The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

What if your greatest spiritual growth isn't found on the mountaintops, but in the valleys? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 5:3 and discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed. Seasons of loss, uncertainty, and weakness often create the very space where God's presence, grace, and strength become most real.
While it's natural to long for life's mountaintop moments, our deepest dependence on God is often formed during difficult seasons. When our hearts are emptied of self-reliance and worldly security, they become open to being filled with Christ. The valleys may not be easy, but they often become the places where our faith grows stronger and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper.
Highlights:
Discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed in Matthew 5:3.
Learn how seasons of difficulty can deepen your faith more than seasons of comfort.
See how Peter's failures revealed his need for God's grace rather than his own strength.
Understand why childlike dependence on Christ is central to the Christian life.
Be encouraged that God often uses life's valleys to draw us closer to Him.
Find hope knowing that when we feel empty, God is ready to fill us with His presence and strength.
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced a season where God met you most powerfully in the middle of hardship? How has a difficult valley strengthened your faith and dependence on Him? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.
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Full Transcript Below:
The Blessing of Being Empty
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 ESV).
Have you ever considered that perhaps the blessing isn’t in the mountaintops but found in the valley?
So many of us live our lives longing for the proverbial “mountaintops,” for the moments when everything is perfect. Or, at least, seems to be.
It’s not wrong to pray and hope for good things. For good jobs, loving families, great friends. Besides, we know God loves to give good gifts to His children.
But what if instead of living our lives longing for the mountaintops and enduring the valleys because we think we have to, what if we saw the valleys as a gift?
Now, don’t get me wrong.
The valley isn’t a gift because it feels good. If anything, it probably doesn’t feel very good at all. Instead, it’s a gift because the hard times are usually when we grow in our faith the most.
Think about it.
The disciples walked with Jesus for 3 years. Surely, their time walking physically with Jesus was the “mountaintops” of their faith. Everything was going swimmingly. They saw miracles, witnessed healings, and watched Jesus raise people from the dead. In their minds, Jesus had no doubt come to conquer the Roman Empire (Acts 1:6).
But then Jesus died.
Those 3 days before He rose again were the darkest days in history, and no doubt, the hardest times in the lives of His disciples at that point (Luke 23:44-45, John 20:19, Mark 16:10).
But you know what?
They grew more during those 3 days than they had in 3 years. Peter is just one example of this. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, he wrestled with pride and reliance upon his own strength, telling Jesus that “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33 ESV). But in fear, he denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:75).
We’ve all made promises on the mountaintops that we realize in the valleys we aren’t strong enough on our own to keep. Peter’s story is a reminder to us that our faith is sustained by God’s strength and grace alone, not anything we could do on our own.
For the 3 years of Jesus’s ministry, they walked by sight. They had Jesus physically with them. But after His crucifixion in those 3 days where they didn’t understand what was happening and then later when He ascended to heaven, they had to believe what they couldn’t see.
Consider this.
When we’re walking with the Lord, and everything seems to be going great, perhaps we landed our dream job, or we were given a relationship that we’ve been praying for, in those moments, we are on the “mountaintops.”
While I’m grateful for the “mountaintops” in life, I’ve realized that it’s in the “valleys” where I truly grow. Often on the mountaintops, we find ourselves filled with good things that we struggle to find room in our hearts for God. But in the valleys, when everything might be taken away from us, or we’re struggling, and our hearts are being emptied of the things of the world, that’s when our hearts may be more receptive to the Lord’s presence filling the empty spaces in our lives.
It’s like the rich man and the poor man. In Luke 18, a rich man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 18). When Jesus tells him to keep His commandments, the rich man responds that “all these I have kept from my youth” (v. 21 ESV).
Jesus then tells him that there is one thing he lacks: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).
The Bible tells us that when the rich man heard this, he became sad because he was extremely wealthy. On the outside, he appeared to have everything he could ever want. He was “full.” Full of worldly possessions, perhaps power, of following his own path.
Luke 18:24-25 continues: “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’”
What is Jesus saying here? That if you happen to be wealthy, you won’t go to heaven? No, of course not. When we’re standing on the mountaintops and our lives are filled with such good things, sometimes, we may find it difficult to open our hearts to Jesus when our hearts are filled with things of the world.
Earlier in Luke 18:16, 17, it says: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’”
Jesus commends childlike faith. In most cases, children are simple, carefree, and completely dependent on their parents to provide and care for them. When we have faith like a child, we recognize the true essence of our faith, which is full dependence on Jesus to accomplish what we cannot. Sometimes, we have an innate tendency to feel independent and empowered, but that way of thinking can be false when it leads us to place an emphasis on our strength above Jesus in us.
Yes, God loves to give us good things. To bless us with moments on the mountaintops.
But I’ve found that the greatest blessing is found in the valleys, when we realize God’s grace is the only thing sustaining us and we find ourselves empty enough to be filled by Him.
If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the tragedy we may be walking through may be easy or a gift in and of itself, but the result (which can often be a deeper closeness with God) is the true gift. Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God?
Pray with me:
Father, thank You for the valleys that make me like a child again. Thank You for the seasons that strip away my false independence and remind me that I am sustained by Your grace alone. Help me to stop longing for the next mountain and instead look for Your presence right here, even in the empty spaces. Fill me with Yourself today. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
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Where do you turn when life feels uncertain or overwhelming? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Psalm 32:7 and discover the comforting truth that God is our hiding place. Through the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom, we're reminded that even in our darkest moments, God remains our refuge, protector, and source of lasting hope.
Life's hardships can leave us feeling vulnerable, alone, or forgotten. Yet Scripture reminds us that God's presence never leaves us. He surrounds His children with His love, strengthens us through every trial, and faithfully walks with us until deliverance comes. No matter what you're facing today, you can find peace by taking refuge in the One who never fails.
Highlights:
Discover what Psalm 32:7 teaches about God as our hiding place and protector.
Learn how Corrie ten Boom's faith demonstrates trusting God through unimaginable suffering.
Be encouraged that God's presence remains constant, even when your circumstances feel uncertain.
Understand why God's truth is more reliable than our changing emotions.
Find hope in remembering God's faithfulness through past trials as you face today's challenges.
Rest in the assurance that God surrounds His children with His protection, peace, and unfailing love.
Join the Conversation
When have you experienced God as your hiding place during a difficult season? How has remembering His past faithfulness strengthened your trust today? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
You Are My Hiding Place, God
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).
Corrie Ten Boom was a strong follower of Jesus who lost everything to the Nazis. Her family protected Jews from being taken to Nazi concentration camps by hiding them. However, one day, they were discovered. Corrie, along with her family, was taken to various jails and concentration camps. Corrie’s father died in prison ten days after arriving, while she and her sister, Betsie, were taken to Ravensbrück concentration camp.
Betsie died while in Ravensbrück, which severely affected Corrie. The two sisters were extremely close and relied on one another. Corrie was later released from Ravensbrück by happenstance, which was later discovered to be a clerical error. However, we know this was God working in the situation; He was setting Corrie free from the concentration camp that had taken so much from her.
Upon returning home, Corrie noted that home didn’t feel like home anymore. She was waiting for Betsie or her father to show up, but they never did. For many of us who have lost loved ones, we know what this feels like. They have passed on, and we won’t see them again until Heaven.
Throughout Corrie’s time living under the Nazi regime, she never lost faith in Jesus. She knew Christ was with her. Even today, He is still right beside us as we face our own battles.
Corrie’s book detailing her time under Nazi rule is called “The Hiding Place.” This was connected to how they would hide Jews in a special room in their house, which doubled as their watch shop. While this room kept the Jews safe, it was also God who was protecting them. God is our figurative and literal hiding place. We might not see it at present; however, when the time comes, we will see His safety, protection, and comfort.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Bible speaks of God as our hiding place: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). David wrote this psalm, knowing that God would protect him from trouble and surround him with deliverance. Just as God did this for David, He will do the same for us.
Even when you might think God is far, He is near (Acts 17:27). During dark times, it can feel as though He is nowhere to be seen. These feelings are valid, but we must understand that God is greater than our feelings. We don’t need to base our knowledge of God on what we feel. Our feelings may be inaccurate or misleading.
Our feelings might tell us that God will not protect us from harm, trouble, or struggle, but we need to remember that He is our hiding place. He will protect us and surround us with His grace. Think about what you need today and present it to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Do not feel afraid to share your real feelings and the thoughts that are pulling you away from Him.
God knows life can get hard, and our faith can waver from time to time. However, He doesn’t want us straying away from Him. He is our hiding place where we can go and find safety, security, and hope. Even if you may feel weak and tired right now, go to Him.
God walked Corrie out of Ravensbrück, and He will walk you out of this struggle ahead. I have seen it in my own life, and you probably have already seen it in yours, too. Rely on God’s past faithfulness when it seems like a prayer has not been answered in a long time. He will answer your prayers in time and surround you with songs of deliverance (Zephaniah 3:17).
Is God currently your hiding place? Why or why not? How can you build your trust in God today?
Further Reading:
Psalm 28:1-9
Psalm 36:5-9
2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
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How do you find strength when life feels overwhelming? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on James 4:6 and discover God's promise to give more grace to the humble. Whether you're facing illness, grief, uncertainty, or a season of suffering, God's sustaining grace is always greater than the burden you carry.
Suffering has a way of exposing our weakness, but it also reminds us where our true strength comes from. Instead of relying on ourselves or becoming consumed by our circumstances, God invites us to come to Him with humble hearts, trusting that His grace is sufficient for every challenge. As we lean on Christ, He strengthens us, deepens our faith, and draws us closer to Him—even in life's hardest seasons.
Highlights:
Discover what James 4:6 teaches about God's abundant grace for the humble.
Learn why humility positions us to receive God's strength during suffering.
Be encouraged that God's grace is greater than any trial, hardship, or uncertainty.
Understand how suffering can deepen your faith and draw you closer to Jesus.
Find hope in knowing God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Remember that you never have to carry life's burdens alone—God's sustaining grace is always available.
Join the Conversation
Where do you need God's grace the most right now? How have you experienced His strength carrying you through a difficult season? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Grace in Abundance Is Available
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6, ESV).
One of my closest friends has been walking through a very heavy time regarding her husband’s diagnosis of MS. There are times when she opens up to me about her struggles with how it has impacted her marriage, and all I want to do is encourage her and help her carry the burden. The other day, I listened as she sobbed, and I tried my best to acknowledge the difficulty and pain, even if I couldn’t fully relate to this particular situation. To encourage her, I told her that in her repentance of complaining and repentance of discontentment in the midst of her suffering, I see so much beautiful humility and a greater trust is being formed in her. Because of that humility, we can rejoice in knowing that God has promised to give grace to the humble.
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6, ESV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Some of us have been called to a greater measure of suffering than others, and instead of allowing the trial to embitter us or cause us to be anxious, we can be thankful that we will be recipients of God’s great sustaining grace in a greater measure than others. Yet, to receive that sustaining grace, we must remember to come to God humbly as we learn to lean upon Him for strength and trust that He is using suffering for a purpose.
Pain and suffering are not something any of us look forward to, but while we live here in this fallen and broken world, it is inevitable. It is so easy to get caught up in the storms of our lives and lose sight of the hope that is available to us through Jesus Christ, and allow them to overtake us. Our trials are what the Lord is using to bring us closer to Him and conform us into His image. The Apostle Paul calls this “the fellowship of His suffering” (Philippians 3:10). Not only do our trials bring us closer to Christ, but they remind us that heaven is our true home and one day, our suffering will cease.
The suffering may not disappear in this life, but the good news is that Jesus is right there with us to walk through it together, and He has promised to empower us with His grace. In the midst of the pain, the temptation is to give all of our focus to the battle we may be facing and figure out ways on either how to escape it or fix it, but the Lord is calling us to run to Him in our weakness as we realize we cannot walk through any of it on our own. Let us run to Him and fall at His feet in humility, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
God’s grace is sufficient, and He is our ever-present help in times of need, but sometimes our actions do not reflect these truths. It’s much easier for us to either complain about our stressful, painful, and difficult circumstances or try to take matters into our own hands to try to fix or change what seems to be causing us to feel so overwhelmed. What are you walking through right now that seems to be overwhelming or stressful? Grace in abundance is available to those who ask! We must learn how to ask for grace when we have reached our limit, or when we feel like we are being crushed under the weight of our suffering. God is so faithful to provide all things that we need because He is a gracious Father who cares deeply for His children. Come to Him as His child today, boldly and humbly asking for His sustaining and powerful grace to carry you through each challenging moment. Even if this season of suffering doesn’t have an expiration date on this side of eternity, we can run to our Father and ask for His sustaining grace that is more than enough.
Further Reading:
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Hebrews 4:16
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What Does Colossians 3:12 Teach About Christlike Character?
How do we become more like Jesus in our everyday lives? Today we explore Colossians 3:12 and discover what it means to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Rather than trying to change through willpower alone, God invites us to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts so our character reflects Christ.
Growing in Christlike character is a daily choice. As we intentionally practice compassion, humility, patience, kindness, and gentleness, these virtues become more than actions—they become part of who we are. This devotional reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about perfection, but about consistently choosing to respond as Jesus would and trusting God to transform us from the inside out.
Highlights:
Discover what Colossians 3:12 teaches about living with Christlike character.
Learn how compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience reflect the heart of Jesus.
Understand why spiritual growth requires intentional daily choices empowered by the Holy Spirit.
See how practicing Christlike virtues transforms both your heart and your relationships.
Be encouraged to rely on God's strength instead of your own as you grow in faith.
Find practical ways to demonstrate Christ's love through your everyday interactions.
Join the Conversation
Which Christlike virtue—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience—is God inviting you to grow in today? How have you seen the Holy Spirit transform your character over time? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Clothe Yourself with Christlike Traits
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” - Colossians 3:12
One Sunday, I got dressed to go to church. I pulled out top after top, trying everything on, but nothing fit. With a pile of clothes and empty hangers on my bed, I became frustrated. Finally, I pulled out a top that was one size too large, a size I had worn when I was several pounds heavier. I put it on—it was a perfect fit!
For months, I had breezed by that larger top as I shopped in my closet for the perfect outfit. I didn't want to admit that perhaps I needed a bigger size. However, once I was able to accept that maybe my body wasn't what it once was years ago, and put on the larger top, my frustration subsided.
After that day, I made peace with the fact that I needed a larger size in clothes. I got rid of all my clothes that were a size smaller and purchased larger tops. Once I accepted my reality, wearing the larger top wasn't a big deal. In fact, I felt comfortable in it.
With clothes, it's not always about the look that's the most important. It is most important about how I feel when I’m in those clothes. While I may have needed a larger top to fit my slightly heavier frame, I became so comfortable wearing a larger top that it wasn't even a problem after a few weeks.
The above verse tells us that we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are all the attributes of Christ and a manifestation of the Spirit in our lives. Just like regular clothes that we put on each day, it's not always about how they look, but rather how I feel when I'm in them.
Even in situations where it’s difficult to demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience, the more that I choose to exude those things in my life, the more comfortable I'll become with them. The more I act in accordance with those virtues, the more they will become like a part of me. Soon, I won't have to force myself to act within these virtues; it will become a natural part of me.
Jesus didn't have to force himself to act out these virtues. It was an embodiment of who he truly was. His character exuded traits of humility, compassion, and kindness, among other things. Jesus desires for us to exude the same virtues in our lives as he did with his.
But this takes intention and action. I must act with intention when it comes to putting on these virtues. If I want to clothe myself with these things, I must make them feel as if they are a natural part of me. I must exude them and allow them to become part of my nature. When I'm able to do this, they will become such a part of me that I won't even think twice about using these character traits in my life.
Out of the virtues listed above, which one do you find most difficult to demonstrate? If the most difficult virtue for us is humility, find ways in which to humble ourselves. It may be as simple as allowing someone else to go ahead of us, even when they have many more items to check out at the supermarket.
It may mean controlling ourselves when someone cuts us off in traffic. It may mean being kind to someone who doesn't deserve our kindness. Whatever action it may be, ask the Holy Spirit to show us what action and to whom we must demonstrate it.
The more we act out of our comfort zones, the more these virtues will become a natural part of our lives. Soon, they will become such a part of us that we won't think twice about exuding these character traits in life. Not only is this the true demonstration of Christ's likeness in our lives, but it may also draw others to Christ because of our actions and attitudes.
Father, let us clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and gentleness. Allow them to become a natural part of our daily lives. Let our first instinct to be one of these traits, rather than our own selfish desires. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Which of the above virtues do you have the most difficulty demonstrating in your life? Pray and ask God to show you someone whom you can demonstrate that difficult trait to today.
Further Reading:
Philippians 2:6-7
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ike a loving shepherd who keeps His sheep close, God gently redirects us when we begin drifting toward temptation, unhealthy desires, or paths that lead to disappointment. While His boundaries can sometimes feel frustrating, they are expressions of His love. He sees dangers we cannot see and lovingly guides us back to the path that leads to life and lasting joy.
When we experience delays, closed doors, or the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit, we can trust that God is not withholding good from us. Instead, He is protecting us and inviting us to remain close to Him, where we discover security, purpose, and the fullness of His presence.
Highlights:
God's guidance is an expression of His love and protection, not punishment.
Psalm 16 reminds us that true joy and fulfillment are found in God's presence.
God often redirects us when we begin wandering toward temptation or unhealthy desires.
Delays, closed doors, and conviction can be evidence of God's loving care.
Staying close to God allows us to experience His peace, wisdom, and lasting joy.
We can trust that God's boundaries are always for our eternal good, even when we don't understand them.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever looked back and realized God was protecting you through a closed door, delay, or unexpected change in direction? How has staying close to Him brought greater peace and joy in your life?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
When You’re Prone to Wander
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
“You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).

I recently learned something about myself—and my Savior—from watching my black cat, Mowgli.
Each morning, I take Mowgli out on the patio with me so we can enjoy the cool of the morning. Mowgli has to be on a leash every time he’s outside, even if I’m right next to him, because he is afraid of other people and sounds he can’t identify. When he becomes frightened or when he starts to wander and his leash wraps around something and he suddenly feels restrained, he will panic, struggle out of his harness, and try to run away.
For the most part, Mowgli and I enjoy peaceful mornings outside together as I work on my laptop and he sits contentedly on the patio, leash securely attached. When he tries to get a little further away from me to explore, I will say, “Not too far, Mowgli” and tug on his leash.
But now and then, when a hummingbird swoops in low to tease him, or when a critter is rustling in the leaves nearby, he will lunge forward, panic at his sense of restraint, and wiggle quickly out of his harness and make a run for his potential kill.
After I catch him, he’s very angry to be restrained. I bring him back inside and tell him firmly, “No going outside again if you can’t stay in your harness.”
Today I found myself saying to him, after he was back inside and whining that he couldn’t go out again, “Why can’t you stay in your harness? Don’t you know I want to keep you close so I can keep you safe?”
Oh, how God must want to tether my heart to Him to keep me safe as well.
In Psalm 16, David—who knew what it was like to be hunted like a wild animal, to run for his life from King Saul, who wanted him dead—said this about the security of being tethered closely to his God: “You make known to me the path of life” (in other words, “You know how to keep me safe and alive). And David sang, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” David was saying,” I am not only safe and secure in Your presence, but I am full of joy when I’m close to You, and I’m able to experience eternal pleasures.”
Intersecting Faith & Life:

How often have I tried to wander too far from God’s instruction, too close to temptation, and too close to something I might start loving more than Him, and He gently pulls me back to His side? How often has my Lord seen me try to escape the harness of His love and pursue something that will never satisfy? Certainly, He wants to keep me close to His side so I will be content and can enjoy life with Him.
When have you sensed God restraining you as you started to wander from Him? What might God be protecting you from in the disappointments and delays you are experiencing?
Can you, too, see how God’s restraints on us—what He keeps us from, what He won’t allow us to have or go near—are not restraints to punish us or make our lives miserable? He knows what’s best for you and me, and He wants to keep us close so we are not only safe, but filled with joy at being near His presence. When you sense that gentle nudge backward, that might feel frustrating because you can’t get ahead to what you want, will you trust that God knows exactly what He’s allowing—and not allowing—for your eternal best and for your pleasures forevermore, not just temporarily.
Lord, Your Word says in Your presence is abundant joy. Why would I ever want to wander? Keep me close to Your side, ever bound to You so that I can experience Your very best for me and enjoy Your company like no other.
Further Study:
Psalm 71:15
For daily encouragement to stay close to your Savior, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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