The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Faith can sometimes feel difficult to hold onto, especially during seasons when God’s presence feels distant or circumstances seem overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us that God remains our refuge and strength, even when we struggle to recognize His work in our lives.
Doubt does not mean God has abandoned us. Many believers experience moments of uncertainty, questioning, or spiritual exhaustion. In those seasons, God invites us to return to Him through prayer, Scripture, and a deeper understanding of His character. He is not only present in the moments when we feel strong in faith—He is faithful when we feel weak.
Highlights:
Seasons of doubt can become opportunities to rediscover God’s faithfulness
God remains present even when His work is difficult to see
Our faith is rooted in Jesus, not in the actions or failures of others
Prayer and Scripture help rebuild trust in God’s character and promises
God is our refuge and strength when life feels uncertain or overwhelming
Join the Conversation:
Have you ever experienced a season where your faith felt distant or difficult to hold onto? What helped you remember that God was still present and faithful?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Finding Faith Again
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).
Most of us have had times when we doubt our faith. We doubt if we are truly saved or if anything we do truly matters. While I have never doubted God’s existence, I have doubted His goodness and provision. In retrospect, I can now see God has provided for me even in the darkest of times.
However, during trying times, it can be hard to see God. We automatically blame God and reason that He is why we are going through challenging times. Since God is ultimately in control, we question why He is not bringing us deliverance. As someone who has been in this place many times, I can attest to just how much God is present when we think He is not. God is always with us, even if we do not realize it.
A particularly tough time for me was when I was in England. I was serving on a mission trip, and there was only one other person and me. I struggled as this was my first time away from home, and I missed my family. I struggle with social anxiety, and it was challenging to be around people I didn't know very well.
The host families I stayed with were all supportive, but a few profoundly changed my life. They helped me to know that I matter and that God has plans for my life, even if I could not see them right away. Although my faith struggled at times during this mission trip, I left England with a stronger faith than I had before. I knew God would be with me through everything, even if I had doubted Him.
An Ever-Present Help in Trouble
The Bible tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).
While many people believe only David wrote the Psalms, others wrote them as well. Another writer was the Sons of Korah, who wrote Psalm 46. The Sons of Korah lived during a time of exile. They longed to return to Israel and yearned for the day when God would deliver His people. Despite what they saw each day, they knew God was their refuge, strength, and an ever-present help in trouble.
By studying Psalm 46:1-3 and applying it to our lives, we will slowly begin to trust God again. We will realize that He is also our refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Although the earth may give way and the mountains will fall into the sea, we will not fear because God is with us. He is our mighty protector, and He will keep us safe from all harm.
If you need to find your faith again, start talking with the Lord in prayer today. Read the Bible and study what it has to say for yourself. Rather than relying on other Christians or a church, seek out matters for yourself. Sadly, many of us struggle with our faith because of a negative experience with a Christian or a church. Try to remember at these times that our faith is in Jesus, not in other Christians or a church.
These individuals will fail us and might even cause us much harm, but the Lord never will. He will always fight for us and be on our side. Even as everything else in our lives falls apart, Jesus will stand by our side (Hebrews 13:5-6). We can have faith in Jesus because He is our mighty Savior and the One who has redeemed our souls. Praise God for such a wonderful blessing in the Lord.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Have you ever struggled with your faith in Jesus? What did this look like? Why do you think most Christians struggle with their faith at times? How might Jesus help you in the journey of finding your faith again?
Further Reading:
Psalm 23:1-6
Exodus 14:14
2 Timothy 4:18
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It can be easy to let past struggles shape how we view God’s character. Difficult circumstances may tempt us to believe we are forgotten or left to handle life alone. But God’s faithfulness is often revealed not by removing every hardship, but by carrying us through each one with His peace, provision, and strength.
Because of Christ, we are not abandoned or forgotten. We are deeply loved, chosen, guided, and redeemed by the Father. When we remember who God is and who we are in Him, fear loses its power and we can walk forward with confidence in His care.
Highlights:
God’s love is something we are invited to experience, not just understand intellectually
Past hardships can distort our view of God’s faithfulness if we lose sight of His truth
God often meets us through difficulties by providing strength, peace, and guidance
We are desirable, lovable, helpable, and redeemable because of God’s love
Knowing we are loved by God changes how we face challenges and uncertainty
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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!
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Full Transcript Below:
God’s Heart for You Is Huge
By Kelly Balarie
Bible Reading:
“…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” – Ephesians 3:19 AMPC
For a second, I imagined myself as a little girl, abandoned and left alone in the rain. Shivering, it was obvious that my clothes were far too scarce for the elements.
As I came back out of my daydreaming, I decided that a random imaginary picture summed up how I felt. It aligned with my underlying thoughts: Who will rescue me? Who will protect me? Will I be okay?
The logical side of me knew, cerebrally, the truth: “God is faithful.”
The authentic side of me, honestly said, “Can I really trust God?”
I wasn’t so sure after all I’d been through - problem after problem, health issue after health issue, car malfunction after car malfunction. It leaves one wondering: Will I always be left out to dry?
The enemy of my soul certainly wanted me to believe that this would be the case. That God won’t show up. That God will fail me. That I can’t trust God. For if the devil can discourage me with the past, he can steal from me faith in the present.
I wasn’t about to let that happen.
My mind circled back to the truth of my hard past situations. I remembered back to how Jesus didn’t deliver me from my surgery, but how His peace carried me through surgery and recovery. I acknowledged how some lump sum of money didn’t drop on me, but how God readily provided for me with my car problems. I remembered how a problem for a family member became a confidence boost post-event.
God loves me. He wasn’t running from me; God was with me. His love was right there.
A lie was unearthed: God wants to be near me and is not far from me. He desires to help me.
Owning this truth feels somewhat self-indulgent, but it still remains true that:
I am desirable to God. He so desires to be with me that Christ lives in me.
I am lovable to God. He so loves me, He sent His Son for me, even while I was still a sinner.
I am helpable. He so wants to equip and guide me; He has sent His Holy Spirit to lead me.
I am redeemable. If Jesus conquered sin and death, He is able to conquer my problems, His way.
These 4 -able statements make me remember I don’t serve a God who is unable.
Instead, I serve a God who loves me and wants to help me. This changes everything. I am not a lost child, but a loved one. A cared-for daughter.
God’s love never fails me.
“…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” (Eph. 3:19 AMPC)
I am not left an unlovable, left to dry orphan, but I am a loved daughter of the Most High God.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What -able statement means the most to you? Why do you think it is hard to own these truths? What do you feel able to do or to confront when you realize that God is able to love you this way?
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Unplugging from digital distractions is not just about taking a break from technology—it is about making room for God’s presence. When our attention is constantly divided, we can miss the quiet ways God speaks to us through prayer, Scripture, and moments of stillness.
Creating intentional moments of rest allows us to refocus on what truly matters. Whether through a walk without a phone, a quiet morning with Scripture, or simply setting aside time away from screens, we can rediscover the peace and renewal that comes from being present with God.
Highlights:
Jesus modeled the importance of stepping away from busyness to rest with God
Digital distractions can make it harder to slow down and listen for God’s voice
Unplugging creates space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal
Rest is not a luxury—it is part of how God designed us to reconnect with Him
Intentional quiet moments help us recognize God’s presence in everyday life
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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:
Unplug to Connect with God
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” – Mark 6:31, NIV
An onstage speaker was presenting important information that all of us attending an editorial conference needed to know. But as I listened and took notes, I wondered why so many people around me in the audience were on their mobile devices rather than paying attention to the speaker’s message. We had all traveled to New York City at our own expense to attend the conference. I didn’t want to miss a word of what all the speakers had to share. After that session, someone asked me if she could take pictures of my notes. She admitted that she had been so distracted by what she was doing online that she had no idea what the in-person speaker had said.
Living in a society that pressures us to be constantly connected online, it’s challenging for us to take digital breaks. But it’s important to do so. God didn’t create us to be constantly dealing with information coming at us; he created us to need rest for our well-being. Our minds work best when we have time to focus well on one message at a time and to reflect regularly on all the information we’re learning.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus looked at his disciples, who were so busy helping people that they didn’t even have time to eat – and invited them to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Jesus knew that the crowd's noise could eventually distract them so much that they couldn’t hear the messages God was sending them. If Jesus needed to pull his friends away from the few distractions of the first century, how much more do we need him to pull us away from the many digital distractions we’re dealing with right now?
Unplugging regularly from our digital devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets is really a spiritual necessity. Every notification and every time we scroll places demands on our attention. When our attention is fragmented into lots of different pieces by our devices, we lose the ability to sit still and listen to God. We find it hard to pray for more than two minutes without wondering if we missed a text, or to read and reflect on a Bible passage without our minds wandering back to a work email or a social media comment. As a result, we can miss out on hearing from God.
But when we choose to unplug – such as by taking a walk in nature without our phones or enjoying family dinner conversations without any devices in the room – we make room in our lives to hear from God. It’s in those quiet, unplugged times that we can pay attention to what’s most important: the messages God is sending us. The more we notice God’s presence with us, the more we can realize the value of spending time paying attention to what God has to say and renewing our minds as we rest with God.
It can be uncomfortable at first to build a habit of unplugging regularly. But if we push through that discomfort, we’ll find that God has been waiting for us in the quiet. God isn’t competing with our screens; he’s waiting for us to lay them down so he can refresh us. So, let’s take God up on his invitation to go with him to a quiet place and get some rest. Then we’ll be able to hear the important messages God is always sending us.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider how to unplug digitally to connect with God spiritually, reflect on these questions:
When you first wake up, how long does it take before you check a digital device? How do your digital habits affect your ability to pay attention well during the day?
Does the thought of turning your cell phone off for a few hours create a sense of anxiety or peace for you? Why do you think you feel that way?
Where is a quiet place in your home or neighborhood that you can go to be alone with God without any digital distractions?
What are the “crowds” in your digital life – the apps or social media platforms that most often prevent you from hearing God’s voice?
If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, looking at your screen time, what do you think he would lovingly invite you to let go of so you could spend more time with him?
Further Reading:
Psalm 46:10
Matthew 11:28
Psalm 62:5
Luke 5:16
Isaiah 30:15
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Our identity is not determined by who chooses us in this world—the team that accepts us, the relationship that works out, the opportunity we receive, or the recognition we gain. As children of God, we belong to Him. We are His treasured possession, called out of darkness and into His light.
Remembering that we are chosen changes the way we see ourselves and our circumstances. Earthly disappointments may still hurt, but they no longer define our worth. God’s choice of us is rooted in His love, His purpose, and His eternal plan.
Highlights:
Our deepest sense of belonging comes from being chosen by God
Earthly rejection does not change our identity as God’s beloved children
God calls us His special possession and invites us into His family
Staying grounded in Scripture helps us remember who we are in Christ
God’s plans and blessings are greater than the opportunities we may miss
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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:
Chosen by God
By Alexis A. Goring
Bible Reading:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Have you ever struggled with a sense of belonging because you did not feel chosen?
Most people want to be chosen. Whether chosen to play with others when we were children, chosen to be asked to the prom by our high school crush, chosen to attend the college of our choice, chosen to marry the person of our dreams, chosen for a job we worked hard for or chosen for other things we want out of life, the desire to be chosen is a universal feeling and part of life on earth. But do we know that the Creator of the Universe chose us before we chose Him (Ephesians 1:4-5)?
God chose us to be part of His Family. Since He is King of the Universe, that means we as His children are a special kind of royalty. We are daughters and sons of the Eternal King. But how often do we forget this Biblical truth and act like we don’t know our true identity in Jesus Christ?
I know I tend to be forgetful of this, and I struggle to maintain a heavenly perspective because it is easy to be consumed by how our world programs us to think. This is why it is so important to stay grounded in God’s Word. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a people chosen by God. We are special to Him. God doesn’t just choose you; He transforms you as He calls you out of darkness into His wonderful light. When you choose to give your life to Jesus Christ, then you have passed from death to life (John 5:24). You now have the hope of eternal life after Jesus returns to Earth to take His children home to Heaven. But while we are still living on Earth, it is important to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and not be bogged down by what we go through in this world.
Our experiences on Earth shape us. I know what it is like to not be chosen for the team, not chosen by the man whom I thought I wanted to marry, not chosen by the dream employer whom I would love to work for, or not chosen for so many other of my heart’s desires. But instead of worrying about these missed opportunities to be chosen, it helps me to remember that the King of the Universe chose me and you first. And He offers us a life better than our wildest dreams when we enter Heaven. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (GW), “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”
God has amazing things in store for His chosen people when we step into eternity with Him. But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t also have good plans for us while we are living on Earth. God can still answer our prayers and bless us beyond our wildest dreams, and help the right people to choose us. We just need to pray for His will to be done in our lives. He wants to bless you on earth, too, though those blessings pale in comparison to what He has in store for us when we start eternity in His Kingdom.
Next time you feel disappointed or sad about not being chosen by a person or company, or an opportunity here on Earth, look up to the sky and imagine God smiling down at you, saying, “I still choose you, my child.”
Let that Biblical truth marinate in your mind. Write it down in your prayer journal. Post it on your mirror so you can remind yourself every day that God chose you. Soak in His pure, unconditional love for you and remember who you are in Jesus Christ.
In closing, I would like you to listen to these two songs: “Remember Who You Are” sung by Crystal Lewis. And “I Still Want You” sung by Tramaine Hawkins.
Song of Reflection #1: “Remember Who You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #2: “I Still Want You” by Tramaine Hawkins. Listen to it HERE.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How does it feel to know you are chosen by God?
Further Reading:
John 15:16
Isaiah 41:9
Colossians 3:12
Philippians 2:5-8
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
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When life brings unexpected trials, it can feel like our strength, hope, and even our faith are beginning to fail. Psalm 73 reminds us that even when our flesh and hearts grow weak, God remains the strength that sustains us. He does not promise a life free from hardship, but He promises His presence through every valley we walk.
Highlights:
God remains our strength when our hearts and circumstances feel overwhelming
Trials are a reality of living in a broken world, but God promises to walk with us through them
True comfort comes from drawing near to God and trusting His presence
God provides wisdom, peace, and guidance when we feel unable to move forward
Even difficult seasons can reveal God’s faithfulness and deepen our dependence on Him
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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:
Even When the Heart Fails
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Ps. 73:22-28 (NIV)
Have you ever been through an unexpected trial and felt as if your heart and your flesh are failing? Where do you turn when the circumstances are so overwhelming, so oppressive, that it feels as if any and all physical strength has been drained out? Normal stamina and rigor seem to be completely absent, leaving you utterly exhausted from the simplest daily tasks. And if that isn’t challenging enough, your heart follows suit and struggles to carry the weight of your unwelcome burdens.
Unfortunately, we all face hardships, disappointments, and at times even devastation. While the Bible is full of God’s promises, unending love, and hope for the future, it is also clear that sin and suffering are ever-present realities in this world. The consequences of these can wreak havoc on our hearts and minds. Our Heavenly Father understood this from the moment sin entered the world and forever changed the landscape of all of our lives. He made provision through His only Son to pay the penalty for sin, but that payment does not shield us from encountering heartbreak. While we cannot evade challenging and hurtful circumstances, God promises to walk side-by-side with us as we take every step through the valley.
I don’t know where you find yourself today. Perhaps you are in a sweet season of joy and abundance. If so, I celebrate with you. Treasure the good gifts God has bestowed upon you during this time. But if you are facing a season of struggle, then I empathize and offer my deepest condolences. Today, I find myself wandering through yet another desert, confused, conflicted, and in desperate need of holy consolation. Yet even in this, I know God is still granting me “good” gifts, even if nothing about it feels “good.”
There really are times when there is nothing here on earth that can satisfy or bring true comfort. Loved ones can be present, be a listening ear, and provide some measure of relief, but only the Lord can reach those dark caverns of our souls when the heart fails. He assures us that He is always with us, no matter how crushed and lost we feel. When we feel like we cannot possibly take one more step, He guides us with His counsel. He provides supernatural wisdom for the hard decisions we may have to make and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Though the wind and the waves may buffet our sails, the Lord declares, “Peace, be still.”
As the Lord fulfills every one of these promises, He is granting us good gifts. He is demonstrating His unfailing love as He draws us closer to Him. God reveals Himself to us as we seek refuge in Him and in Him alone. We can trust Him. On the other side of the cross is resurrection. On the other side of whatever hardships and hurts you are facing today, there is glory.
Will you join me today, as we remind ourselves of God’s goodness and promises shared in Psalm 73:22-28?
“…I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever… it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (NIV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are there circumstances in your life right now that have threatened to overtake your faith and peace? Do you feel as if your heart has failed? If so, how does today’s scripture offer you hope? Even if the pain and disappointment feel unbearable, can you sense God’s presence in the midst of all you are going through? Regardless of where you find yourself today, I pray that God’s faithfulness is evident in your life, and you can declare with me, “It is good to be near God.”
Further Reading:
Hebrews 13:5
John 16:33
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.