The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

It’s easy to take everyday blessings for granted until they’re suddenly gone. Our health, family, homes, abilities, relationships, and simple comforts can become so familiar that we stop noticing them. But seasons of loss or difficulty can remind us just how much we have and challenge us to live with greater gratitude for God’s goodness.
Zechariah’s story in Luke 1 offers a powerful reminder about doubt, prayer, and learning to recognize God’s blessings. After years of waiting for a child, Zechariah struggled to believe God’s promise when the answer finally came, and his temporary silence gave him time to reflect. We don’t have to wait for something to be taken away before we appreciate it. By focusing on God’s generosity and choosing gratitude each day, we can become more aware of His blessings and trust His power and promises even when we don’t understand how He will work.
Highlights:
Why we often recognize the value of everyday blessings only after losing them
What Zechariah’s story teaches us about doubt and trusting God’s promises
Learning to appreciate health, family, relationships, and daily provisions
Why gratitude can change our perspective during difficult circumstances
How to recognize areas where doubt may be keeping you from trusting God
Practical questions for identifying blessings you may be taking for granted
Encouragement to praise God and give thanks for His goodness today
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Full Transcript Below:
What Are You Taking for Granted?
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’” – Luke 1:18-20, NIV
I lost my voice for about one week after a severe cold. It was awkward and humbling having to communicate only through writing during that time. I had to type in chat during online meetings when everyone else was talking, and they had to wait for me since typing is much slower than talking. I had to write notes to family members and hold them up, or try to gesture or pantomime what I wanted to say. The experience taught me not to take my voice for granted. It’s amazing how quickly we realize the value of something only after it’s suddenly taken away. We go through life using our senses, our health, and our daily comforts without a second thought, assuming they will always be there.
A similar thing happened to a priest named Zechariah in the Bible. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had prayed for a child for many years, but still didn’t have one by the time they grew old – much too old to have any children naturally. One day, however, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with incredible news: God had heard his prayers, and Elizabeth would give birth to a son. Instead of celebrating God’s goodness and thanking God, though, Zechariah doubted the wonderful message God had sent him. Zechariah asked Gabriel: “How can I be sure of this?” Because of his unbelief, God gave Zechariah a sign. He took away Zechariah’s ability to speak, so Zechariah would have to be silent until the baby was born.
Imagine the sudden shock Zechariah must have felt. For nine long months, he couldn’t speak to his wife or friends. He couldn’t lead worship or share his thoughts. He had to use writing tablets and hand gestures just to communicate daily needs. Zechariah had taken his ability to speak for granted. More importantly, he had taken God’s ultimate power for granted. Zechariah’s forced silence gave him the time and motivation he needed to reflect, listen, and learn to appreciate God’s blessings.
We can all sometimes act like Zechariah. God is constantly pouring blessings into our lives, but too often we focus on what we don’t have or doubt God’s goodness when we’re dealing with difficult circumstances. We may take our health, our families, our homes, our food, and even the breath in our lungs completely for granted. It usually takes a season when we’re missing something – like an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship – to wake us up and make us see how blessed we are because of God’s great love for us.
Fortunately, Zechariah’s story doesn’t end in silence. When the baby was finally born, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote: “His name is John.” Then, Luke 1:64 records that: “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” Zechariah immediately praised God as soon as he got his voice back. He had learned not to take his voice for granted.
God doesn’t want us to wait until we lose our blessings to start appreciating them. He wants us to live with gratitude right now. All we have to do to stop taking our blessings for granted is to stay focused on our generous God from day to day, and expect the best from God because he loves us!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider why it’s important to appreciate your blessings rather than taking them for granted, reflect on these questions:
When God answers your prayers, do you thank God right away, or do you find yourself questioning how God’s answers will really happen?
What’s one everyday blessing you currently enjoy that you rarely stop to thank God for? How can you give thanks to God today for that?
Looking back at your past, what is something you only truly appreciated after it was temporarily taken away?
In what areas of your life are you letting doubt prevent you from trusting God’s power and promises?
Further Reading:
Psalm 103:2
1 Thessalonians 5:18
James 1:17
Ephesians 5:20
Colossians 3:17
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Aging can bring mixed emotions, especially for parents watching their bodies change while their children grow into adulthood. The world often treats getting older as something to fight against, but Scripture offers a different perspective. Growing older can bring wisdom, deeper faith, greater compassion, and a renewed appreciation for the life God has given us.
For parents entering their senior years, aging can become an opportunity to embrace a new season rather than mourn the one that has passed. Years of parenting, relationships, hardships, and answered prayers can produce a wisdom that younger generations need. As physical strength changes, our dependence on God can grow stronger, shifting our focus from temporary circumstances toward His eternal promises. There is also freedom to slow down, enjoy new adventures, invest in family, and discover simple joys that may have been difficult to make room for in earlier seasons.
Highlights:
Why parents can view aging as a gift rather than something to fear or avoid
How growing older can deepen wisdom, compassion, patience, and grace
Why aging can strengthen our trust in God’s eternal promises
Learning to focus less on temporary circumstances and more on lasting hope
How parents can embrace greater freedom, relaxation, hobbies, and new adventures
Finding joy in relationships with adult children, grandchildren, and loved ones
How faith can provide strength and renewal even as our physical bodies grow weaker
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Full Transcript Below:
3 Good Reasons for Parents to Embrace Aging
By: Lia Girard
Bible Reading:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16
We're all living in a world that wants us to believe it’s easy to find the next magic pill, new exercise, or diet strategy that will keep us eternally young—even in our old age. Yet we all know: this earthly life will end. None of us escapes this necessary passage, at whatever age God decides we're ready to stand in his presence.
The longer I live… and the more sweet opportunities I’m given to be present with younger people managing life challenges… the more I understand that getting old is a crown of glory (see Proverbs 16:31). We don't all get to arrive in our senior years. As we near them, we may be feeling the pain of letting go of our own parents. It brings us face to face with the finality of this side of heaven.
I've learned, though, while growing out my silver hair, wearing my glasses regularly, and giving up running for yoga, that life fosters compassion as your body weakens. If you're lucky enough to age into your 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond, you will undoubtedly be required to practice a lot of grace. With yourself, your spouse, your parents, and your similarly-aged friends.
A long life affords many blessings: raising children, buying homes, building or rebuilding marriages, watching adult children grow, hosting weddings, and so much more. But it also leaves your heart, soul, body, and mind a bit depleted of energy. The good news is that as you move up in years, you naturally overflow with experience. The kind of compassionate know-how that you simply didn't have when you were a teenager. Or when you were a new parent. Or when you were a new empty-nester.
When you start seeing that more of your life involves medical visits than vacations, some may feel that aging is something to avoid at all costs. But I believe it is an earned reward, rich in the kind of contentment that deeply satisfies. Here are just three reasons for parents to embrace growing old:
You’ve gained an abundance of wisdom.
Watching yourself age, even as you try to live a healthy, active life, requires you to relax your expectations. It softens your countenance and fills you with empathy, while creating a wellspring of wisdom. And the things you now know—like how to budget, pay bills, plan events, renovate homes, soothe fussy babies, chaperone trips, and on and on—are gifts to those who need you to show them that it can be done. Of course, I'm not suggesting you force your wisdom on anyone, but it's a good feeling to know that your guidance is based on evidence and carries value.
Your trust in God's eternal promises grows stronger than your anxiety about temporary circumstances.
The older you get, the more fortunate you are to have been given time to shift your focus to an everlasting hope that will never fade. And maybe this is because you’ve seen so many things end, break, leave, let go, and die. As you age, you realize that the external strength and beauty of your youth are not what carry you through the deepest struggles.
If you're a parent who's given the bonus of aging, there's hardly anything that compares to the privilege of loving your adult children as they advance in years as well. When you've lived long enough to see that people not only survive circumstances but thrive, you tend to worry less. No surficial issue becomes a be-all, end-all.
Over time, the simple, quiet joys of life and love are what sustain you. Being rich in love and patience becomes more important than climbing the ladder, amazing outfits, or expensive vacations. What matters when you realize you're simply not as strong as you used to be ... is believing wholeheartedly that God is always strong enough to carry you through.
You have more time and space for relaxation, joy, and new adventures.
Parenting has many seasons, all of which involve remaining utterly in love with your children. If you're lucky enough to grow old enough that love can expand across grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too. However, in the senior years, you realize they have lives of their own now. And you, or you and your spouse, have more open space to explore amusements, interests, or places you may have only dreamed of when your house was filled with people, pets, and responsibilities in far-busier, younger decades.
Hold on to the truth that although outwardly you may be “wasting away,” as our scripture says, your spirit is being renewed. So, go for those long walks. Ride your bike slowly. Take your kids out to dinner. Find weekend getaways. Or just enjoy a peaceful hobby that brings you joy. You’ve lived long enough to slow down… and let your faith be your strength.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider the joys and challenges of aging, why not:
Find a new hobby that delights your soul
Pick a place you’ve always wanted to see and go there with your spouse or best friend
Choose several scripture verses that bring you peace and hope, and write them down somewhere you can see them regularly
Further Reading:
Psalm 91:16
Psalm 90:12
Psalm 92:12-14
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Uncertainty about the future, unanswered prayers, and dreams that haven’t taken shape yet can leave you wondering whether your ordinary, everyday faithfulness really matters. Scripture reminds us that God may be preparing us for something we cannot yet see.
Noah spent years building the ark before a single drop of rain fell. In the same way, God often calls us to prepare, obey, and remain faithful without showing us the full picture. The small things we do each day—our work, responsibilities, relationships, and acts of obedience—can be part of a much larger purpose. We may want the big answer or the completed dream, but God is often strengthening our character and our faith through the seemingly mundane tasks right in front of us.
Highlights:
What Isaiah 54:2 teaches us about preparing for what God may be doing
Why obedience sometimes requires faith before we understand the outcome
Lessons from Noah’s years of faithful, unseen preparation
How God uses ordinary and seemingly small tasks to prepare us for greater responsibility
Why we should focus on faithfulness today instead of needing to know what comes next
How seasons of waiting can strengthen our character, trust, and obedience
Remembering that what seems insignificant to us may have a much greater purpose in God’s plan
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Full Transcript Below:
Strengthening Your Stakes: Preparing for What Only God Can See
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2 ESV).
God often does things we don’t expect.
As I read Isaiah 54 the other day, God showed me that He will often tell us to prepare for things He’s bringing us. In this passage, He tells a barren woman to expand her tent and strengthen her stakes for a family she doesn't even have yet. Our job isn’t to know the why but to prepare in obedience even when we don’t know what we are getting ready for. All we can do is walk in obedience even when we don’t know where the obedience will lead.
It reminds me of the parable Jesus told of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25. When they went to meet the bridegroom, only 5 of the virgins took extra flasks of oil with them before they departed. The other 5 foolishly didn’t. They didn’t prepare.
Or in Genesis 6, when God commands Noah to build an ark. Do you think Noah might’ve thought it a bit strange, the command to build an ark when there wasn’t rain anywhere in sight? Not to mention the earth had never flooded before. Undoubtedly, the idea would’ve been a foreign concept to him.
But Noah chose to trust God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Hebrews 11:7).
I’m in a season right now where I don’t know where I’ll be in the next year, the next few months, or even next week. All I can see is what God has placed in front of me right now.
Think about it.
Noah didn’t build the ark in a day. It took decades of waking up, grabbing a hammer, and building one plank at a time. He didn’t see a drop of rain for years. He just saw the single wooden plank in front of him each day. He had to wait years for God’s promise and prophecy to be fulfilled. Perhaps Noah began to wonder if it would really happen or if he’d heard wrong.
When we think about Noah, we often envision the completed ark. But what we don’t see are the 50-75 years of backbreaking labor, years of faithfulness before the first drop of rain ever fell. He had to be faithful in the daily, ordinary tasks of building the ark before he ever fully understood the why of the assignment.
We are called to be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10).
Think about it.
Noah spent more time building that ark, without seeing any results, than some of us have even been alive. Certainly more time than we’ve probably ever spent on a project.
Do you think Noah knew the full weight of the task he’d been asked to undertake?
Yet if he hadn’t trusted God’s word spoken to him, none of us would be here.
God used Noah’s faithfulness to save the world. If he hadn’t built the ark, his family would’ve drowned. If his family had drowned, the earth would have been wiped out, which means none of us would be here today.
Wow.
That’s pretty weighty to think about.
In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us that to whom much is given, much will be required.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
While we might not be asked to build an ark that will preserve the population from dying out, we are asked in Matthew 28:19 (ESV) to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded us.
Even if we are not called to save people physically, we are called to point them to the One Who can save them spiritually.
We often find we want the “much” more than we desire the “little.” We want the completed project, the fulfilled dream, the clear future, but God tests our hearts in the “little.” He looks at how we handle what He has already given us. We are called to be faithful in the small tasks we may consider “mundane” (answering an email, studying, folding laundry).
Think about it.
Remember God says that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).
Perhaps God keeps us in seasons of quiet, daily preparation because if He gave us the big platforms or massive answers to prayer before our character was tested in the small things, the weight of the responsibility would crush us. And how important those “small” things are even if we don’t realize it!
We may find it hard to believe when we’re folding another load of laundry or washing dishes, but remember Noah probably couldn’t fully imagine the importance of each part as he built the ark, one piece of wood, one layer of pitch and tar at a time.
Pray with me: Dear Father, thank You that Your plans are better than anything I could imagine. Forgive me for the times I lose sight of that. Help me to remember Noah’s decades of unseen faithfulness, and give me the strength to fulfill every task, no matter how mundane it may seem, with a heart of worship. Teach me to obey Your voice even when I don’t understand the why behind the assignment. I trust that You are preparing me for whatever You have next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Even ordinary tasks can feel overwhelming. Stress, grief, mistakes, uncertainty, and ongoing trials can leave you emotionally and spiritually exhausted, wondering how you’ll find the strength to keep going. Psalm 121 reminds us where our help comes from: the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
God does not expect us to pretend we’re okay or power through every difficult season on our own. When you’re too tired to pray, too overwhelmed to see clearly, or simply unsure how to take the next step, you can bring that weakness to Him. Jesus offers rest to those who are weary, and the Holy Spirit intercedes when we don’t have the words. Even in the darkest seasons, God remains near, providing the strength, peace, and help we need for whatever comes next.
Highlights:
What to do when you feel emotionally, physically, or spiritually worn down
How Psalm 121 reminds us to look to God for help when life feels overwhelming
Why God does not expect us to pretend we are okay or handle everything alone
Finding rest in Jesus during seasons of exhaustion, stress, and hardship
How the Holy Spirit helps us when we are too weak or tired to pray
Why God’s presence remains with us even when we cannot feel or see Him
Encouragement to trust God for the strength needed to take the next step
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Full Transcript Below:
When Life Wears You Down
By Alexis A. Goring
Bible Reading:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
There’s a song by Tenth Avenue North that inspired this devotional. A melancholy melody starts, then the opening lyrics say how tired and worn they feel. They have a heavy heart from all the hard work it takes just to continue breathing. The mistakes they’ve made are creating a dark cloud over their heads, and the weight of the world is crushing their soul. But they know that God can give them rest, so with all they have left, they muster up a cry to Him.
The singer says he knows he needs to lift his eyes up to God and remember Him, trusting God to see him through these tough times, but he feels too weak to look up because the trials and storms of life won’t cease. But he knows God can give him what he needs, renew his mind, and restore the brokenness of his soul. So, though they don’t have the will or energy to fight, they have hope because they know God will fight for them.
This reminds me of the Bible verse above (Psalm 121). It also reminds me of words by Ellie Mont that she posted to her Instagram page a while ago. Mont said, “God is not far from you right now. God is not asking you to perform or pretend or power through. God sees how tired you are. God knows the weight you are carrying. God understands the tears you do not even have the energy to cry anymore. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest does not mean everything suddenly feels better. Sometimes rest is simply permission to stop pretending you are okay. Sometimes rest is letting God sit with you in the dark instead of forcing yourself toward the light. You are not failing because you are tired. You are not unfaithful because you are overwhelmed. You are human. And God is gentle with humans who are worn down.”
Isn’t it good to know that God is gentle with us when we feel worn down by life?
As a person who suffers from chronic fatigue, I know what it’s like to feel tired. You can feel too tired to do simple tasks or exercise. Sometimes sleep doesn’t fix it. But I am grateful to know that God offers rest to me and everyone who needs it. Over the years, God has shown me that He knows what I need before I know, and He already has provision in place. And when we feel too tired to lift our eyes up to Him and send up prayers to Heaven about how we feel and what we need, we can trust that God’s Holy Spirit intercedes for us, saying to Him what we cannot as He helps us when we feel weak (Romans 8:26-27).
Part of our human experience on Earth is to go through storms, trials, and tribulations. These elements and factors can make us weary. It can also obscure our view of God and really weaken our faith in Him when we cannot see Him nor sense His Presence in dark and challenging times. But the good news is that He is always here with us (Matthew 28:20). Jesus Christ is not just the light at the end of the dark tunnel; He is the light beside us and within us (1 John 4:4). Therefore, we have nothing to fear. We can rest knowing that Jesus will always be with us. He will give us what we need to take the next step (Proverbs 3:5-6), climb that mountain, take that leap of faith, and survive the storms of life.
Next time you’re feeling worn down by life, go to God. Even if you cannot pray for a long time, simply saying “Jesus, help me” will suffice. And if you cannot even say those words silently or aloud, trust that God already heard the cry of your heart, and He will meet you in your time of need.
In closing, please listen to and reflect on these five songs (listed below).
Song of Reflection #1: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #2: “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #3: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #4: “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #5: “His Strength is Perfect” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it HERE.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
How does it feel to know that we can lean on God and trust Him to restore us when we feel worn down by life?
Further Reading:
Isaiah 26:3
Philippians 4:13
Psalm 28:7
Psalm 46:1
Hebrews 4:16
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When life feels uncertain, it’s easy to wonder where God is. Waiting, unanswered prayers, difficult circumstances, and seasons of feeling forgotten can make us question whether God is still with us. David experienced those same struggles, yet his story reminds us that God’s presence and promises remain true even when we cannot see what He is doing.
Faith doesn’t mean ignoring our doubts or pretending difficult seasons don’t hurt. Like David in Psalm 22, we can bring our questions, fears, and frustrations honestly to God while choosing to remember who He is. Even in the valleys, God has not abandoned us. When we cling to His promises and trust His faithfulness, our prayers can move from anguish toward praise as we remember that God is with us on both the good days and the hard ones.
Highlights:
Why feeling forgotten by God doesn’t mean He has abandoned you
What David’s uncertain journey teaches us about waiting on God
How to bring doubts, questions, and frustrations honestly to the Lord
Why difficult circumstances can test our faith without disproving God’s faithfulness
How David moved from anguish and confusion toward praise in Psalm 22
Remembering that God is present in both the mountains and valleys of life
How Psalm 139 can reassure us of God’s constant presence
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Full Transcript Below:
Clinging to God When Life Feels Uncertain
By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish? - Psalm 22:1 ( NIV)
“Mom, why did God abandon David when he needed him most?” my youngest daughter asked before bedtime. Earlier in the day, we’d gone to see a movie about David’s life. My girls were familiar with the general story of David as King, but the movie, which focused on David’s transition from shepherd to King of Israel, raised many questions.

I thought about my daughter’s question in more detail. Often, we think of (and teach our children) David as the slayer of Goliath, or as the mighty king. We linger on the fulfillment of God’s promises to David—protection, prosperity, and promotion to King. And while it is important to draw our children’s focus to God keeping His promise, we also need to share the hard parts of David’s journey, the testing of his faith, and God’s faithfulness. For starters, the prophet Samuel anointed David as the future king when he was just a teenager, yet David didn’t take the throne until he was almost 30! Historians estimate that David became king about 15-20 years after Samuel's pronouncement, when he eventually succeeded Saul.
David’s life involved a lot of uncertainty and waiting on God.
The scene that prompted my daughter’s question was inspired by Psalm 22. With words and phrases like “forsaken, cry out, far from saving, you do not answer,” it can be easy to think that God had indeed forgotten David, or at the very least wasn’t with him in the wilderness. I shared with my daughter that just because David was going through a hard time didn’t mean that God had neglected him. God promised to make David king, and He would [eventually] fulfill that promise.
“Let’s look at the closing verses of Psalm 22,” I said to my daughter, grabbing my Bible. Psalms 22:22-23 says, “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.
You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!” We can openly bring our doubts, questions, concerns, and grievances to the Lord, yet we shouldn’t leave them there. Our petitions should ultimately lead us to praise, as we see in David’s prayer.
The first few verses of Psalm 22 are filled with angst, confusion, and general frustration over his current circumstances. But through his prayer, David turns his problems into praise. How can one give gratitude to God in the most dire of situations? Because he remembers who God is— most importantly, he rests confidently in the assurance that God will keep His promise to deliver David and ultimately His people.
While God had something good planned for David’s life, that didn’t mean his life would be easy or without hardship. The majority of the Psalms were written while David was fleeing from Saul, and a few when his own son was trying to kill him! While David felt like God had abandoned him, the truth was that God was always with him. “And God is always with you, too,” I shared with my little girl. “On the good days and the bad days, He is there.”
I easily forget that the God of the mountains is the God of the valley, and no matter my circumstances, He hears my cries. Just as with David, there will be times when I feel alone, but God never forsakes His children. He is always working for my good and His glory.

Intersecting Faith & Life:
If you currently feel forgotten by God, read Psalm 139:7-12 and write down what it says about God’s presence.
Further Reading:
1 Samuel 16
Psalm 22
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