The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted? Psalm 143:7–8 reminds us that we can be honest with God about our mental health, trusting Him to meet us in our struggles and guide us toward peace and healing. David’s prayer is raw and unfiltered—he doesn’t hide his pain, and neither should we. God isn’t asking for polished prayers; He invites us to come as we are, even when our thoughts feel heavy and our spirits feel weak.
Being honest with God is not a sign of weak faith—it’s actually evidence of trust. When we stop trying to hide or “fix” ourselves before approaching Him, we open the door for real connection and healing. God already knows what we’re carrying, and He cares deeply about every part of us—including our mental and emotional well-being. As we bring our struggles to Him, He often provides support through His Word, His presence, and even through people and resources He places in our lives.
Highlights
God welcomes honesty about mental health struggles
You don’t need to “clean up” your emotions before praying
Vulnerability with God strengthens your relationship with Him
Struggling mentally is not a sign of weak faith
God’s love interrupts cycles of fear and negative thinking
Healing may include guidance through people and practical support
God is present with you, even in your lowest moments
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Full Transcript Below:
Be Honest with God about Your Mental Health
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” - Psalm 143:7-8, NIV
At George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, I work on university-wide well-being initiatives – including programs designed to break down the stigma of struggling with mental health. We believe that talking openly about mental health struggles can help all people strengthen their well-being. In Psalm 143:7-8, King David is completely honest about how much he’s struggling with his mental health. He prays about it without holding back, and he tells God that he trusts him to help.
If you’re also struggling with your mental health, you might feel like you have to try to fix your mood before you can talk to God. You might think you need to present a polished prayer to God that makes it seem like you’re not really suffering much. But the Psalms can help you develop a deeper relationship with God by showing you how to communicate honestly with him. Many of the Psalms describe the reality of people suffering in this fallen world. In Psalm 143:7-8, David shows that it’s okay to not be okay.
David starts his prayer with a desperate plea: “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.” If you feel like your spirit is failing today, you’re in good company. Many people feel that way sometimes when going through challenging circumstances. Admitting that your mental health is struggling isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s actually a sign of healthy faith, because it shows that you trust God enough to be honest with him and reach out for help. God already knows what you’re going through, and he’s strong enough to help you with whatever it is – burnout, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern.
When you’re honest with God about the “pit” you feel you’re falling into, you can stop wasting energy trying to hide. Whether you’re overwhelmed by your responsibilities, worried about a problem you don’t know how to solve, or feeling lonely because of a broken relationship, God wants to help you. You can come to God just as you are. God wants the real you, not the “Instagram-worthy” version of you. Remember that God is the one who designed your mind and your emotions. Your loving Creator can help you with whatever you’re going through.
As he struggles, David reaches for a lifeline by praying: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love.” When you’re struggling mentally, your thoughts can run on a loop of worries and self-criticism. You need a different word – a word of God’s unfailing love.
When you seek God’s love, you’re placing your mental health in the hands of the Great Physician. Just pray honestly, from your heart, about your mental health struggles. Then listen for God’s guidance to make the best decisions about caring for your mental health. God may lead you to a counselor, a doctor, a support group, or supportive friends. Just as David prayed for God to “show me the way I should go”, God will show you the way you should go to get the help you need.
So, if you’re struggling with a mental health challenge, remember that you can trust God to love you no matter what and to help you with whatever you need. God is not hiding his face from you; he’s right there with you, waiting for you to reach out and take his hand.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider why it’s important to be honest with God about your mental health, reflect on these questions:
When you feel your spirit failing, is your first instinct to hide from God or to pray to God, as David did?
What are some of the words of unfailing love (God’s promises in the Bible) that you can hold onto when your mental health feels shaky?
How can being honest with God about your mental health struggles strengthen your relationship with him?
Who are the people in your life that God might be using to show you the way to the mental health care you need?
What’s one way you can entrust your soul to God today and let him lead you toward better mental health?
Further Reading:
Psalm 34:18
Matthew 11:28
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Peter 5:7
2 Timothy 1:7
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Life has a way of pulling our attention in a hundred different directions. Between responsibilities, worries, and the constant noise of everyday life, it’s easy for our focus to drift. Often, it’s not outright rebellion that creates distance from God—it’s distraction. A slow fade. But Scripture gives us a clear and simple invitation: fix your eyes on Jesus.
When we intentionally shift our focus back to Christ, something powerful happens. The weight of the world doesn’t necessarily disappear, but it begins to lose its grip. The things that once felt overwhelming start to shrink in the light of His presence. Jesus, who endured the cross and secured our hope, becomes the anchor that steadies our hearts. Refocusing isn’t complicated—it simply requires a willingness to pause, look up, and reconnect with the One who holds it all together.
Highlights
Distraction, not rebellion, often pulls us away from God
Fixing our eyes on Jesus restores peace and clarity
The pressures of life lose power in light of Christ’s presence
Busyness can quietly replace devotion if left unchecked
True satisfaction is found in Christ, not worldly pursuits
Refocusing on Jesus is simple, but requires intentionality
Jesus endured the cross to secure our hope and faith
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Full Transcript Below:
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
How many of us know and love the famous hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus? There really is a sense of purity and weightiness to many of the hymns we sing. But this one strikes a particularly intimate chord, beckoning us to look up and out beyond our distractions, disappointments, and even our despair. Not only is it calling us to shift our perspective, but to fix our gaze on the face of our Lord. It is there that all of the cares of this world dim and fade in the light of His love and glory.
This hymn truly is one of my absolute favorites. I actually wasn’t exposed to it until a bit later in life, but it was so influential that decades later, I still have a vivid memory of the first time I heard it. I was riding in the back of a car when Michael W. Smith first shared a beautiful rendition of these beloved lyrics.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”
There is so much in our world that clamors for our attention. Our challenges, our worries, our incessant need to be busy, and our constant pursuit of “happiness.” All of which depletes our faith, steals our peace, and leaves us feeling lost, anxious, and hopeless. This is the slippery slope that can so easily lead us astray. Often, our distance from the Lord is not due to intentional rebellion but rather to a slow fading of affection. As famously quoted by Corrie ten Boom, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” True satisfaction can only be found in Him. Nothing else will ever satisfy.
In preparation for sharing about this hymn in today’s devotional, I conducted a little research to learn more about its origin and authorship. The hymn was penned by Helen Lemmel in 1922. Her own words were inspired by the life and poetry of a female missionary named Lilias Trotter, who encouraged those around her to “turn your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him… for ‘He is worthy’ to have all there is to be had in the heart that He has died to win.”
Jesus was, is, and always will be the answer to our questions, the treasure to our pursuit of riches, and the fulfillment of our innermost desires. The God-shaped hole in each of our hearts will never be satisfied by the lesser things of this world. The struggle truly is real. The noise and allure of all that surrounds us will constantly bombard our hearts and minds. It will never go away while we remain in this fallen world. As such, it requires intentional effort on our part to break free of our earthly bonds.
But when we really think about it, the effort is so minimal. All we have to do is look up. Just set down our phones, walk away from our planners, close our computers, or turn off the TV, and simply shift our gaze from the temporal to the eternal. The Lord has already done all the hard work for us.
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
The only thing He is asking of us is to turn our eyes upon Him. As soon as we do, all the things of this world will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or lost? If so, how do you attempt to comfort yourself or ease your worries? I encourage you to take some time today to listen to the timeless truths of this hymn. I pray it ministers to your aching or anxious soul as you cast your gaze upon Him. And may we all relish in His light, and love, and grace.
Further Reading:
Psalm 105:4
Jeremiah 29:13
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It’s easy to measure our days by productivity—what we checked off, accomplished, or completed. But Scripture gently redirects our focus. Instead of organizing life around endless tasks, we’re called to live with intentionality, recognizing that our time is limited and deeply valuable. When we “number our days,” we begin to see life through an eternal lens, not just a daily agenda.
Many of the things that consume our time won’t matter a year from now—let alone in eternity. What will matter is how we loved, served, and walked with God. Shifting from a task-driven mindset to a purpose-driven life doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility—it means putting first things first. As we slow down and invite God into our daily rhythms, we begin to align our priorities with His heart, finding peace in what truly counts.
Highlights
To-do lists can quietly become idols that control our time and focus
Numbering our days shifts perspective from urgency to purpose
Eternal impact matters more than daily productivity
God values how we love and serve others over accomplishments
Slowing down allows space for meaningful, God-centered moments
Busyness can distract us from what truly matters
Living wisely means aligning daily life with eternal priorities
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Full Transcript Below:
Numbering Our Days
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
“So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NASB).
Does your to-do list seem overwhelming at times? Whether you keep yours on paper, like I still do, and relish the joy of crossing each task off, or your list exists in the notes section of your phone or the inside of your mind, we all feel that burdening sense of all that we must do.
I realize some of it is important. If you don’t grocery shop, what will you eat? If laundry isn’t done, what will you wear? If the project isn’t sectioned out in steps and worked on daily, when will it be completed? Yet what on that list, daily, will matter a year from now, 10 years from now, or in the scope of eternity?
Somehow, somewhere, the almighty To-Do List rose up before us and called itself God. And we continue to bow down to it.
Having been raised with a strong work ethic, I used to find it difficult to be “unproductive,” even when I was on vacation or feeling worn down, and my body was saying, “rest!” It used to be more difficult for me to slow down and not get things done than to muster up the motivation to do them. Yet the older I get, the more joy I am experiencing in putting aside the to-do list and prioritizing people over productivity.
In Psalm 90:12, Moses asked God to help him realize his days are numbered so he could live wisely. In The Message translation, that verse reads, “Oh, teach us to live wisely. Teach us to live wisely and well.” Moses—a man whom Scripture says communed with God face to face—realized his need not to get caught up in meaningless tasks during the day, but to live wisely for the sake of eternity. If Moses prayed for that priority check, how much more should we?
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What if you and I were to number our days instead of our tasks? What if we were to make a list of what we wanted to do wisely and well each day (and before we leave this earth), rather than focus on all of the meaningless tasks that seem to be setting our schedules and ruling our days and minds?
When you and I get to heaven one day, there will not be a reward for the amount of money we made or how efficient we were on our jobs while we lived on this earth. There will not be accolades for the number of followers we had on social media, or the number of hits on our website, or the number of clicks on our Instagram videos. There won’t be any kudos for having the loveliest seasonal decorations, or being the most organized member of the team, or accomplishing the most at the company. All that we tend to honor or strive for or prioritize here on this earth doesn’t mean much to God in the scope of eternity.
In Micah 6:8, we are told what God honors:
“He has told you, mortal one, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
To do justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God amounts to tasks that benefit others. It involves serving. It involves assignments that might not be on the list at all, but rather compete with our tasks and add to our frustrations when they inconvenience or delay us. God works on a different timeline than we do, so that might be why He isn’t sympathetic toward our rush, rush, rush. And it might be why He continues to convict our hearts to slow way down.
God gave us enough hours in the day to do all that’s needed to fulfill our purpose in Him (to love Him and others and glorify Him in all we do). The things that may seem necessary to you on your list might not be that important to Him, or to anyone else, for that matter. Sometimes we put more pressure on ourselves than we need to.
Yet, as much as we’d like to walk away from it, we often let that blasted piece of paper, or that running list on our phones or in the back of our minds, dictate how much we will enjoy life, how much time we will spend in a phone call or visit with a friend or family member, and how much time we will spend on tasks that don’t look like accomplishment to the world, but represent wealth to the Lord.
Lord, help us to focus on the few things that really matter. Help us balance our list of tasks by ensuring people-related activities are included. Don’t let us waste our lives on paperwork, computer work, or busywork that won’t amount to anything in eternity. Help us number our days by filling them with purpose as we number our lists.
Further Reading:
Matthew 6:19-20
For help prioritizing your day with Jesus, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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Struggling with shame, sin, or fear of rejection? 1 John 1:9 reminds us that confession leads to forgiveness, healing, and freedom—inviting every believer to step out of hiding and back into God’s grace.
Hiding often feels safer than being fully known—but spiritually, it keeps us stuck. Whether it’s shame from past wounds, fear of rejection, or ongoing struggles with sin, choosing silence and secrecy can quietly distance us from God and others. Yet Scripture offers a better way: honest confession that leads to restoration. God doesn’t call us to hide—He calls us to healing.
Highlights
Hiding sin often stems from fear of rejection or shame
Confession restores intimacy and fellowship with God
God’s love does not change, even when we fall short
Isolation is a tool the enemy uses to keep us stuck
True healing begins with honesty and surrender
Sanctification is a process, not a one-time moment
Jesus remains our righteousness, even in our struggle
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Full Transcript Below:
Dear Child of God, Come Out of Hiding
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)
A few months ago, my eyes were opened to the stark reality that I was struggling with an area of my past…
…the pain of rejection.
This continues to be a battle for me, yet I realize that healing from the pain of rejection is a partnership with the Lord and, most definitely, a process as we learn to surrender to God. Thankfully, I am not alone in this fight in healing from my past and old ways of thinking. One thing is for sure: the Lord fights for me, and the Holy Spirit guides me into all truth, illuminating and exposing the lies I was believing that are rooted in rejection.
Rejection had overwhelmed so much of my life that I wasn’t being fully honest with people in my life. The lie I believed was that I would be rejected if my sin or wrongdoing was discovered. Therefore, I chose to either keep silent or tell a lie to keep my secret hidden so that I wouldn’t be a disappointment. That lifestyle was keeping me from being fully transparent and honest with my husband and, most importantly, with God. I believe this is why 1 John 1 reminds us of the importance of confessing our sin:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Hiding our sin causes us to hide from God, very similarly to Adam and Eve when the first sin entered the world- they felt ashamed, and shame made them feel rejected. Because of Jesus and the finished work of the cross, we are forever made righteous in our position as we stand before the Father and are forever forgiven, yet when we sin, it causes our fellowship with God to be hindered, and then we can very easily distance ourselves from Him and stray from His ways. God’s love toward me never changes when I sin, yet I may still experience consequences and correction for my disobedience. Repentance, as a believer, is for our benefit to keep fellowship with our Heavenly Father open and unhindered. Sin can often make our hearts grow callous, and we may become less sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
The enemy wants you either in pride, thinking you are better off doing life your own way, or in isolation, bound in a pit of depression, unable to receive love or give out love, feeling like no one loves you or cares about you, especially God. But God’s love is unconditional and perfect, and nothing can stop His pursuit of you. He wants us to be honest with Him so that we can see real transformation happen in our lives, as He conforms us into the image of His Son.
Like I said above, positionally, in Christ, you stand before God forgiven and righteous, but experientially, sanctification is a process because our flesh is weak. Although as born-again believers, we continue to sin against God because we are constantly at war with our flesh in this life, the good news is that we have a great advocate, Jesus Christ, who is forever our righteousness. To be sure, our position in Him as declared righteous before God will never change, yet we are still called to confess our sin, which purifies our conscience before the Lord.
Is there a particular sin that you have been struggling with? Pause and take some time to write it/them down and repent before the Lord, laying it all down at His feet. 1 John 1:9 says Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Dear child of God, let us remember to come out of hiding and rejoice in the truth that Jesus is forever our righteousness despite our shortcomings!
Further Reading:
Romans 8:31-39
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Life has a way of pulling us into stress, fear, and overwhelm—but Scripture offers a better rhythm: resting in God as our refuge. While God is always present, learning to actively dwell in that presence takes intention. It’s in those moments—pausing, praying, and turning our attention back to Him—that we begin to experience His peace in a tangible way.
Psalm 91 paints a powerful image of God as our shelter and covering. When we stay close to Him, we’re not just protected—we’re sustained. The weight of expectations, fear, and pressure begins to lift as we remember who He is: all-powerful, unchanging, and deeply committed to our good. Rest isn’t found in escaping life’s challenges, but in staying rooted in God through them.
Highlights
God’s presence is constant, but resting in it requires intentional practice
Pausing in moments of stress allows God to bring peace and clarity
Fear and overwhelm grow when we lose sight of God’s power
True rest comes from trusting God, not controlling outcomes
God invites everyone to dwell in His presence—no matter their past
Staying close to God strengthens emotional and spiritual resilience
Proximity to God leads to peace, protection, and renewed strength
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Full Transcript Below:
Making God Our Safe Place
By: Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1 (NIV).
How can we make God our refuge, shield, shelter, and safe place? Most of us probably recognize He’s with us always. As Psalm 139 proclaims, there’s no way we can flee His presence, no place we can go where He isn’t already there. And that’s good news, because it is in His presence that we receive strength, power, protection, and peace.
While He’s always with us, it can take practice to become aware of and learn to rest and find shelter in His presence. I’m learning to pause when I feel anxious or overwhelmed to close my eyes, prayerfully connect with God, and receive comfort from His embrace. The more I do this, the easier this becomes. My hope is that I’ll become so skilled at emotionally regulating myself with the Lord that I won’t do or say things I regret when under stress or in fearful circumstances.
We all tend to behave uncharacteristically when we feel threatened, sad, anxious, or depressed. But we have instant and constant access to the all-powerful God who surrounds us with His loving embrace.
That’s the image I receive when I consider today’s verse. I picture my heavenly Father’s strong arms around me, acting like a protective barrier. This Scripture begins with an all-inclusive invitation. “Whoever dwells,” the psalmist says, reminding us that God longs for all of us—those with respectable, church-attending backgrounds and those who’ve spent their lives running from God and into sin—to dwell, linger, and remain in His shelter.
The ancient Hebrews reading Psalm 91 would’ve immediately thought of how God led them through the wilderness with a cloud by day that hovered protectively above them, making His presence tangible and visible, guiding them every step of their journey, and shielding them from the sun’s intense rays.
The Lord doesn’t change. He watches over, guides, and protects us as faithfully as He did the often-rebellious Jews so long ago. I’m often comforted when I consider the unfaithful attitudes and behaviors of people to whom God remained faithful because it reminds me of His free and inexhaustible gift of grace. As Psalm 103:10 states, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, and I’m so grateful for that. He doesn’t hold grudges, make us earn His favor or protection, or withhold His goodness. We can trust that, in all He does, doesn’t do, and allows, He always has our best interests in mind.
While He doesn’t condone or bless sin by any means, He does invite us all to come to Him, build an ever-deepening relationship with Him, and allow Him to comfort, heal, and strengthen us with His love.
He is our shelter. As Psalm 27:5 states, “… He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (NIV).
Today’s verse refers to God as the Most High, Elohim in the original Hebrew. This name for God emphasizes his power, strength, and authority. He is above everyone and everything—every earthly system, over every national leader, and greater than all the forces of hell combined. His power and wisdom are limitless, His strength unconquerable, and His plans immutable. What He says happens and what He ordains always comes to pass.
Those who make God their dwelling place by learning to recognize His voice, turning to Him in times of trouble and overwhelm, and regularly resting in His presence will find rest.
Consider what most exhausts you. It’s usually not the event or task itself that leads to our fatigue but rather all the expectations, obligations, and emotional weight we attach to it. Our fears of failure, and what might happen should we fail, tend to feel heaviest. The more we stress and fret, the bigger that challenge in front of us seems to grow, blinding us to God’s power and promises. But when we pause to rest in His presence, He reminds us of comforting truths, such as that He crafted His plans for us long before we took our first breath. Or that He’s recorded every day of our lives in His book before a single one came to pass. He might remind us of His promise to work all things, including our mistakes, for our good and His glory. Or perhaps He’ll simply hold us in His soul-strengthening embrace.
Lastly, today’s verse states that we find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This reminds me of a game my daughter and I used to play when she was young. On sunny days, we’d go outside and try to stomp on one another’s shadows. This required proximity, closeness. Similarly, resting in God’s shadow requires remaining close to Him—through prayer, Bible reading, attending church, connecting with other believers, and quietly sitting in His presence.
Intersecting Life & Faith:
Jesus phrased it this way:
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5, emphasis mine).
Here’s the good news. According to James 4:8, the moment we turn toward God, He is already moving, with open arms, toward us, drawing us deeper into His loving, protective, sheltering embrace.
Further Reading:
Psalm 4:8
Proverbs 18:10
Isaiah 41:10
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