The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

When we remember that God is watching over us, we can live with confidence instead of fear. His protection is not limited by what we can see—He is always present, guarding, guiding, and holding His children securely in His hands.
Highlights:
God’s protection reminds us that we are valuable and deeply cared for by Him
Nothing happens outside of God’s awareness, even when circumstances feel uncertain
Jesus promises that no one can take His children out of His hands
Trusting God’s sovereignty brings peace when we face fear, injustice, or uncertainty
We can find security knowing God watches over us and works for our good
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced a moment when God reminded you that you were safe in His care? How does knowing that God is always watching over and protecting you change the way you respond to fear or difficult circumstances?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
We Are Safe with God
By Alexis A. Goring
Bible Reading:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10 NIV
Have you ever felt unsafe but not worried because you knew there were people and systems in place to protect you? Did knowing this help you feel safe?
When I worked in retail for a major department store, part of my orientation day was an introduction to the asset protection team, who operated inside a hidden room in that store. They had TV monitors mounted on a long wall, as well as other technology they used daily to watch all the customers to make sure nobody would steal anything that belonged to the store and get away with it.
According to a Google search aided by AI, “Asset Protection (AP) teams in department stores protect assets, employees, and customers by preventing theft, fraud, and inventory loss (shrink) through surveillance, investigations, and safety training. They work in uniforms or plain clothes (store detectives), monitoring CCTV, patrolling floors, and collaborating with law enforcement to maintain a safe environment.”
My exposure to how stores protect their products didn’t end there. A few years after working in retail, I noticed that another popular store started putting their facial cleanser products beyond glass cases that cannot be unlocked without assistance from a sales associate. When I asked why, they said people had started stealing these products, so they put them under lock and key to prevent theft.
As I thought about these two experiences recently, I realized that this is similar to how God protects us. We are His most valuable assets on Earth, and He has gone to great lengths to protect us. God sends His Angels from Heaven to protect us from the devil, whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy us. But we have hope and security in God. The Bible says in John 10:28 (NIRV), “I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one will steal them out of my hand.” We are safe in His hands. This reminds me of a popular Christian faith-based song with lyrics that remind us how the Creator of the Universe holds the whole world in His Hands. We serve a big and mighty God who is sovereign and always in control. He’s very protective of us as His treasured possessions, and nobody—devil, demon, forces of evil, and people who want to hurt us—can remove God’s hand of protection over us. Our Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ) cannot be defeated, and He promises to cover us all the days of our lives (Matthew 28:20).
Nothing that happens on Earth goes unnoticed by God. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:3 (NIRV), “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good.” Just like that department store had a hidden place within the store to keep watch silently without any customer being aware they are under surveillance, the Lord Himself and His Angels are keeping watch over all humankind. They stay hidden from us in most cases, but they are very present in our world. And sometimes, they reveal their presence when necessary (Hebrews 13:2).
So next time you feel like someone who hurt you is getting away with it or a crime is going unpunished, remember that God will work everything together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and vengeance is His (Romans 12:17-19). Also, remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 4:13-15 (NIV), “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
When we remember Biblical truth and apply it to our lives, this can help us have a peace that passes all understanding because we know God is in control, we are safe with Him, and nobody can snatch us out of His hand that covers us every moment of our lives on Earth. So, when you are afraid, run to Jesus. And if you are tempted to sin, remember God is watching you too. Make Him proud and do the right thing.
In closing, I’d like for you to listen to the following songs:
Song of Reflection #1: “Mercy Said No” by Cece Winans. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #2: “Testimony” by Terrian. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #3: “Safe” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #4: “Every Moment” by ForeverJones. Listen to it HERE.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How does it feel to know that you are safe with God?
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 32:35
Psalm 46:1-11
Psalm 91:1-16
Psalm 121:1-8
2 Thessalonians 3:3
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Following Jesus was never meant to be a performance we perfect—it is a relationship we cultivate. The pressure to be a “good Christian” can leave us exhausted when we measure our faith by our accomplishments, routines, or ability to do everything right. But Jesus does not invite the weary to try harder; He invites them to come to Him and find rest.
Spiritual growth is not about earning God’s approval through endless activity. God’s love is already given through Christ, and our obedience flows from that relationship rather than trying to achieve it. When faith becomes a checklist instead of a connection, we lose sight of the freedom and peace Jesus offers.
Highlights:
Following Jesus is about relationship, not religious performance
God’s love and approval are not earned through productivity or perfection
Jesus offers rest to those who feel burdened by expectations and pressure
Spiritual disciplines are meant to draw us closer to God, not become a way to prove ourselves
True growth happens as we remain connected to Christ and trust His work in us
Join the Conversation
Have you ever felt the pressure to be a “good Christian” by doing more or achieving more? What would it look like to simply come to Jesus today and rest in His presence?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
The Pressure to Be a “Good Christian” and Why You Can Let It Go
By Sarah Frazer
Bible Reading:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Never enough. It was something my heart repeated to itself on a regular basis. For so many years, I never felt good enough. I felt that if I did more, performed better, added to my to-do list, God would be pleased with me. During those years, I tried so hard to be a “good Christian.” I went to church, prayed, served, and said yes to every request.
What does it mean to be a “good Christian”? I never bothered to ask that question until one day my life began to spiral into depression, uncertainty, and my faith was tested. One day, I realized that suffering and heartache would come whether I was doing life right or not. Whether I was a good Christian or not, pain still happened.
What I needed during those months and, yes, years, of heartache, was not a routine but a relationship. Not until I was forced to reexamine my life did I see where I had misstepped. Somewhere along the way, following Jesus started to feel like something I need to manage instead of a relationship to cultivate. Without realizing it, I started measuring my faith by what I was doing instead of who I was becoming.
Because of life’s circumstances, I didn’t have time to spend hours with God in the morning, or really anytime during my day. I would look at the perfect pictures of women online and how they didn’t seem to struggle. My faith seemed so small, and it was hard to believe God was happy with me. Because so much of my life depended on my service to God, having to step away or say no made me think, “Is God disappointed in me?”
We may never say it out loud, but many of us carry a quiet belief: If I were a better Christian, I would be doing more. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus doesn’t add to our pressure—He relieves it: “Come to me… I will give you rest… My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
As we look towards Jesus, we don’t see someone who wants the perfect person; we don’t come to Jesus having it all put together. The burdens we feel to be a good Christian are not from Him. Jesus says those who come to Him, who are welcome, are those who are weary, tired, and feel like they are crushed. The voice of Jesus calling us to come to Him is not a voice of pressure, but one offering peace.
Our culture - even within the religious community - is one obsessed with productivity. Multitasking is a superpower. We love it if we can accomplish more than one thing at a time. This mindset has invaded the church. We have begun to misunderstand the spiritual disciplines as a way to perform, to gain God’s favor, and to win heaven.
What started as a desire to grow can slowly turn into a need to prove. This is where we find ourselves weary. This is when we come to Jesus. Coming to Jesus is relational, not transactional. We come to Him, not to perform, but to be present with Him. As we walk with Jesus, we take His yoke, but the thing is - we share the weight. Growth is about connection. We learn from Him, and eventually we rest in Him.
In John 15:5, Jesus said that we can only bear fruit if we abide in Him. Being a “good Christian” isn’t about being perfect in our actions or our feelings. We do not need to always feel close to God, nor do we need to spend hours studying His Word, praying, or serving him. Serving God comes from an overflow of His power, not in our own strength.
Jesus invites us to be “good Christians” as we return again and again to Him. We trust Jesus with our weaknesses and stay connected to Him, even if it can seem imperfect. He is waiting. He is willing. Every day His mercies are new, and we are invited into a relationship with him. A relationship is not a to-do list. It isn’t something we can measure either. A “good Christian” isn’t someone who gets everything right—it’s someone who keeps coming back to Jesus.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
It’s easy to carry the pressure of performance into our faith without even realizing it. In a world that values productivity and visible results, we can begin to measure our relationship with God the same way—by what we do instead of simply being with Him. But spiritual growth isn’t always loud or measurable. Often, it happens quietly—in small moments of returning, trusting, and staying connected, even when it feels imperfect. What would it look like today, instead of trying to do more for God, you simply came to Him? How can you take one step closer to God?
Further Reading:
Psalm 103:13-14
Luke 18:13-14
John 15:5
Galatians 1:10
Romans 8:1
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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
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.