The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Psalms have this unique way of speaking directly to the soul. Whether we’re celebrating or stumbling, they give us language for every spiritual season. Psalm 139, in particular, reminds us just how intimately God knows us—especially when anxiety threatens to take over our thoughts. 📖 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Key Reflections: God knows us better than we know ourselves—every thought, fear, and worry. Anxiety doesn't surprise God. He’s already aware of what’s weighing you down. Like David, we can invite God to search our hearts and bring peace to our anxious places. We’re not hiding from God—we’re hiding in plain sight. He sees and loves us anyway. Trusting God with our burdens is an act of faith—and freedom. Releasing our worries back “on the vine” (John 15) is a powerful daily habit of surrender. 💬 Join the Conversation: What anxious thoughts are you carrying today?Try writing them down, just like Megan does, and releasing them to God with the words:“Lord, I place this back on the vine.” Let us know what that process feels like for you. You’re not alone—and your heart is safe in His hands. 💙Use the hashtag #LifeaudioNetwork or share in the comments. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Know Me and My Anxious Heart By Megan J. Conner “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24 (NIV) There really is something so special about the Book of Psalms. They offer balm to a blistered heart or a chorus of celebration when joy overflows. No matter what you are encountering today, there is likely a psalm that speaks directly to your current state. Are you feeling burdened and afraid? You will find great comfort in the famous Psalm 23.  Feeling overwhelmed, possibly even attacked by voices of accusation? Take a look at Psalm 27. What about when you clearly see the fingerprints of God offering miraculous provision? Psalm 100 will help you offer thanks.  What about when you long for connection and intimacy with the Lord? Allow David, a man after God’s own heart, to remind you how there is nowhere you can go where God is not with you, through the words he penned in Psalm 139. In this beautiful passage, David recalls how the Lord knows our thoughts and our ways. There is no place where we can go from His Spirit or flee His presence.  Also included in this psalm is the often-referenced scripture, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Ps. 139:13-14, NIV).  That is how intimately the Lord is acquainted with us.  He literally knit each one of us together in our mothers’ wombs.  Like an artist creating a masterpiece, He thread each fiber of your being into existence. With this understanding, we can not only trust our anxious hearts to the Lord, we can be assured He is already aware of our struggle.  Jesus reminded the disciples in Matt. 6:8 that “…your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him,” (NKJV). The Word also says, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be,” (Ps. 139:16, NIV). God is aware of all of your yesterdays, He discerns what will happen today, and sees what the future holds. He knows you – truly KNOWS you in a manner far beyond our human comprehension. You are His treasure. His precious child. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to pay the penalty for your sin (John 3:16). You can trust Him with your deepest cares and your darkest secrets.  Though He knows every facet of our beings, our Lord does not barge in and force His way into our hearts. Instead, He awaits our invitation. David understood this when he invited the Lord to search his will and his ways.  “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24 (NIV) Could we, like David, vulnerably and transparently open ourselves up to the Lord?  Even if you feel like you are hiding those wounds, worries, or shame from the Heavenly Father, the truth is you are hiding in plain sight. If there is nowhere we can wander from His presence, and He knows what we need before we even bring our cares to Him, how can we not entrust our anxious hearts and thoughts to the Lord? He already knows our concerns, because he so intimately KNOWS us. Intersecting Faith & Life: What worries are bombarding your mind and stealing your peace today? Can you trust Him with your concerns? Why or why not?  One of the practices that has brought me immense freedom from anxiety has been “releasing” my cares to the Lord. I do this by writing down my worry over a particular situation, my fear of an unknown outcome, or a wound I feel is still unhealed, and I “place it back on the vine.” The Bible says, He is the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, He will abide in us (John 15:5-7).  Every morning, I look over my catalog of concerns (or add new ones to the list).  As I share them with God, I declare, “Lord, I place this back on the vine. I trust You will do with it what You know is best. I trust in You, and I release it to You.”  What cares can you place back on the vine today? Further Reading: Psalm 139 John 15:1-8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes we walk through seasons that feel like barren wilderness—dry, uncertain, and painful. When a close friend was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease, I found myself struggling with the very question faithful believers often hesitate to ask: “Why, Lord?” But in the middle of it all, God showed up—not just with provision, but with peace. The kind that doesn’t always make sense but anchors us in the chaos. The kind wrapped up in the powerful words of Numbers 6:24-26. Key Reflections: God’s peace isn’t the absence of pain—it’s His presence in the middle of it. The blessing in Numbers 6 is more than poetic—it’s a promise of God’s grace, protection, and peace. “Shalom” means wholeness, contentment, and joy—even in the wilderness. Faith doesn’t always mean clarity—but it does mean confidence in God’s character. Just like with the Israelites, God doesn’t abandon us in hard seasons—He walks with us through them. Even unanswered prayers can strengthen shaky faith. 📖 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 💬 Join the Conversation: Are you in a wilderness season? Have you seen God’s peace show up when life didn’t make sense?We’d love to hear how He’s meeting you in the middle of your story. Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us online with #LifeAudioNetwork. God’s blessing isn’t just a benediction—it’s a declaration of His unshakable presence. Even when we’re asking “Why?”, He’s already walking with us. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Peace in the Wilderness By: Laura Bailey  “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you,  and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 A dear friend recently discovered that she had an auto-immune disease and soon would need to have a liver transplant. As she shared the news with our group of friends over coffee and croissants, we struggled to hold back tears.  We were a group of firm believers, prayer warriors, and seasoned saints. We wholeheartedly trusted that God was faithful and in control of the situation, but we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, Lord?” Why choose this young mother active in her church and community to endure this painful experience? She is a woman of tremendous faith, a loyal friend, and a faithful servant. We knew that God had a plan and would ultimately use this situation for His glory, but we felt the weight of sadness and uncertainty.  As our friend’s health declined and it became abundantly clear she would not be able to live without a liver transplant, we began to pray that God would deliver a miracle. Walking alongside my friend in the past six months, I have seen God work in ways I have never experienced. To be honest, I struggle with my faith. I want to see God clearly at work. As I watched all the ways the Lord stepped in and provided, answered prayers–maybe not as expected, but still answered nonetheless– and gave my friend a sense of peace and calm amid chaos, it strengthened my often shaky faith.  The week before her surgery, we gathered together; I was asked to give a devotion before our prayer time. I prayed and asked God to guide me toward a piece of Scripture that expressed what I knew I would struggle to communicate. A few days passed, and I was still unsure of the verse I would speak on, but riding around in my car,  the song “The Blessing” played through the speakers. The song comes from  Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you,  and give you peace.” I knew immediately this was what I should share. God tells Moses to give this blessing to his brother, Aaron, Isreael’s high priest. Aaron, in return, was to share the blessing with the Israelites. The lines in this poem remind us that God’s provision extends to our physical and spiritual needs. The heart of this blessing is the reminder that God’s presence was with the Israelites and us today. The Lord pursues His people; He desires to bless them and pour out his grace and mercy.  The word peace comes from the Hebrew word, Shalom, which means an overall sense of joy and contentment. The last line reminds us that as God's Children, we represent Him in the world, and we can find comfort in knowing that we belong to Him; nothing can separate us from His love. This blessing serves as a covenant reminder that God is faithful and can be trusted in all things. Remember, the Israelites were enslaved for over 400 years in Egypt and were currently wandering around in the wilderness. I am sure they asked God on more than one occasion, “Why?” But, just like the Israelites, God is still with us, giving us His grace and peace even in our darkest moments.  We don’t know yet how my friend’s story will end; we are still crying out to God for complete healing as she recovers over the next few weeks. But what we do know is that God never left her. He has been with her through the diagnosis, surgery, and recovery process, and He will be with her till the end.  Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you currently experiencing a difficult season that has you tempted to ask God, “Why?” How does knowing God's desire to give His children grace and peace comfort you? For Further Reading: Leviticus 9:22-24 5 Truths about God’s Blessing Over You Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nature isn’t just pretty scenery—it’s a living sermon. In the rustle of leaves, the rhythm of seasons, and the chirping of birds, God reveals His love, creativity, and sovereignty. Luke 12:24 reminds us that if God feeds the ravens, how much more will He care for us? We often miss these lessons because our eyes are glued to screens. But if we just look up and around, creation starts to preach a powerful truth: God is near, involved, and intentional. Key Reflections: Nature reminds us God is Provider—He feeds the birds and cares for squirrels. You matter even more. His love is written into creation—each flower, sunset, and animal speaks of His intentional design. God’s creativity is unmatched—from platypuses to parrots, His imagination knows no bounds. Even in the wild, He’s sovereign—animals adapt, migrate, survive—none of it escapes His plan. Getting outside resets our faith—walk, pause, breathe. Creation points our hearts back to the Creator. Peace is possible—when we step away from noise and into God’s natural world, we find clarity. 📖 “Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?” – Luke 12:24 🌱 Join the Conversation: When’s the last time you saw God in nature? How has a walk outside, a sunset, or a quiet moment reminded you of His presence?We’d love to hear your story—leave a comment on today’s episode, or share with us on Instagram using #LifeAudioNetwork. Let’s open our eyes to God’s handiwork and be reminded: if He cares for creation, He surely cares for us. Drop a comment on today’s episode or tag your thoughts on Instagram with #LifeAudioNetwork.Let’s grow together in grace—lifting our heads as children of a holy and loving God. Full Transcript Below: What Nature Tells Us about God By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?” (Luke 12:24) If someone were to tell you nature says a lot about God, you probably wouldn’t disagree. At face value, the claim seems true. Though, if someone were to ask you what exactly nature says about the Creator, that answer would require greater reflection. We spend so much of our days with our eyes embedded in our phones or some other device. We often neglect the beauty of all that is around us. The verdant trees, soft dirt, gentle breeze, and pretty animals. If we were to take notice of those things we would start to see God in a different light. Not just as our Creator, but the Creator. Not just as our Provider, but the Provider. There are times in a believer’s life when God appears to be far away. Meanwhile, our troubles feel so near. In those moments, we need to remind ourselves of who God is. Studying God’s Word is one way, but observing His creations is another. We don’t always see Him at work in our own lives, but when we look at nature, not seeing Him is much harder.  How do the birds find sustenance day to day? How does the grass survive? Why does the Earth continue to live on? There are a few different lessons we can learn from nature. Nature reflects God’s love. Psalm 139 makes clear that God took intricate care to craft us in our mother’s womb. He knows the length of our days and the number of hairs on our heads. Every moment of our lives has been planned out before we live a single day. While we can find those truths in Scripture, they don’t always seem believable. God’s provision and care don’t always feel real, but if He can take care of the neighborhood squirrel, why would he not take care of us? Bad things certainly happen from time to time, and animals are not exempt from that. However, if we look closely, God’s love can be seen even in the worst of times. Nature reveals God’s creativity. No matter where you fall on the evolution vs creationism debate, we can all agree that nature exemplifies God’s creativity. There is a mammal that lays eggs, animals that shed their skin, and primates that can imitate the actions of humans. Wherever you look, there are many different biomes that feature many different types of creatures. High and low we can witness the creative genius of the Lord. Nature proves God’s sovereignty. Animals are born and die every day. There are beasts who work to survive by migrating, hunting, and living in groups. Their lives are much more eventful in terms of life or death than ours. Nonetheless, God has programmed each and every one of them for survival. He has equipped them for their environment, and made some adaptable to new environments. He oversees their populations and the weather. God is in charge of it all. Why would that not apply also to us?  Intersecting Faith & Life: Now that we better understand what nature says about God, we should figure out how to incorporate that knowledge into our daily lives. Here are a few ways to get outside and see more of God. Go for walks outside. The best way to see nature is to be in nature. Go for a walk in the woods, a local park, or even just in your neighborhood. You’re bound to come across an animal or some shape or size. Think about how God provides for that creature. Then remind yourself that He loves you so much more. Draw inspiration from nature. The trees, the rocks, the animals, everything outside has the capacity to serve as a muse. Not just artistic inspiration, but spiritual inspiration too. Let God’s love for creation remind you of His love for humanity. He sent His son to die for people just like you. Find peace. You may not know this yet, but there’s much peace of mind to find when we ditch the screens, even temporarily. If you want to connect with God, spend time with him in solitude, and with that solitude, in nature. Think of how Adam and Eve could walk so effortlessly in the presence of God while in the garden. You can imagine how much peace they found walking in creation with the Creator. Further Reading: Psalm 139:13-14 Genesis 1:27 Colossians 1:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves—it’s thinking of ourselves rightly in light of who God is.As James 4:10 says:“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV) We’re not called to grovel or shrink—we’re called to come confidently, as children of the King, with hearts shaped by grace. Key Reflections: Humility isn’t self-deprecation—it’s seeing ourselves as God sees us. God is holy and personal—King on the throne, yet close like a Shepherd. Pride pushes God away, but humility invites His grace (James 4:6). We’re not just forgiven—we’re family: co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Humility draws us near—we approach God confidently, not fearfully (Hebrews 4:16). A balanced view of self honors God more than false modesty ever could. Join the Conversation: How do you practice humility without falling into false modesty?Has your view of God’s grace helped you stand tall in His presence? Drop a comment on today’s episode or tag your thoughts on Instagram with #LifeAudioNetwork.Let’s grow together in grace—lifting our heads as children of a holy and loving God. Full Transcript Below: Humility Is the Way to God By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10 (ESV) When I think about a humble person I sometimes imagine a great king on his throne. One of the king’s subjects comes into the room. He bows before the king and voices his request. Is this humility? According to the dictionary a person who is humble doesn’t think too highly of themselves. Humility is not weakness or self deprecation. Although some definitions have taken humility to mean that we lower ourselves, humility really means we have a honest view of ourselves and of God.  One of the things I love about God is He is both all-powerful and holy. We have a God who sits on the throne of Heaven, orchestrating the entire universe. Colossians says He keeps everything going by the power of His hands. Nothing escapes God’s notice, control, and wisdom. God is perfect in all His ways and only those who are also holy are allowed to enter into His presence.  Another aspect of God’s character that is evidence throughout the entire Bible is God’s closeness to us. Our God has also made himself known to us in a way we can understand and find Him. God is described as our Shepherd, Father, and Teacher. Having a relationship with us is a priority for our all-powerful God. God demonstrated through Jesus and He willingness to humble Himself for our sakes.  As we we approach God we tend to fall on one side or the other. Either we think we need to only see ourselves as disgraced, unlovable beings before a holy, perfect God. We call ourselves “worms” or “enemies” of God, even after we become Christians. Sometimes we don’t speak up, or speak out because we have a false sense of humility. Thinking low of ourselves is not humility.  We do this because we are afraid of the other side of the coin: pride. The Bible warns us over and over again about pride, which is thinking too highly of ourselves. It was pride that caused Satan to fall and sin to enter the world. In our attempts to avoid pride, as we should, we have a false sense of humility.  A correct, Biblical view of humility, actually falls in the middle of both of these views. Although we recognize that we came to God from a state of utter helplessness and God is beyond our ability to reach on our own, God humbled Himself so that we now stand with Jesus as co-heirs and children of God.  As Christians, we come to God through a humble heart. Proverbs 3:34 says, “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” (ESV) And Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (ESV) In the book of James we also see humility mentioned several times. James is said to be the proverbs of the New Testament.  James 4:6-10 says: But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV) Notice that God invites us to draw near to Him, but we do so with pure hearts and this is found through grace. If we are to receive grace from God in order to be able to draw near to God, we must have a balanced view of ourselves.  Yes, we are sinners in need of grace. But as Christians, we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and understand that we are now no longer enemies, but friends of God. Our standing before God changes the instant we accept Christ as our Savior. Because our standing before God changes we now can humbly come before God in the proper way.  We do not exalt ourselves above God, but we do not degrade ourselves either. Humility means we let God lift us up and no matter what our standing is before the world, we are one of God’s children.  God is the King on the throne and we are His. We enter this throne room with confidence, bowing before Him, but then lifting our head to look Him in the face because we are not just a subject, but a child.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV) How does knowing Jesus stands beside God, advocating for you, give you confidence to come to God with a humble, but also confident heart?  Further Reading: Micah 6:8 Philippians 2:3 Colossians 3:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Instead of asking, “Am I past my prime?” we should be asking:“Am I living this stage of life with purpose and perspective?” Ecclesiastes invites us to live in light of eternity—not to despair over what we’ve lost, but to rejoice in how much time we still have to glorify God. Whether your “second act” looks like a new calling, a slower pace, or mentoring others—you’re still in the story God is writing. Think of Sarah, Paul, Noah—some of their most meaningful work happened later in life. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13 That’s your calling, whether you’re 18 or 80. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How are you embracing your current season of life? Have you discovered a new purpose in your “second act”? Leave a comment on today’s episode, or share your story on Instagram using #Lifeaudionetwork. Let’s encourage one another to live well—no matter what chapter we’re in. Full Transcript Below: Looking Forward to the Second Act By: Laura Bailey “Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV Turning my head from side to side, lifting my eyebrows, and pulling back the skin around my chin, I wondered if it was time for me to start an anti-aging routine. I turn 40 in six months, and truthfully, until a few weeks ago, the approaching descent into middle age didn’t bother me.  Most of my friends are in their forties and fifties, and their lives seem to be thriving; they didn’t take going over the hill as their life was over. Instead, it was almost as if they started living. Most were experiencing the perks of older children or an empty nest, reaping the benefits of a successful career, or embracing a slower pace where they could finally stop and smell the roses. And yet, I couldn’t shake the persistent accusing voice that dominated my thoughts, “the best years are behind you.”  We live in a society that elevates youth over maturity, but God’s word says the opposite. Proverbs 16:1 tells us that gray hair is a crown of glory, and Job 12:12 shows that more trips around the sun bring more profound knowledge and rich experiences to our lives. Scripture tells us to honor our elders, to respect them, and to glean wisdom from their lifetime of lessons.  The “second act” of our lives can be even better than the first half, especially if we live with the proper perspective. The book of Ecclesiastes invites readers to experience the benefits of a life in light of eternity. One of the book's central themes is the reality of our mortality, which shouldn’t drive us to despair but encourage us to ask, “Am I using my time on earth well?” What does it mean to live life well? Solomon, Ecclesiastes's author, tells us in verse 12:13, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” God created humanity with a purpose to glorify Him and make Him known. As the author of our lives, God divinely appoints the days, when we will be born and depart from this earth. Every stage, season, decade, or year serves a purpose, as Ecclesiastes 9:4 tells us that while we have breath in our lungs, we have hope! Not only that, but our lives have a purpose, no matter how many candles are on the cake. We don’t have to fight the signs of aging, cling to the memories of yesterday, or long for youth. Instead, we can embrace God’s plan and purpose for a new life stage.  Perhaps, like Sarah, in our second act, the Lord grants a request we’ve been praying about for decades ( Genesis 21:1-7). Maybe God will call us to a completely different career path, project, or passion, like Paul ( Acts 9). Or, potentially, God will make room for you to rest, shedding the weight of the responsibilities of your younger years and having time to invest in the next generation before you go to glory like Noah ( Genesis 6-9). I don’t know what the Lord has planned for me next. Truthfully, my life is not what my 18-year-old self would have envisioned for my forties. But it is beautiful, and I am assured that it will be infinitely better than I had planned because of God’s providence.  I am learning that God is more interested in my heart’s posture than my productivity. This allows me freedom and grace to age well, knowing that I am fulfilling my purpose as long as I bring God glory and honor. And well, that looks different in different seasons of life. I pray that as the years tick by, I grow in spiritual maturity and biblical wisdom and that my life always looks more like Christ today than it did yesterday.  The best is yet to come, if not in this life; those of us in Christ have the promise of eternity. The end of earthly existence is not the end but only the beginning. May we use the time the Lord grants us well, making the most of every season as we live in light of eternity.  Intersecting Faith and Life: A friend once encouraged me to stop asking, “What does God want me to do?” and instead think, “Who does God want me to serve?” This season, take some time to consider your current circumstances. Who can you serve, show God’s love, or pray over? For Further Reading: Hope if You Aren’t Living Your Best Life Now  The Aging Process: Life is Seasonal Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like you were walking around as one giant, exposed nerve? Like just being in the world is too much? In today’s devotional, we reflect on that aching, raw feeling—and how God meets us there. Vivian Bricker shares how a lyric from Taylor Swift’s “this is me trying” perfectly captured the feeling: “It’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound.” We’ve all had those seasons—where we’d rather hide than engage, where even kindness stings, where the pain is just too close to the surface.But God doesn’t leave us there. He meets us, gently and powerfully, in our most fragile state. Join the Conversation:When have you felt like an “open wound”? How did you find comfort—or where are you seeking it now? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. You’re not alone in this journey. 🎧 Discover more daily encouragements — subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer wherever you listen to podcasts. Full Transcript Below: Feeling Like an Open Wound  By Vivian Bricker “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares’” (Jeremiah 30:17).  I have loved Taylor Swift’s music since I was eight years old. While many people have different views about her, I think most of us can agree that her music contains beautiful storytelling. When her album Folklore came out, I instantly fell in love with every song. The song this is me trying particularly stood out to me upon first listen because of the following lyrics, “And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound.” How often have you felt like an open wound? I certainly have felt this way throughout my life, but I never was able to put it into words until I heard this song. Similar to other songs by Taylor Swift, this is me trying helped me articulate my feelings in a way that makes sense to myself as well as to others.  When we feel like an open wound, we feel easily hurt by others. Rather than wanting to go places and see other people, we want to stay at home and hide from the world. Anything and everything can feel like salt in the wound. When we find ourselves in this place, we don’t need to allow ourselves to fall into despair. Where God is, there is always hope (Romans 15:13).   During periods of feeling like an open wound, we need to turn to God. He can provide us with lasting healing. While He might not take all of the pain away, He can help us to recover and feel comfort. It is important to remember that God didn’t cause the pain we are going through. We live in a fallen world, and bad things can happen in this world. People can hurt us, we can fall on hard times, and we can experience illnesses.  Despite all of these terrible things happening around us and in our own lives, we can still have hope in God. The open wound in our hearts can be filled with hope if we allow God to comfort us. The comfort He provides for us is found in the Bible and in prayer. If we want to start the process of healing, we need to take up Bible reading and prayer. Prayer can help us connect with God on a deeper level. Telling Him our struggles, problems, and emotions will give us relief like nothing else can. You might be surprised at how much comfort comes over you once you tell God about your feelings. He is your loving Father, and He will equip your heart with love, encouragement, and hope.  Bible reading helps us learn more about God and His goodness. Reflecting on accounts of God in the Bible can help us feel more comforted by Him. Two great Books of the Bible to start reading today are Psalms and the Gospel of John. Both of these Books will help you learn more about God and His comfort and love.  Learning more about His love and leaning into it can help our hearts heal from any wound.  God Cares about Us From the Bible, we learn this beautiful truth, “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares’” (Jeremiah 30:17). The Lord tells us in this passage that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. This passage is referring to Israel; however, it also applies to us as believers. There is no reason to believe that God would withhold healing and restoration from our lives.  Give the wounds that are on your heart today over to God. There might still be times when you feel like an open wound, but God can help you. He is already restoring your health and healing your wounds as you read these words. God cares about you and loves you. Never doubt these truths.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever felt like an open wound? What did this feel like for you? Healing from God will come in His timing. How might you reach out to Him today? Is it encouraging to know God can heal your wounds? Why or why not?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When heartbreak hits and the tears just won’t stop, it can feel like God is far away. But in today’s devotional, we’re reminded of a profound truth: God draws closer in our sorrow, not further. After attending a funeral, the author expected her grieving friend to be falling apart—but instead, she found a woman sustained by prayer, clinging to God’s strength hour by hour. That’s the power of God’s presence in grief. That’s the promise of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Whether you're facing loss, loneliness, or just the ache of unspoken pain, this verse is your reminder—you are never alone. Join the Conversation:Have you experienced God’s closeness during a painful season? What helped you draw near to Him instead of drifting away? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. Your story may be just what someone else needs to hear. 🎙💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Explore more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Draw Close to God “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 Standing in line at a funeral home, waiting to give condolences to a family who had just lost a loved one to a tragic loss, I admired all the pictures of the deceased and well wishes from people ahead of me. Many family members had come to express their sentiments as well. About 20 minutes later, we were able to reach my friend.  Although she attended church for a long time, she sometimes had questions and doubts (as we all do) about God and his ways. When I got to the line and saw her there, I expected her to be a mess. I expected her to express her doubts and questions about God. However, she said the opposite. As we hugged, she told me she had been praying and asking God for supernatural help to sustain her through the long days and weeks. She told me that was the first day she had not cried and could stand firm as each hour passed. She and her family remembered their loved one on their special day. They chose to use it as a day of great remembrance and to take comfort in believing that he was in heaven and having all his questions answered.  A few days later, I sent her the above verse to comfort her as she continued to move on from their loss. Like my friend, the above verse is often used for people going through difficult trials or tragic losses. It reminds us of God's great love for his people.  God never allows us to walk alone. He is always with us, even during unspeakable loss and tragedy. When we feel he has forgotten us, and we can't understand why we are going through such times of trial, this verse can be of great comfort to all of us. It serves as a great reminder that God is with us every step of the way.  He is with us when we are in bed crying into our tear-stained pillows. He is with us when we shake hands and hug loved ones who have come to pay their respects. He is also with us when we celebrate family during the holidays when we miss our loved ones the most. It is as if Jesus is there, sitting in the empty chair, with us in our time of trial.  If you are going through a difficult time right now, ask yourself: do I feel God is close to or distant from me? Your answer reveals more about your view of God than you realize. When we are going through a difficult time, it is tempting to push God away, believing the enemy’s lie that God does not care about our true well-being, rather than accepting the truth of God's promises, as stated in his word. As the above verse reminds us, he is with us always.  He knows our spirits when they are strong and when they are weak. God promises to get vengeance on those who hurt his people. He is the one who gets the ultimate revenge. But we must be patient and wait for his timing. God is the one who knows the bigger picture of our situation.  We only see a finite piece of a much larger puzzle. We are only given one puzzle piece at a time. However, it's difficult to see the bigger picture. We must trust that God is the ultimate creator of the puzzle, the only one who can make all the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly.  Draw close to God. Do not allow a time of trial to be a time where you drift away from God. If you find yourself resisting the urge to read the word, hiding your big emotions from God, or distracting yourself from being alone with him, chances are you are trying to push him away rather than come close. But Jesus is waiting for us. He is close to us and walks with us every step of the way. We must take his hand and allow him to lead us as we walk through our time of trial.  Father, let us draw near to you in times of trial. Let us know that you are closest to us during our most profound grief. Remind us that you are there, extending your hand, waiting for us to take it. Help us to let you lead us with your comforting words and steadfast actions. Amen.  Intersecting Faith and Life When you are facing a tough time, do you turn towards God or drift away from Him? Why? Further Reading Proverbs 3:5-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever wish you could be unbothered—the kind of person who doesn’t spiral when things go sideways? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey shares a heartfelt story about her friend’s tough day, a voicemail full of frustration, and a powerful moment of conviction from the Holy Spirit. What started as venting turned into a moment of humility—and a reminder that being “unbothered” doesn’t mean we ignore hurt. It means we choose grace over pride. As Romans 12:3 tells us: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (NIV) Let this be your reminder:Being unbothered doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care more about the person than the problem. Join the Conversation:Have you ever caught yourself in a moment of venting—only to feel convicted later? What helps you respond with grace instead of reacting with frustration? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story. 🎙💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Explore more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Becoming Unbothered By: Laura Bailey  “ For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 NIV “Petty Patty is coming at you live. " Tears of laughter rolled down my cheeks as I listened to my friend’s voicemail. She shared about a situation she was dealing with, airing her frustrations, pointing out the hypocrisy of the problem, and expressing her general annoyance with this particular group of people. My friend is one of the kindest people I know. She will give the shirt off her back and bring you a home-cooked meal at the hint of oncoming sickness. She is always the first to sign up and the last to leave, and she is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. She is not one to complain; typically, that’s my role in our friendship. So, I knew she was upset, not just from her three-minute-long voicemail. “Oh my word, I am so sorry. Did you just get my voicemail?” my friend quickly spouted as she answered my call. “I did. Whew, tell me about your day. It sounds like it was a doozy,” I teased. “Laura, I am sorry. Yes, I had a bad day and am incredibly frustrated, but I shouldn’t have said those things about my co-workers. Please forgive me.” She expanded upon why she was upset and then shared how the Holy Spirit immediately convicted her after she left the voicemail. “I want to be unbothered. You know, the person who just lets things go, realizing it's not a big deal in the grand scheme. And honestly, my irritation stems more from hurt pride than anything else,” she confided.  As she spoke, I recalled numerous times when I’d flown off the handle, vented to anyone who would listen, and critically shared about people who drove me crazy. How would my response to a perceived slight, purposeful hurt, or a potential oversight be if I took a more unbothered approach? I am not suggesting that we ignore when people cause us harm, but we don’t allow our feelings and emotions to run wild. We root our responses in humility and not pride.  Paul, in writing to the church of Romans, who was having a difficult time getting along, shares, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you ( Romans 12:3)  Look at Paul’s opening statement, he says that it by the grace given to him he shares this hard truth. Grace is getting something we don’t deserve, and in this case, Paul is talking about God’s grace on humanity by sending His son, Jesus.  When we realize that we need grace, and God gives it abundantly, we can grant grace to others. Paul shares the not-so-secret tip for fostering good relationships: think of others over yourself. It’s the golden rule: " Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Would you want someone to tarnish your name before you are allowed to explain? How often are our words and actions misunderstood, taken incorrectly, or simply miscommunicated? When dealing with others, we must acknowledge and accept that we can unintentionally cause harm and desire grace, mercy, and love when you do. Letting go isn’t easy or even a natural response, but as Paul points out, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness and display the fruits of the Spirit through our faith. Being unbothered doesn’t mean you don’t care; you simply value the person more than the problem.  My friend could have easily elaborated on all the ways she felt wronged, yet she used that opportunity to ask where she was potentially at fault and chose to grant grace and forgiveness instead. As my pastor shared in his sermon recently, “You’ll never forget doing the right thing.” My friend doesn’t, and I hope to do the same.  Intersecting Faith and Life:Can you think of a time when you let your feelings get out of control? How did that affect your relationship? Jot down ways you can become “unbothered” in your relationships. For Further Reading:Philippians 2:5-11 5 Prayers to Pray for Difficult Family Relationships Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Anxiety has a way of whispering lies that feel louder than truth. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown shares how even after seeing God show up time and again—in his own life and in the lives of others—those anxious voices still try to take center stage. Whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, or just not being enough, anxiety loves to hijack our thoughts. But Scripture reminds us of a different reality: “Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” —Proverbs 12:25 (CSB) God’s Word is that good word. When anxiety lies, truth restores. It reminds us we are not unloved, not forgotten, not beyond hope. The truth is—we are known, chosen, and secure in Christ. Join the Conversation:What lie has anxiety tried to sell you recently, and how has God’s Word helped you push back? Share your thoughts @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. We’d love to hear how God’s truth is transforming your thinking. 🎙 🙏 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Discover more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Lies Anxiety Tells By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25, CSB) Working part-time as a writing consultant affords me many opportunities to converse with college students. Unsurprisingly, these youth, fresh out of high school, are still finding out who they are and discovering their way in the world. As they have reminded me, there’s plenty of uncertainty to experience, and with uncertainty, fear. Countless times, they express worry over failing a particular class or assignment. And countless times, they come back to me, recounting how well they actually performed. Even after they are able to contrast fear with reality, they often end up in the same place when uncertainty rolls back around again. They fear.  I could look at these students and wonder, “Why don’t they get it?” However, I was a student just like them. At times, as an adult, my anxiety still lies to me, and I still listen. As believers today, we often look back on the Israelites and wonder why they constantly strayed from God. We question how fear could lead them to worship false idols and lack faith when God pulled them through hard times again and again. We may have even wondered the same about ourselves. God shows His hand, but we still forget His works. That’s because of the lies anxiety tells, or more accurately, the lies we choose to believe. We hear them, we believe them, we internalize them. Our inner monologue looks something like, “You are unloved,” “You are unworthy,” “You don’t belong,” “You’re not good enough,” and much more. Whatever that voice is speaking to you in whatever area of your life, know that the only way to counteract a lie permanently is with the truth. Intersecting Faith & Life: Overcoming your worries means grounding yourself in truth. Only then will the lies that anxiety tells become less potent. Here are two steps to follow and make into a daily habit. Discover truth. One way to discover truth is through God’s Word. Anxiety and other forms of fear tell you things about your character and worth, things that aren’t true. God’s Word also speaks to who you are and who you can become. If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick? We might say God is the obvious answer, but when anxiety is pelting our brains, we often don’t think about God’s truth. We aren’t recounting verses about our worth or God designing us with purpose. However, we should. The more we know the Word of God, the more we will know what He thinks of us. Not only that, but we will also discover what He wants us to think of ourselves. Another way to find out what is true is through experience. If you find yourself constantly worried about money, but your finances always work out, take note of that. If you think everyone is out to get you, when in reality, no one bothers you at all, take note. Perhaps you’re holding on to some past offense and living in fear, rather than reality. The more self-aware you become, the better off you will be. Spotting lies will be easier, as will believing what’s actually true. Remember truth. While becoming aware of the truth is important, we humans and sinners naturally forget. Therefore, if we don’t want to forget, we need to create reminders for ourselves. These could come in the form of sticky notes, a journal, encouragement from peers, or some other daily or weekly habit. If God has provided for you in the past, don’t allow yourself to forget. Take note of your blessings. Literally, take notes. Write down why you’re grateful, your strengths, or why you have worth. The fears are going to keep coming. We are flawed people living in a flawed world, but they don’t have to possess so much power. The lies we believe become lies we ignore when we have something else to believe in. The Truth. Further Reading: Exodus 16:3 1 Corinthians 10:13 Isaiah 41:10 2 Timothy 1:7 Psalm 34:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Motherhood may be one of the most sacred roles God has given—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood in today’s culture. In today’s devotional, Lynette Kittle invites us to take a closer look at what the Bible really says about motherhood and how God designed it with both purpose and power. Despite society's mixed messages—telling women to prioritize success, beauty, or convenience—Scripture reminds us that life itself begins in the womb, shaped by the hands of God: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” —Psalm 139:13 While childbirth comes with pain—a result of the fall in Genesis 3—God still calls it a blessing, a sacred invitation to partner with Him in the miracle of life. Even Jesus came through a mother, because that’s how God designed humanity to flourish. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, thank You for the gift of life. Help me honor the role of motherhood—whether I’m a mom, have one, or am still healing from what motherhood has meant in my life. Remind me that You are the Giver of every life, and that no person is here by accident.” In a world that often minimizes motherhood, God elevates it. He sees, honors, and blesses the mothers, the births, and every life created in love. Let this be your reminder: Whether you were born through natural means, technology, or adoption—God formed you. He knows you. He chose you. Join the Conversation:How has your view of motherhood been shaped by culture or by Scripture? What gives you hope when thinking about life, legacy, and God’s design? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email—we’d love to hear your story and walk with you in faith. 🎙 💬 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Explore more Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Taking a Closer Look at Motherhood (719 words) By Lynette Kittle “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”--John 16:21 Motherhood has taken a hit over the years with women’s careers and educational pursuits taking the forefront, along with abortion, convincing women that being a mother isn’t worth the time, effort, or cost it takes to carry, birth, and care for a child. But without mothers, of course, none of us would experience life, except Adam and Eve, who were the only people in the history of the earth to enter life without one. Genesis 1:27 explains how they came to life. “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Since then, even if babies are created in a Petri dish or test tube, they’ve needed a woman to make it possible. Even Jesus came to earth through a mother, because that’s how God designed humanity to multiply. Motherhood’s Curse Because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin brought with it a curse affecting childbirth. As Genesis 3:16 describes, “To the woman He said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Because of the pain and suffering attached to giving birth, some women opt out of carrying a child, afraid to experience the pain and discomfort associated with it, some fearful of the bodily changes that occur with new life growing within one’s body brings with it. More and more mothers today are finding surrogates to bear the brunt of childbirth risks for them, some for health and infertility reasons and concerns, others so carrying a child doesn’t interfere with their careers or affect their physical appearance. Motherhood’s Gift Even though motherhood comes with a curse, it also comes as a gift, too. 1 Timothy 2:15 explains, “But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” God, the Giver of all life, created motherhood, entrusting women with both the pain and joy of bearing children and placing His blessing upon the process. As Genesis 1:28 explains, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” Although humanity has found various ways around the natural process of baby making, still, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3). No matter how humans attempt to create new life, God is still the Giver of Life. It is He who knows and forms babies, giving them life, regardless of how humans discover how to orchestrate their beginnings. God told the prophet Jeremiah that, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). He is the only life-source for humanity. “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). However babies are conceived, God is still the one forming them and breathing life into their tiny human bodies. As Psalm 139:13 describes, “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Science and technology, as powerful as they may seem, cannot bring life into this world without God because it isn’t possible without His hand and His design for the creation of life. Intersecting Faith & Life:  Are you struggling with the idea of motherhood and how life is created? If so, look to God’s word for clarification. Or, if you came into this world in an unconventional way, don’t let it deter you from the fact that God created you, not science or technology. He is the one who formed you and gave you life. Further Reading: A Prayer to Treasure the Sanctity of Life https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-treasure-the-sanctity-of-life.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.