Whatever we face, everything is always better when we face it with God. Sadly, however, we often start our year without focusing on Him. We have our goals and plans for achieving them. Yet, the Lord doesn’t always factor into that process. Perhaps that explains at least part of the reason so many resolutions fade away by the end of January. We make commitments, but none stick. What sticks are the excuses. Here’s an alternative. What if we made plans, but factor God into the process? What if we sought Him for wisdom on what goals to set and how best to accomplish those goals? As a believer, that may sound self-evident, but we make many decisions every day without consulting God. We enter disputes with loved ones, take on responsibilities, and more, all without spending sufficient time in prayer. Sometimes we have to make split-second decisions. However, if we’re being honest, there are times we could pray and simply don’t. We think we know what’s best, but then we feel foolish when things don’t exactly work out. Let’s do something different this new year. Before we make any plans, let’s figure out how we can allow God to shape this new year. Intersecting Faith & Life: Entering into the new year is undoubtedly an exciting time. If we’re going to make the most of this newness, we should strive to put the Lord first. Here are a few ways you can let the word of God shape your year: With Action Some of us set unrealistic goals, some of us set too many goals, and some of us set no goals at all. The solution to all of this is to pray for wisdom, which God gives freely (James 1:5). He knows our heart’s desires and also knows what’s best for us. Seek Him and ask Him for the best approach. Doing so will help us find the wisdom we need not just to make good decisions, but the best decisions. The new year is a great time for action because we enter it with a fresh mindset. However, keep in mind that we don’t have to wait for the new year to change. We should seek God on a daily basis to become more like Christ, rather than waiting for special occasions. With Gratitude When God is at the center of our plans, we experience greater gratitude. That’s the natural result of living a life with a view of the Creator. We know that what we have is not given freely, and not our own, and not to be taken for granted. What we have are gifts from God. Our plans, the success of the plans, and the result, whatever that may be. With Trust When life goes our way, and even when it doesn’t, knowing that God has brought us through before helps us trust Him for the next time. That applies to specific circumstances, such as familial disputes or loss, but also applies to how we approach the new year. Some years are better than others for a myriad of reasons - financial, relational. Whatever the case, God has seen us through the difficult times, which reminds us we ought to trust Him for whatever comes next year. There is no good reason to fear the future. With Hope Faith in God grants us a hope for the future that people can’t find when they don’t believe in a higher power. Such individuals are forced to find hope in people and circumstances, and that hope can just as quickly falter. However, when we have our eyes trained on God, we set our feet on solid ground. We find many reasons to hope. And those reasons never change because God never changes (Hebrews 13:8). Let that be an encouragement as you set yourself to grow, not just this new year, but day by day. Further Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 Proverbs 16:9 Psalm 32:8 James 1:5 Hebrews 13:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As a new year unfolds and the calendar turns, uncertainty can stir anxiety—but Scripture reminds us that while seasons change, God remains the same. Rooted in Psalm 102:25–27, this devotional centers our hearts on the unchanging nature of God, offering peace and confidence when the future feels unknown and reminding us that our hope is secure in the One who never shifts or fades. Highlights Change is a natural part of life, but God’s character remains constant. Scripture anchors us when anxiety about the future begins to rise. God is eternal—Creator, Sustainer, and faithful through every season. Jesus Christ confirms God’s unchanging promises and redemptive plan. Trust grows when we release control and rest in God’s sovereignty. God invites us to enter a new year with peace, not fear, rooted in His faithfulness. Our confidence isn’t in what’s ahead, but in Who goes before us. 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 the Calendar Changes but God Remains By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” - Psalm 102:25-27 NIVI found that people have mixed feelings about change. There are those like me who crave change and are easily bored by routine and regimentation. Conversely, perhaps you are more like my husband, who finds comfort in consistency. The reality is that life offers us both. Change is inevitable and necessary, and finding contentment in routine is equally important. Yes, as humans, we will experience change throughout our lives. But here’s the good news: there’s one thing that never changes - our God! Today, if you are feeling anxious about the changing of the calendar, rest in the truth that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When feelings of worry and dread of the unknown are tempted to steal your joy and rob your peace, take time to recite these prayers, as you rest in our unchanging God! “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” - Psalm 102:25-27 NIVHeavenly Father, I come before as I enter a new year filled with uncertainty. My heart is anxious, my thoughts consumed with the “what-ifs.” Lord, help my heavy heart rest in the knowledge that You are the Creator, You’ve always existed, and You remain the same for all eternity. You spoke the creation into existence. Your plan for redemption for Your children has remained constant through the ages. When fear of the unknown creeps in, I ask you to silence those thoughts and grant me peace that only You can provide. Thank you. Though I am fickle, Lord, You are always faithful in Jesus' Name, Amen.Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. - Hebrews 13:8Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ. We see in Jesus that You keep Your promises. In the garden, You promised to make a way for Your children to be reconciled to You, to be saved and redeemed for their sins. Jesus was there in the beginning, and He has always been a part of Your plan. Help me to trust in Your purpose. Lord, You know my thoughts, my heart that quickly beats because I am anxious about tomorrow. Yet, You are sovereign, in total control, and are working everything for my good and Your glory. Calm my anxiety, and help me to release control, the need to know every detail over to You. This year, Lord, I ask that I approach each day worry-free, because I know You are unchanging, and You are Faithful, and I can put my trust in You. In Jesus'Name ' Name, Amen. For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. - Malachi 3:6 ESV Heavenly Father, though people are inconsistent and fickle, You are not. You are immutable, faithful, and steadfast. Your very nature is unchanging. I can put my trust in You because You are eternally trustworthy. Please guide my decisions so that I may live in a way that is holy and pleasing to you. Transform my thoughts and desires to align with Your will. I give this year to you, the highs and lows, the good and bad days, I surrender and submit to You. You are a God, who sees and cares about your children. While I am not able to see the future, I can trust in the One who is the Alpha and Omega — the beginning and the end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Praying for you today, friend, as you navigate the changing of the calendar. May this new year bring anticipation and excitement, not dread and anxiousness, as you trust our unchanging God.Intersecting Faith & Life:How do you feel about change? Take time today to write down one of the verses above on a card. Place the card somewhere you can easily see it when you feel anxious about the unknown.Further Reading: A Prayer for God's Guidance as We Travel New PathsPsalm 102 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A new year offers a God-given invitation to renewal, hope, and spiritual refreshment rooted in His design for seasons and fresh starts. Anchored in Romans 15:13, this devotional reminds us that God weaves renewal into creation itself—daily, weekly, and yearly—so we can release the past, trust His mercy, and move forward with joy, peace, and confident hope through the Holy Spirit. Highlights God designed rhythms of renewal through days, weeks, and seasons for our good. Fresh starts are woven into creation, pointing us toward spiritual restoration. The cross of Christ stands as the ultimate picture of death giving way to new life. God removes our sin completely, offering freedom from past failures. His mercies are new every morning, inviting renewed hope each day and year. The turning of the calendar is an opportunity to trust God with what’s ahead. God is still writing your story—renewal is not behind you, it’s ongoing. 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: Seizing the Opportunity to Refresh This New YearBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13 (NIV) All of the hustle and bustle of the holidays has come to a close. Decorations have been stored away, regular schedules have resumed, and the inevitable and likely necessary (at least for me) annual recommitment to diet and exercise has been enacted. Another new year is upon us. For some, the reset of the calendar feels like a fresh start, a blank slate. For others, it might draw out feelings of uncertainty about the unknown ahead. How do you view the renewal of another twelve months? Do you greet a new year with apprehension or anticipation? If we look closely, the framework of refreshing and renewal through time and seasons is evident throughout the Word of God. From the very beginning, we learn that God made day and night. Within each 24-hour period, there is a time for work and time to rest before the cycle begins again. The Lord also established weekly sequences with days assigned to toil and a call to reset on the Sabbath. Monthly and yearly periods are connected to new moons and seasons of sowing and harvesting. The list goes on and on… We can also observe the ultimate example of death and rebirth, exemplified through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ, reflected every year as the world goes dormant in winter. During those dark, bare days, we question whether life is present beneath the frozen tundra, yet each year, spring bursts forth with its radiant buds, reminding us all that warmth and light are on the way. With so many opportunities for refreshing and renewal organically embedded into creation, it is clear our Maker sees this process as “good” (Genesis 1:4). There is something cleansing, almost freeing, about a fresh start. How many situations or circumstances have you encountered this last year, or even this past month, that you wish you could put behind you and start again? There are several that come to mind. The Lord understands how these disappointments or personal failures can become a burden too heavy to bear. Which is why both spiritually and physically, He has embedded marker-point moments for us to begin again with a clean slate. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us,” (Psalm 103:12, NIV). While we may struggle with the concept of freedom from current or past circumstances and sin, the Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). There are opportunities for new days, new years, and renewed hope. For “… there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV). Wherever you find yourself this new year, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to refresh. Whatever has passed, let it be put away and look forward to a new beginning. God, the great author, is still writing your story. Let’s commit together to hand Him the pen and trust that the narrative He has planned will be full of abundant blessings this new year. Intersecting Faith & Life: How do you view the turn of the annual calendar? Do you feel inspired or intimidated? Why? Take some time today to prayerfully consider the highs and lows you experienced last year. Note next to each one how you saw God’s presence and provision in every example. Next, jot down some hopes or dreams for this new year. If possible, list aspirations in both the physical and spiritual. Are there relationships you would like to see founded, mended, or renewed? Or perhaps a new pursuit in health, education, or career. Write down anything you feel tugs on your heartstrings. Once completed, take some time to consider how you would like to see your relationship with the Lord grow this year. Is there a particular study you would like to join? Or perhaps a prayer group, or a commitment to daily individual prayer? Whatever feels like the Lord is prompting, make note of it, then release it to Him. I encourage you to keep this list somewhere safe. This time next year, bring it back out and see how God met you in any or all of these circumstances and desires. Further Reading:Ecclesiastes 3Revelation 21:1-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.