The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Feeling unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? Genesis 16:13 reveals a powerful truth—God is El Roi, “the God who sees me”—reminding us that our deepest need to be known and valued is fully met in Him. In a world that constantly pushes us to chase recognition, validation, and visibility, Scripture redirects our focus to a God who already sees every detail of our lives.
Hagar’s story shows us that even in moments of isolation, pain, and injustice, God is present and attentive. He sees what others miss. He cares when others overlook. Instead of striving to be noticed by people who cannot truly fulfill us, we’re invited to rest in the steady, personal, and unchanging attention of our Creator. When we anchor our identity in being seen by God, we find lasting security, purpose, and peace.
Highlights
The desire to be seen and valued is part of being human
God reveals Himself as El Roi—the God who sees you personally
Hagar’s story shows God’s care in moments of isolation and pain
You don’t have to chase validation—God already sees and values you
God knows every detail of your life, down to the smallest things
True identity is found in being known by God, not others
Resting in God’s attention brings peace and security
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Full Transcript Below:
Seen by God
By Alexis A. Goring

Bible Reading:
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” —Genesis 16:13 NLT

Recently, I read a news story headline that said 100 people gathered to be in a music video. They wanted to be seen. Especially here in the USA, there is a fascination with being an extra in a movie or becoming a professional actor and famous movie star. People often say they do this because they want to make an impact, be seen, be heard, be noticed, and be remembered. This made me think.

Why do we rush to be seen by people on television, in music videos, at big events, and on social media? Perhaps it is because, deep inside, every human has a need to be seen. We want to know that we matter. We want to be acknowledged, recognized, and celebrated. This is a totally normal part of our human experience, but is it healthy if we’re chasing after fame more than seeking God?
While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen and remembered by the people in our world, I would like to encourage you with this timeless truth: You are seen by God. He is the Creator of the universe and all the galaxies. There is a popular inspirational quote that says: “How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too.” God loves you. He knows you. He sees you.
In a world where we are challenged to prove that we matter, we need to remember our Creator loves us endlessly. We matter to Him. The Bible says God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). It also says God knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). This means God sees us as no one else can. He created humankind with deep care and attention to detail. The Bible says all the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7). If you have a lot of hair on your head, then you may see the significance of this statement on a deeper level.
God sees everything you go through during your life here on Earth, and He will intervene where needed, as He did for Hagar. She was the servant of Abraham and Sarah. They feared God but were childless well into what we would call their golden years. When God promised them that they would have a son, they didn’t believe Him because of their old age and the fact that Sarah was past her childbearing years. Therefore, after waiting on God for a while, Sarah became impatient and decided with her husband to take the matter into their own hands by making Hagar pregnant by Abraham. After Hagar knew she was with child, Sarah became jealous and mistreated Hagar. Hagar took her baby and ran into the wilderness to escape all the abuse. It was there while she wept alone in deep despair that God showed up and comforted Hagar. At the end of this divine encounter, Hagar called God “El Roi,” which means “The God Who Sees.”
The God who saw Hagar in her distress and despair sees us, too. Nothing we go through is unnoticed by Him. When we feel like we have no one else to turn to, we can turn to our Savior (Jesus Christ). The Bible says He will be with us unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20) because He loves us.
Why clamor to shake hands with our favorite actors, celebrities, politicians, royalty, wealthy people, and influencers who cannot save us…when we have the full attention of the One who believes we are worth dying for (John 3:16)?
The Bible says in Psalm 146:3-4 (NIV), “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.”
Only God can save us. And He will never die.
In closing, I would like to encourage you to seek God first if you have not already. Know that your value is priceless to Him. We don’t have to clamor to be close to Him, heard by Him, and seen by Him. He is already near us and sees us clearly. When God looks at us, He doesn’t see an overwhelming crowd of 8.3 billion people alive here on Earth. He sees each one of us as if we are the only person on this planet, and He gives us personalized attention with great care and compassion. He pays attention to detail. And as our Master Teacher, He differentiates instruction to meet each of our needs uniquely.
While there may not be anything wrong with wanting to be seen for the right reasons and make an impact on this world, I encourage you to always remember that you are already seen, cherished, and treasured by the Eternal King. And that truth is forever.
Listen to these two songs of reflection listed below to remind you how God sees you and loves you.
Song of Reflection #1: “The God Who Sees” by Nicole C. Mullen. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #2: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it HERE.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How does it feel to know that the Creator of the Universe knows your name and sees your heart?
Further Reading:
Isaiah 43:1
Psalm 34:15
Psalm 139:1-3
Proverbs 15:3
1 Samuel 16:7
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Breaking free from people-pleasing and the fear of man starts with one truth—Proverbs 29:25 shows that trusting God leads to peace, while seeking approval from others leads to anxiety and exhaustion. When our identity is tied to what others think, we get stuck in cycles of overthinking, second-guessing, and striving for approval that never fully satisfies.
Real freedom comes when we shift our focus from people to God. Instead of replaying conversations or trying to manage others’ perceptions, we can rest in the truth that our worth is already secure in Him. Living for an “audience of One” brings clarity, confidence, and peace—because God’s love isn’t earned through performance, it’s already given. When we trust Him fully, we’re no longer trapped by others’ opinions but grounded in His unchanging truth.
Highlights
Fear of man leads to anxiety, overthinking, and insecurity
People-pleasing keeps you stuck in a cycle of striving
Your identity is not defined by others’ opinions
God already knows, loves, and accepts you fully
Shifting focus from self to God brings freedom
Living for an “audience of One” creates peace and clarity
Trusting God breaks the trap of performance and perfectionism
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Full Transcript Below:
The Power of Other People
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” - Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
If there is one thing in life I constantly wrestle with, it is the fear of man. I am a natural people-pleaser through and through. I cannot even count how many endless nights of sleep I have lost, or the infinite number of hours I have wasted away in worry over what other people think of me. If I feel that I have upset someone or failed them in some way, I will recite and rehearse the conversation or interaction over and over in my head. I will think through every possible scenario in which I could have handled things differently. Then, I will go through all of the ways I can repair the damage or change their impression of me. I agonize over possible resolutions. Perhaps I should go apologize… Or maybe if I get another friend to go and champion my cause, that would help change their minds… Round and round I go with no reprieve. Does any of this sound familiar to you?
What is so ridiculous about this whole ordeal is that, more than likely, I am the only person obsessing over the situation. Is it possible that someone does think poorly of me, maybe even seriously dislikes me, because of a comment or decision I made? Yes, absolutely. But is it also possible that they had their moment of irritation and have moved on, while I am over here wallowing in worry? Yes – 100%.
Yet more often than not, I can’t seem to break free from this train of thought. Even further, once I have suffered through one of these unpleasant disappointments, I become fearful of future interactions. I become more reserved and careful. Over time, I retreat into my shell of self-protection and either avoid interactions with others as much as possible or I present a masked version of my real self when in public to safeguard my tender heart.
What a mess, right? How can we obtain hope and freedom when we find ourselves trapped in the bondage of people-pleasing? First, we need to look past ourselves. It is a shockingly simple solution, but one we often fail to recognize. If you skim through the previous paragraphs, you will notice one very clear theme. It is all about ME. There is no mention of the Lord in those circumstances; just my own thoughts, my own hurt and rejection, my own solutions to my projected problems. As elementary as it sounds, our emotions can easily override our faith and our dependence on the One who provides all that we need.
Our Heavenly Father sees us as perfect and worthy just as we are. He is the One who formed us perfectly in our mother’s wombs (Ps. 139:13). He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matt. 10:30). That is how intimately He knows and loves us. We are His precious children. We are loved (1 John 3:1). God is not asking you or me to be perfect. He knows we are sinners. He knows we are going to make mistakes (lots of them). And He knows there will be plenty of times when our interactions with others will be a struggle.
There will be people who dislike us, maybe even go out of their way to speak badly about us. Whether their comments and opinions are justified or not, God does not want us to be ruled by what others think about us. If left unchecked, our attempts to please others can damage our faith and even hurt those closest to us as we prioritize working for the acceptance and praise of others while sacrificing those we love most.
At the end of the day, our goal should be to please our audience of One. His regard is the only one that should hold such a place of priority in our lives. If we spend our lives fearing man, we will remain caught in the snares of performance and perfectionism. There is no rest there. There is no peace. However, if we trust in the Lord, He will provide all we need (Phil. 4:19). We will be kept safe.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” - Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are you someone who struggles with people-pleasing? Do you worry about what others think of you? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you freedom or encouragement?
If you find yourself caught in one of these cycles, take some time today to write down or pray through your cares. Express all of your frustration, hurt, and worry. Release it to the Lord and then leave it with Him.
You are worthy and loved just as you are. You do not need to prove that to others - simply rest in Him.
Further Reading:
Phil. 4:6-8
1 Peter 5:7
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How do you know if a prophetic word is truly from God? 2 Peter 1:21 reminds us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit—not human will—which means it must be tested, discerned, and handled with humility. While spiritual gifts like prophecy can be powerful and encouraging, they also require wisdom. Not every impression is perfectly interpreted, and not every word is immediately understood.
That’s why Scripture calls us to weigh prophetic words carefully. Sometimes God reveals only a small piece of a bigger picture, and our role is not just to receive or deliver a word, but to discern it in community and align it with God’s truth. When approached with humility, patience, and accountability, prophecy becomes a tool that builds up the church, strengthens faith, and deepens our relationship with God.
Highlights
Prophecy originates from the Holy Spirit, not human effort
Misinterpretation doesn’t always mean the message is false
God often reveals only part of the full picture
Prophetic words should be tested and discerned in community
Not all words are fulfilled immediately—timing matters
Humility is essential when giving or receiving prophecy
Properly handled, prophecy strengthens and encourages the church
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Full Transcript Below:
Test Prophetic Words Carefully
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as the Holy Spirit carried them along.” - 2 Peter 1:21
During a recent retreat for mothers and daughters to connect, learn about God's attributes, and hear his voice, we had a time of prayer in which we blessed the mothers and daughters and commissioned them to go out and spread the gospel. At one point during prayer, the mother and daughter sat before me. Placing my hand on her left shoulder, I immediately got a word for the daughter. It was a picture of a violin.
I had no other words or explanation as to its meaning. I told her that I didn't understand what the picture was, but that it had appeared. After everyone had prayed, I went to get a tissue for the mother and daughter. Upon my return, the daughter explained that she had played violin but then stopped. We laughed because we realized that that was what the Holy Spirit was saying. He was telling her to pick up her violin and make music for him.
In the church body, we are wired with spiritual gifts. Some of those gifts are considered miraculous gifts, including the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is a message delivered to someone by God. Although it is exciting to deliver a prophetic word to another person, we often misinterpret it. This is where errors and other issues become a problem. Although we are quick to call someone a false prophet simply because they made an error in delivering their message, that doesn't mean the message itself was wrong. It simply means the person delivering it misinterpreted it.
The difficult part of prophecy is that we only get small snippets of a bigger picture. When I got that picture of the violin, I had no idea the daughter had played the violin before. Whether he wants her to resume playing the violin remains to be seen. However, he clearly had a message for her regarding her music with that instrument.
If a person does not know how to interpret prophetic words for their lives, they can often be dismissed or ignored completely. Scripture tells us to test prophecy and to allow two or three people to weigh what is being said. Although those kinds of things can get tricky at times because many people are not trained in the prophetic, it is important that, even in community, we explore the miraculous gifts together.
The above verse tells us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human will. However, because we have difficulty distinguishing between our own human emotions, thought processes, and prophecy, it can be difficult to discern whether a word is truly from God. However, that does not mean you should not deliver a word. Rather, it is important to test that word with two or three people who have discernment or wisdom to be able to know whether that word is truly from God or not.
It is also important for an individual to test and weigh that word for themselves. Because prophecy is not often practiced in churches today, it is difficult for people to interpret prophetic words or to wait for them to come to fruition. In Scripture, people gave prophetic words that didn't come to pass until generations later. In our instant-gratification world, we want prophetic words to come to pass now. If they don't come to pass, we assume that means they are untrue. However, that's a misinterpretation of scripture.
Receiving and giving prophetic words can be an exciting spiritual experience for any person. It is part of a person's spiritual growth and can completely transform them, helping them go deeper in their relationship with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you words to edify your brothers and sisters in Christ. You (and your church) will be better for it.
Father, let us be people who do not treat prophecy with contempt. Rather, let us weigh the words that we receive and deliver them accordingly. Let us, in humility, help discern and dissect prophetic words together. Let the body of Christ be edified through the gift of prophecy. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Have you ever had a gift of prophecy? In what way can you deliver a prophetic word to someone today?
Further Reading:
1 Corinthians 12
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The people you surround yourself with shape your faith more than you might realize—Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that godly friendships sharpen, strengthen, and grow us spiritually. We were created for connection, but not all relationships are equal. Some leave us feeling empty, while others challenge us, encourage us, and draw us closer to God. The difference often comes down to whether those friendships are rooted in Christ.
Healthy, faith-filled friendships don’t just happen by accident—they’re formed when we seek God first and intentionally pursue relationships that reflect His love and truth. When we walk alongside others who are also growing in their faith, something powerful happens: we begin to reflect Christ more clearly, carry each other’s burdens, and stay anchored when life gets difficult. These are the kinds of friendships that don’t just fill time—they transform lives.
Highlights
The people around you influence your spiritual growth
Not all friendships are life-giving or faith-building
God designed us for meaningful, Christ-centered community
Seeking God first leads to healthier relationships
Faith-filled friendships provide encouragement and accountability
True friends help carry burdens and point you back to Christ
You’re called not just to find good friends—but to be one
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Full Transcript Below:
Friendships That Fan the Flame of Your Faith
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)
There was a long shadow-of-a-season in my life that I stepped out of with very few friends. It was a dark and lonely stretch. A time that I truly and desperately needed people. But because of who I had chosen to surround myself with, I didn’t find the companionship, the support, and the sincere love of genuine friendship. And I can’t blame anyone but myself. I wasn’t seeking out the right people. I also didn’t find a friend in Jesus. Not that he wasn’t there—he absolutely always was—But I didn’t call on or cling to him. Instead, I was hanging out with and onto flimsy, empty relationships connected solely by shallow interests. People who didn’t bring much beyond meaningless moments and fleeting, artificial fun. I look back, sorry and sad for that girl.
Has that ever been you? Have you found yourself regularly surrounded by people you aren’t sure you should call friends? Maybe you can also recall longing for deeper connections than you had then? Or maybe you currently wonder if that’s part of your story now? Or perhaps, like me, you previously pursued faulty friendships, but now have a handful of people you’ve been abundantly blessed by and thank God for greatly.
I’ve certainly learned so much since that past season. Most importantly, I’ve learned to seek God first. I’ve learned Jesus has always—in every season and from the beginning—wanted to be my friend. And that he is the absolute best friend. Better and more than any person could ever be. Ever-present, always listening, constantly compassionate. Unfailingly faithful and unconditionally loving. Provider, protector, peace-maker, and perfect shepherd. Additionally, I’ve learned to seek out and serve God’s children, his church, and his kingdom. And I have learned that in time, he places people in our path. His people.
Regardless of the connections you have, or lack thereof, we all long for rich connections. Because that’s the way God designed us—for community. And that’s why Jesus, here on earth, demonstrated a focus on fellowship with others. It was part of his plan and purpose for his people. Proverbs 27:17 states, As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. The Amplified Bible version reads, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” I love how this version uses the word “influences,” reminding us of the impact and significance of the connections we make. Of those around us. And of the friends we choose and surround ourselves with.
Seeking, gaining, and maintaining Christian friends—who alongside us are learning to love more like Jesus—can have an immense influence and impact on our lives. And though not one person is perfect, what we share in common with brothers and sisters in Christ is a desire to grow in Christ-likeness. To love sacrificially. To be sanctified in holiness, good character, and spiritual growth. To lay down our lives for others. To carry each other’s burdens. To lift up and encourage one another.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
I pray not only that you and I will seek, find, and be sharpened by authentic Christian friendships, but that we will be Christ-like friends in return. Even, and especially, to those who do not know Jesus. We can be an invaluable influence and sharpen them, too. In fact, you could be just the one to bring someone you encounter to Christ. And as you continue to connect, spend more time with, and invest in those who love the Lord—those on fire for the gospel and committed to growth—may these friendships fan the flame of your faith. May they help you learn and reflect the love of the Lord. May they grow your trust in God, thus increasing your joy and your peace… in him.
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!
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Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted? Psalm 143:7–8 reminds us that we can be honest with God about our mental health, trusting Him to meet us in our struggles and guide us toward peace and healing. David’s prayer is raw and unfiltered—he doesn’t hide his pain, and neither should we. God isn’t asking for polished prayers; He invites us to come as we are, even when our thoughts feel heavy and our spirits feel weak.
Being honest with God is not a sign of weak faith—it’s actually evidence of trust. When we stop trying to hide or “fix” ourselves before approaching Him, we open the door for real connection and healing. God already knows what we’re carrying, and He cares deeply about every part of us—including our mental and emotional well-being. As we bring our struggles to Him, He often provides support through His Word, His presence, and even through people and resources He places in our lives.
Highlights
God welcomes honesty about mental health struggles
You don’t need to “clean up” your emotions before praying
Vulnerability with God strengthens your relationship with Him
Struggling mentally is not a sign of weak faith
God’s love interrupts cycles of fear and negative thinking
Healing may include guidance through people and practical support
God is present with you, even in your lowest moments
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Full Transcript Below:
Be Honest with God about Your Mental Health
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” - Psalm 143:7-8, NIV
At George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, I work on university-wide well-being initiatives – including programs designed to break down the stigma of struggling with mental health. We believe that talking openly about mental health struggles can help all people strengthen their well-being. In Psalm 143:7-8, King David is completely honest about how much he’s struggling with his mental health. He prays about it without holding back, and he tells God that he trusts him to help.
If you’re also struggling with your mental health, you might feel like you have to try to fix your mood before you can talk to God. You might think you need to present a polished prayer to God that makes it seem like you’re not really suffering much. But the Psalms can help you develop a deeper relationship with God by showing you how to communicate honestly with him. Many of the Psalms describe the reality of people suffering in this fallen world. In Psalm 143:7-8, David shows that it’s okay to not be okay.
David starts his prayer with a desperate plea: “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.” If you feel like your spirit is failing today, you’re in good company. Many people feel that way sometimes when going through challenging circumstances. Admitting that your mental health is struggling isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s actually a sign of healthy faith, because it shows that you trust God enough to be honest with him and reach out for help. God already knows what you’re going through, and he’s strong enough to help you with whatever it is – burnout, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern.
When you’re honest with God about the “pit” you feel you’re falling into, you can stop wasting energy trying to hide. Whether you’re overwhelmed by your responsibilities, worried about a problem you don’t know how to solve, or feeling lonely because of a broken relationship, God wants to help you. You can come to God just as you are. God wants the real you, not the “Instagram-worthy” version of you. Remember that God is the one who designed your mind and your emotions. Your loving Creator can help you with whatever you’re going through.
As he struggles, David reaches for a lifeline by praying: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love.” When you’re struggling mentally, your thoughts can run on a loop of worries and self-criticism. You need a different word – a word of God’s unfailing love.
When you seek God’s love, you’re placing your mental health in the hands of the Great Physician. Just pray honestly, from your heart, about your mental health struggles. Then listen for God’s guidance to make the best decisions about caring for your mental health. God may lead you to a counselor, a doctor, a support group, or supportive friends. Just as David prayed for God to “show me the way I should go”, God will show you the way you should go to get the help you need.
So, if you’re struggling with a mental health challenge, remember that you can trust God to love you no matter what and to help you with whatever you need. God is not hiding his face from you; he’s right there with you, waiting for you to reach out and take his hand.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider why it’s important to be honest with God about your mental health, reflect on these questions:
When you feel your spirit failing, is your first instinct to hide from God or to pray to God, as David did?
What are some of the words of unfailing love (God’s promises in the Bible) that you can hold onto when your mental health feels shaky?
How can being honest with God about your mental health struggles strengthen your relationship with him?
Who are the people in your life that God might be using to show you the way to the mental health care you need?
What’s one way you can entrust your soul to God today and let him lead you toward better mental health?
Further Reading:
Psalm 34:18
Matthew 11:28
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Peter 5:7
2 Timothy 1:7
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