The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions—colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting.Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life. In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live—and calls us to do the same. This Easter, we encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith—even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.” Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who’ve gone before us in faith, God uses these “planted seeds” to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth. Join the Conversation:Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s encourage one another to plant with purpose. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Easter: A Time for Planting By Lynette Kittle “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’”--John 12:23-24 When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings. Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him. But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God. Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Still, it’s hard for countless individuals who don’t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It’s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way. Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said, “’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him” (John 12:27-28). Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father’s will, laying down His life so that others may live. Seeds Lead to Life Eternal Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die. As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they’re living, and where they will go for eternity. Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth

When anxious thoughts flood your mind and you feel like you're living in a fog—disconnected from the moment and overwhelmed by “what ifs”—you’re not alone. In today’s devotional, Kelly Balarie vulnerably shares how anxiety hijacked her thoughts even in the middle of everyday moments with her kids. But instead of staying stuck in the spiral of fear, she turned to Psalm 27:1 and found refuge in God's Word:“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me to release what I’m holding onto so tightly. Let me trust that You are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation—even when I feel like I’m falling apart.” When our grip on life feels weak, God reminds us: He’s the one holding on tight.Let this be your permission to stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and instead rest in the truth that God is your Light, your Refuge, and your Stronghold. When we move out of the way, we make way for the Way Maker. Join the Conversation:Have you ever been so anxious that you struggled to be present? What verse has helped anchor you in those moments? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story and stand with you in faith. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Your Mind is Somewhere Else By Kelly Balarie “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” – Psalm 27:1 NLT For days, I was internally screaming inside, while pretending to be there for my kids. I was internally agonizing, while trying to calmly answer questions about stop lights, and what’s for lunch and playdates with friends. Half the words they spoke would fly over my head, lest I pay attention and ignore the tight clenching pain of anxiety thumping in my chest. I tried to call myself to attention. “Mommy, what do you think we will do for Valentine’s Day?” My kids asked me. Who in the world knows?! My world is combusting! How will I handle what I am facing?! How can I disaster plan? If the worst-case scenario happens, how do I rise up? Going somewhere else, in the car, while my kids chatted away, I could see all the dominoes falling. I could see all the marbles rolling everywhere, unable to be contained. I could envision my agony as I couldn’t handle the future. Ever been there? Ever been in the place you never wanted to arrive to? Ever seen the darkness you didn’t want to see? Ever confronted a monster that you only hoped and prayed would pass you by? And what do you do when you can’t stop thinking of worst-case scenarios?! When you keep considering all the ways you’ll be hurt? When you’re already experiencing the shame that hasn’t even yet come? These are viable questions. Ones I was contending with for days. . . God knows, I didn’t want to be anxious or worried, yet I kept on confessing to God – that I was. So here I am. Distracted. And I’d be a liar to tell you I have everything all worked out at this point. I don’t. There seem to be a handful of problems I can’t fix on my own, but I can tell you, I found a couple verses that have really encouraged me. Here they are: “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid. When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise against me, (even then) in this I will be confident.” (Ps. 27:1-4) In these verses, I have safety. The Lord is my Light. Light brings clarity, it brings direction on the best paths to walk and it, like a spotlight, can even be a weapon to blind opposition. The Lord is my salvati

Taxes are temporary. God’s provision, peace, and promises are eternal. When we get tangled in financial worry or frustration, Jesus gently shifts our focus upward — reminding us that no matter what we owe the government, we owe our lives to the One who paid our ultimate debt on the cross. Join the Conversation:How do you navigate stressful seasons like tax time while keeping your focus on God? Have you seen His provision show up when you needed it most? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or by email. Let’s encourage one another to rest in God’s care — even when the numbers don’t add up. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry—especially for those who are natural caregivers, helpers, and encouragers. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring explores compassion fatigue—a very real emotional exhaustion that can happen when you’re constantly giving of yourself to help others. Drawing from Psalm 145:9, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made,” we’re reminded that while we may reach the end of our emotional strength, God never does. He never tires, never grows weary, and always has time for your burdens. We encourage you to pause and pray: “Lord, help me cast my cares on You and remind me that I don’t need to carry it all. Thank You for your limitless compassion.” Whether you're in ministry, caregiving, or just the “strong friend” who everyone leans on, today is your invitation to unplug, rest, and reconnect with the One who never sleeps. God is the only one truly capable of caring for everyone—and that includes you. Join the Conversation:When was the last time you experienced compassion fatigue? What helped you get through it? Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s support each other in remembering that it’s okay to step back—and to lean into God’s everlasting care. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Compassion Fatigue A devotional by Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” — Psalm 145:9 NIV What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? I remember when a minister friend of mine told me that when she feels overwhelmed by people’s issues, she unplugs from social media, turns off her phone and shuts down her computer to take a break from all of it. Soon after, I realized that she was describing compassion fatigue. According to Psychology Today, “People whose professions lead to prolonged exposure to other people’s trauma can be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma; they can experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk, making them wary of giving and caring.” When you are a minister or professional counselor then compassion fatigue might be a common experience for you. However, I say that anybody who cares about people and wants to help fix problems can experience this kind of fatigue. Let’s face it: There are a lot of problems in our world and many people who need help solving issues and surviving the curveballs that life throws at them. God has gifted us with healthcare professionals who we can go to when we need help. But these talented people—as wonderful and effective as they may be—are only human. So that means even the most helpful professional has their limits. As the type of person who is known to be the “strong” friend and who is often treated by people—even complete strangers—as a counselor, I know how compassion fatigue feels. I want to be there for everyone, and I do follow through on my promises to pray for people who need prayer support. But there are times when I feel stretched thin and overloaded with requests for help. So, like my minister friend, I also unplug from social media, turn off my computer, don’t touch the television or my phone, and try to take a break from the problems of the world. It is when you feel overwhelmed that you are reminded that you’re only human and cannot help everyone, every time. Compassion fatigue is real. But gratefully, we serve a God who never experiences this kind of fatigue nor will He ever because unlike us mere mortals, our Immortal God has no limits. His love for us endures forever and He always has a plan to save us. He is always available to listen to our pain and solve our problems 24/7/365 because the Bible says He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4)! Aren’t you glad we have this kind of help? Not only does God never feel fatigued, He never grows weary of hearing about our needs. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 (NLT), “So let us come boldly to the throne of our graci

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6 When faced with a health scare, the author Michelle Lazurek found themselves in a place many of us know too well: praying out of desperation, but doubting deep down. Even though the words were spoken, the heart quietly assumed the worst. And yet, God still moved. This powerful reflection reminds us that God welcomes our prayers, even when our faith feels fragile. He wants us to ask—not just for small things, but for everything—and to ask with belief, not hesitation. God is not a genie to grant our wishes, but a loving Father who listens and responds in His perfect timing, for our ultimate good. When we choose to ask boldly and trust deeply, even in uncertain outcomes, our faith grows. And through that faith, we learn to see God not just as a helper in times of crisis, but as our true source of strength, peace, and satisfaction. 🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me come to You with every need—big or small. Teach me to ask without doubting and to trust Your plan, even when the outcome isn't what I expected. Grow my faith and make me confident in Your goodness.” 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you take everything to God in prayer? What holds you back from asking Him for your deepest needs?Share with us on social @LifeAudioNetwork or email us—we’d love to hear from you and encourage you! 🎙 SUBSCRIBE to Our New Show – YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER🌟 Don’t Miss Other Crosswalk Favorites – Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews 📜 Full Transcript Below: Ask God for Everything “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6 “Lord, please heal my body from this illness.” Because of some health issues that had required me to get blood drawn every month and see a doctor regularly, I was concerned about the state of my health. Because I took supplements, didn't smoke, didn't drink alcohol, and generally took care of myself, I believed the lie that I would live for a long time. After all, since I'd cared for my body so well, isn't that what I deserved? It wasn't until the doctor asked me to go for an ultrasound to screen for possible cancer that my whole world came to a screeching halt. I made the drive to the hospital to have the scan, and a myriad of thoughts flooded my mind. I began to picture my life with only limited time left. I started to think about everything I still wanted to do during my time on earth. As I drove to the hospital, I uttered the above prayer. It was my Hail Mary prayer to ask God to turn things around. In my mind, I went to God for his help. But deep down in my heart, I doubted God could turn this around. I had already expected the worst test result. In my mind, I already expected the worst. Even though I didn't voice this to anyone, my doubts spoke extensively about my lack of faith in God. I trusted God for many things in life, but for my health, that was something else. Because I had just encountered several godly people who were struggling with their cancer journeys, I expected to be the next one in line. After all, if these godly people were struggling with cancer, what would make me think I would be off the hook? The test results came back negative. I was elated. For the next few weeks, I spent every day praising the Lord. In my prayer time, I thanked him for allowing me not to have to deal with the trial of cancer. But I also praised him for moving on my behalf despite my lack of faith. Because in my mind, I prayed that prayer. But in my heart, I already assumed the worst. The above verse guides us on how to pray genuinely. Not only should we ask God for the big and the small things in life, but we must ask without any doubt. We must pray and believe that God will deliver on what he promised. We also must declare and believe that God’s plan is good regardless of the outcome.

We all have days where we feel like we’ve hit a wall—emotionally, physically, or spiritually. In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger opens up about those moments of exhaustion and inner conflict: when your soul wants to move, but your body and heart just can’t keep up. Is God calling us to push forward? Or is He inviting us to rest? The good news is—either way, He’s with us. Whether you’re taking a break on the bench or stepping back onto the field, God isn’t disappointed in your weakness. In fact, His power is made perfect in it. So let go of the guilt. Lay down the pressure. And lean into the truth that God loves you just the same, no matter what pace you’re moving at today. 🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me recognize your grace in my weakness. Whether I need rest or motivation today, let me move forward in peace knowing You are with me—always.” 💬 Join the Conversation: When have you felt the weight of weakness—and how did God show up in that moment?Share with us on social @LifeAudioNetwork or email us—we’d love to walk alongside you! 🎙 SUBSCRIBE to our New Show – YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER🌟 Explore More Crosswalk Podcasts – Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews 📜 Full Transcript Below This is the first one: Feeling the Weight of Weakness By Keri Eichberger But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I feel so weak today. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve journaled those exact words. I hate it though. There’s so much in my mind and heart to be done. But lately my body can’t seem to measure up to the expectations of my soul. Which has instigated a spiral of exhaustion and defeat. I want to move, and need to move—I think. But my lack of motivation and the dwindling of my energy is almost nauseating at times. A swelling sadness from disappointment that I can’t seem to rise to the occasion. I wonder how often you feel weak? Or if you’re feeling it today too? If you’re burned out from working too hard, exhausted from emotional overload, or worn down from stress or waiting for a change of circumstances. Whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual, an array of elements can drain us to debilitation. And what do you suppose God thinks about this? About the weakness we feel or are consumed by? I was wondering that this morning in contemplation of my struggle for strength. Questioning if he is looking down on me like a coach from the sidelines when a player falls down. Yelling, “Get up, you can do it! I’ve trained you for this. You can rest when the game is over. There’s help all around you.” Or on the flipside he could be saying, “You need to come out of the game. It’s time to rest. I’ve got this.” Honestly, sometimes I don’t know which it is, or what I should do. If I need to lay down, or gather myself and go. Well, what if either way, it’s okay? What if the coach would love and adore you no matter what? What if you fell, and he said, “Listen, you can stand up and get back in the game, or, you can sit on the bench as long as you need. Either way, I’m right beside you. Either way I’m always cheering you on, always your biggest fan, and always here to help you. Regardless, we will get the win. The outcome will be good.” It occurred to me that this is exactly what God thinks about my lack of motivation and energy. And yours, too. If we think we need to rest, we probably should. If we have the prompting to take certain steps forward, we probably should do that. No matter what we do or choose, God is with us, still loving us just the same, still loving us just as much. Regardless. Personally, this truth offers me so much relief in itself, and I desperately need to remember it. Especially when I feel the weight of weakness or even worry about my weakness. And if that’s you too, if you

Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to be anxious for nothing and to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. We discuss the significance of choosing peace over worry, emphasizing that true tranquility comes from trusting God with our circumstances. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on how life's challenges can trigger anxiety, but through prayer and gratitude, we can access a peace that surpasses understanding. We’ll explore the practical steps to combat worry and how embracing God's promises can lead to a more fulfilling life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you manage anxiety in your life? What role does prayer play in your journey toward peace? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another as we seek to live in God’s peace! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: An Alternative to WorryBy Kelly Balarie “Be anxious for nothing. But, in everything, with prayer and petition, and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then, perfect peace which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV As I pulled into the airport, a sign caught my eye: “Terminal.” My heart sank. I was on my way to confront a challenging situation that felt overwhelmingly daunting—one of my greatest fears. That moment made me think, “Oh no, my situation is terminal.” I wondered if others felt the same way. Perhaps someone facing cancer treatment saw that sign and felt their heart drop. Or a parent visiting a child in rehab felt the weight of despair. Did they think, "This is it; everything is going wrong"? The sign seemed to herald panic and worry. Suddenly, I shifted into planning mode: how I would tackle the problem, what steps I would take to gain control. But I realized that my meticulous planning didn’t change the situation. God was reminding me that even when I think I’m in control, I truly am not. We often believe we can manage our lives, but sometimes life manages us. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until life punches them in the face.” Are you facing a terminal situation in your life—financially, emotionally, or professionally? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? I’ve thought a lot about this, and I’ve come to see that God offers us a clear action plan: Choose Not to Be Anxious: Make a decisive choice to let go of worry. Repent and change your course the moment anxiety arises. Pray and Ask God: Bring your needs to Him. He invites us to share our requests. Express Gratitude: Thank God for hearing you, for knowing the best path, and for guiding you toward hope. When we do this, God steps in. He offers us perfect peace that transcends understanding. This peace shows us that we don’t need to grasp every detail of our problems. Worry is rooted in our limited understanding, while peace is a divine assurance that God is in control. We have a choice: we can worry and fret without Him, or we can pray and petition Him. One path leads to anxiety; the other leads to peace. Which will you choose? Intersecting Faith & Life:Peace is not something we have to fight for; it’s a gift from Jesus. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) How can you release the world's pressures and embrace the peace that Jesus offers? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith and encouragement. You can follow her blog and discover more about her work on the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast. Kelly is also the author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Her insights have been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, and more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The powerful story from 2 Kings 6:15-17, where Elisha’s servant feels overwhelmed and vulnerable, surrounded by an enemy army. Elisha reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” When Elisha prays for the servant’s eyes to be opened, he sees God’s army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. We encourage you to pray, “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see,” asking God to reveal the ways He is providing for and protecting you. By recognizing this spiritual truth, we can find comfort and strength in our daily lives. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When have you felt God’s protection in your life? How can you remind yourself of His presence during difficult times? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other in recognizing God’s unwavering protection! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Reality of Invisible Protectionby Deidre Braley 2 Kings 6:15-17:When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. There are times when I feel terribly vulnerable in this world, as though I’m walking about like a turtle without her shell. I feel alone and unprotected—and it feels like I could succumb to any number of bad circumstances. Perhaps you sometimes feel this way too. It doesn’t take much to inspire a sense of total panic these days; all we have to do is turn on the news and feel as though all of society is tailspinning. The servant of Elisha felt exactly this way when he woke up one morning only to find that the city where he and his master were staying—Dothan—was surrounded by horses, chariots, and a massive army. Elisha responded, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” I’m sure the servant thought Elisha was crazy—they were visibly outnumbered. But his perspective changed the moment Elisha prayed. “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see,” he said, and in that moment, the servant looked around to discover that their surroundings were filled with horses and chariots of fire (presumably from God’s army). This story is a stunning reminder that the spiritual world is an active reality—just as real as the floor at our feet or the mug in our hands. Much like Elisha’s servant, we often go about our days without seeing this spiritual world at play, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Today—and whenever we feel particularly afraid or alone—may we remember to pray Elisha’s bold prayer over ourselves: “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see.” And then, may we discover all the ways in which God’s protection and provision are surrounding us now—and always have been. Further Reading: Daniel 10 Ephesians 6:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ephesians 4:1-2, which urges us to live a life worthy of our calling. We discuss the importance of humility, patience, and love, as well as the necessity of shedding bitterness and anger. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of healing from anxiety and the transformative power of aligning our lives with biblical principles. We’ll delve into the process of understanding our emotions and reactions in light of Christ’s love and redemption. By recognizing our identity as chosen daughters and sons of God, we learn to respond to challenges with grace and strength rather than succumbing to negative feelings. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you process your emotions in a way that aligns with your faith? What practices help you maintain peace and joy in difficult situations? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live in the freedom Christ offers! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." — Ephesians 4:1-2, 31 After decades of living with frequent and intense anxiety, I’ve embarked on an equally intense healing journey that has deepened my appreciation for passages like today’s. I’ve long understood the spiritual importance of aligning my life with biblical principles like those listed in Ephesians 4. But I’ve only recently focused on the impact my obedience, or lack thereof, has on my peace and joy. In the past, when I read passages like today’s and compared them to my typical responses, I realized how short I fell from God’s desire. I’d then determine how I’d behave differently the next day, only to find myself pulled into anger or bitterness over some offense. I still recognize my need for growth. However, I now approach that growth differently. I’m learning to resist surface-level behavior modification and to seek Christ’s insights regarding why I reacted a certain way. What in my soul doesn’t align with His heart? More specifically, I’m learning how to process my emotions, thoughts, and experiences with God. I usually begin by reflecting upon the calling I’ve received—not just in terms of my role as a Christ-follower, but also as His chosen and empowered daughter. This inevitably leads my thoughts to the price Jesus paid for my redemption, which assures me of His inconceivable love for me despite my weaknesses and sin. While I sit in His presence, He reminds me who I am, soothing the lies and insecurities aggravated by the “offense” I received. This was often how Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote today’s passage, approached sin. He’d begin by reminding whomever he was addressing of who they were to Christ and in Christ. Through faith, Christ had broken every chain that previously held them bound. In his letter, Paul was teaching them how to live free. I’m learning that same lesson. The more I yield my soul to Christ, the less power others have over me and my emotions. When hurt, slighted, or mistreated, before we respond in kind, may we turn to Christ and sit in His presence, receive His comfort, seek His perspective, and draw from His strength. Further Reading: Psalm 119:143 Philippians 4:5-9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 33:8, which calls us to fear the Lord and stand in awe of Him. Whitney Hopler shares insights on the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts who see Earth from space, highlighting how it deepens their appreciation for God’s creation. This shift in perspective reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the beauty of our planet. Whitney emphasizes that awe can shrink our worries and grow our faith. By intentionally seeking out experiences in nature—like watching a sunrise or hiking with friends—we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Sharing these experiences and stories of God’s work in our lives with others enriches our faith community and enhances our sense of awe. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When was the last time you felt awe toward God? How do you seek out experiences that highlight His wonder? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s celebrate and worship our wonderful God together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stand in Awe of GodBy Whitney Hopler “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” (Psalm 33:8, ESV) Many astronauts who have spent time aboard the International Space Station describe a profound change in perspective when they look down on the earth. Suspended in the vastness of space, they see our planet as a stunning, interconnected home – a place where all of humanity lives together, sharing the same air, water, and sky. From that vantage point, national borders disappear, conflicts seem small, and the beauty of God’s creation takes center stage. What they describe is something that scientists call the “overview effect.” It’s a shift in focus that happens when someone sees the earth from space. They can see the awe-inspiring beauty of this world God has created. They notice how the vast stretches of land and water are connected. This feeling of awe has led some astronauts to spiritual experiences that have helped them connect with God. Even though most of us will never travel to space, we can experience a similar sense of awe. The same God who made the stars and galaxies also designed the intricate details of our daily surroundings. When we take the time to recognize this, we naturally feel a sense of awe. Psalm 33:8 encourages everyone to fear God and to stand in awe of Him. God has filled this world with glimpses of His glory, from the night sky to the delicate details of a butterfly’s wings. God invites us to slow down and be amazed by who He is. Awe is a powerful emotion. It reminds us that we’re small yet deeply loved by a big God who is infinitely greater than we can understand. When we stand in awe of God, we can notice His wonderful presence, which shrinks our worries and grows our faith. We can feel more awe by intentionally pursuing God’s wonder in our daily lives. One way is to step outside and immerse ourselves in His creation. Go for a walk at sunrise, marvel at a towering tree, or stargaze with family. Sharing these experiences with others enhances our sense of wonder and helps us reflect on God’s work in our lives. God is always revealing His wonder. Let’s pause, notice, and respond with awe that motivates us to celebrate and worship our wonderful God! Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you felt a deep sense of awe toward God? What experience led you to feel that? How can you intentionally seek out experiences that help you recognize God’s wonder around you? Who in your life can you invite to join you in experiencing and talking about God’s wonder? What stories of God’s wonder have you experienced recently that you can share with others? How does standing in awe of God affect your perspective on your life each day? Further Reading: Habakkuk 3:2 Proverbs 9:10 Psalm 65:8 Psalm 111:10 Job 37:14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.