Understanding our unique gifts is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives and contributing to the body of Christ. We’ll discuss how to identify, cultivate, and use our spiritual gifts to serve others and glorify God.

Join the Conversation:

We want to hear from you! What spiritual gifts have you discovered in your life? Share your experiences and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you use your gifts to make a difference in your community? Let’s encourage one another as we journey together in faith!

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Understanding our unique gifts is essential for fulfilling God&rsquo;s purpose in our lives and contributing to the body of Christ. We&rsquo;ll discuss how to identify, cultivate, and use our spiritual gifts to serve others and glorify God.
Join the Conversation:
We want to hear from you! What spiritual gifts have you discovered in your life? Share your experiences and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you use your gifts to make a difference in your community? Let&rsquo;s encourage one another as we journey together in faith!
🎙 🌟 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/" data-start="813" data-end="909">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Discerning Our Spiritual Gifts

Worry has a way of quietly filling the mind—about the future, finances, work, relationships, and everything in between. In Matthew 6:33–34, Jesus speaks directly into that pressure, not by dismissing our concerns, but by redirecting our focus. Instead of being consumed by tomorrow, He invites us to seek God first today and trust Him with what’s ahead.

Freedom from worry isn’t about never feeling anxious thoughts—it’s about learning where to place them. Jesus teaches that life is lived one day at a time, with God as our provider and guide. When we shift our focus from what we can’t control to the One who holds everything together, worry begins to lose its grip. Peace grows when trust becomes our daily response.

Highlights
Worry is common—but it doesn’t have to control your life
Jesus doesn’t shame worry; He redirects our focus
Seeking God first reshapes how we handle anxiety about tomorrow
Living one day at a time helps reduce mental overwhelm
Prayer is a practical way to release anxious thoughts to God
Filling your mind with truth helps quiet spiraling thoughts
Peace grows when trust in God becomes your default response

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

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Full Transcript Below:

The Desire to Be Free from Worry
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” - Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)

Worry weighs heavily on most of us. Tight deadlines at work, endless tests in college, and difficult financial situations can cause us to worry. To worry is to be human. Although many of us may feel ashamed for worrying, we must remember that it is a part of life.

We can trust God and still feel worried about certain circumstances. Worry does not equate to a lack of faith in God. Rather, worry is simply what it is: being afraid or doubtful about what will happen. Worry can completely control our lives if we let it; however, we can also stand up to it.

My dad and I are avid walkers, and we often come across many cyclists. What I have noticed about most cyclists is that their biggest concern is speed. Many of them ride with a forward lean, as it helps them become more aerodynamic and enhances their speed.

However, there is one cyclist we occasionally see who is different from the others. Rather than being hunched over and focused on speed, he simply rides his bike, plays music from a loudspeaker, and appears to be free from worry: laid back, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be there.

As he passed us one day, I told my dad, “I wish I could be that relaxed.” I think most of us feel the same way… to be free from worry and to genuinely enjoy the little things in life. While I’m sure this cyclist has worries at times, he also seems to know when to let them go and focus on what brings him joy.

This is something we should aim to do in our own lives. While our worries may not disappear, we can learn to set them apart from other areas of our lives. The first step in easing these worries is to turn to God in prayer and reading the Bible.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Jesus tells us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:33-34, NLT). 

Rather than endlessly worrying about what is to come, we need to surrender these worries to God (1 Peter 5:7). As the Lord says, we are to focus on the Kingdom of God and live in obedience to Him. This means focusing on the present and faithfully living out God’s teachings found in Scripture.

If we choose the path of worry, it will be difficult to stay focused on God. Worry can cause us to spiral further. Yet it can be eased by talking with God. Tell Him why you are worried. Be honest with Him. He will never downplay your concerns or treat them as unimportant.

It is also helpful to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8-9). Fixing our minds on these things can help quiet our worries. Instead of dwelling on the concerns of today or tomorrow, reflect on the beauty around you—the trees, a joyful call from a friend, or a warm hug from a loved one.

Pray to God whenever worry rises in your heart. Let’s go to Him together:

Dear God, I want to be free from worry. You know how worry creeps into my mind every day. At times, it feels like it could drown me. Help me to rise above the worry and to reflect upon Your Son’s words. Guide my heart after Your Kingdom and to live for You. Remove my anxious, worried heart and replace it with a steadfast, unwavering heart. Thank You for listening to my prayers, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.

What are your most common worries? How can you apply Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33-34 to your life?

Further Reading:

Psalm 55:22

Proverbs 12:25

Matthew 11:28-30

Worry has a way of quietly filling the mind&mdash;about the future, finances, work, relationships, and everything in between. In Matthew 6:33&ndash;34, Jesus speaks directly into that pressure, not by dismissing our concerns, but by redirecting our focus. Instead of being consumed by tomorrow, He invites us to seek God first today and trust Him with what&rsquo;s ahead.
Freedom from worry isn&rsquo;t about never feeling anxious thoughts&mdash;it&rsquo;s about learning where to place them. Jesus teaches that life is lived one day at a time, with God as our provider and guide. When we shift our focus from what we can&rsquo;t control to the One who holds everything together, worry begins to lose its grip. Peace grows when trust becomes our daily response.
<hr data-start="736" data-end="739">
Highlights
<ul data-start="757" data-end="1191">
<li data-section-id="i7oior" data-start="757" data-end="817">Worry is common&mdash;but it doesn&rsquo;t have to control your life</li>
<li data-section-id="1dioug4" data-start="818" data-end="871">Jesus doesn&rsquo;t shame worry; He redirects our focus</li>
<li data-section-id="p8inj3" data-start="872" data-end="939">Seeking God first reshapes how we handle anxiety about tomorrow</li>
<li data-section-id="1gcgdii" data-start="940" data-end="998">Living one day at a time helps reduce mental overwhelm</li>
<li data-section-id="74rxdq" data-start="999" data-end="1063">Prayer is a practical way to release anxious thoughts to God</li>
<li data-section-id="ulkjf4" data-start="1064" data-end="1127">Filling your mind with truth helps quiet spiraling thoughts</li>
<li data-section-id="pyvft2" data-start="1128" data-end="1191">Peace grows when trust in God becomes your default response</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
The Desire to Be Free from Worry By Vivian Bricker&nbsp;
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don&rsquo;t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today&rsquo;s trouble is enough for today.&rdquo; - Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)
Worry weighs heavily on most of us. Tight deadlines at work, endless tests in college, and difficult financial situations can cause us to worry. To worry is to be human. Although many of us may feel ashamed for worrying, we must remember that it is a part of life.
We can trust God and still feel worried about certain circumstances. Worry does not equate to a lack of faith in God. Rather, worry is simply what it is: being afraid or doubtful about what will happen. Worry can completely control our lives if we let it; however, we can also stand up to it.
My dad and I are avid walkers, and we often come across many cyclists. What I have noticed about most cyclists is that their biggest concern is speed. Many of them ride with a forward lean, as it helps them become more aerodynamic and enhances their speed.
However, there is one cyclist we occasionally see who is different from the others. Rather than being hunched over and focused on speed, he simply rides his bike, plays music from a loudspeaker, and appears to be free from worry: laid back, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be there.
As he passed us one day, I told my dad, &ldquo;I wish I could be that relaxed.&rdquo; I think most of us feel the same way&hellip; to be free from worry and to genuinely enjoy the little things in life. While I&rsquo;m sure this cyclist has worries at times, he also seems to know when to let them go and focus on what brings him joy.
This is something we should aim to do in our own lives. While our worries may not disappear, we can learn to set them apart from other areas of our lives. The first step in easing these worries is to turn to God in prayer and reading the Bible.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Jesus tells us, &ldquo;Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don&rsquo;t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today&rsquo;s trouble is enough for today&rdquo; (Matthew 6:33-34, NLT).&nbsp;
Rather than endlessly worrying about what is to come, we need to surrender these worries to God (1 Peter 5:7). As the Lord says, we are to focus on the Kingdom of God and live in obedience to Him. This means focusing on the present and faithfully living out God&rsquo;s teachings found in Scripture.
If we choose the path of worry, it will be difficult to stay focused on God. Worry can cause us to spiral further. Yet it can be eased by talking with God. Tell Him why you are worried. Be honest with Him. He will never downplay your concerns or treat them as unimportant.
It is also helpful to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8-9). Fixing our minds on these things can help quiet our worries. Instead of dwelling on the concerns of today or tomorrow, reflect on the beauty around you&mdash;the trees, a joyful call from a friend, or a warm hug from a loved one.
Pray to God whenever worry rises in your heart. Let&rsquo;s go to Him together:
Dear God, I want to be free from worry. You know how worry creeps into my mind every day. At times, it feels like it could drown me. Help me to rise above the worry and to reflect upon Your Son&rsquo;s words. Guide my heart after Your Kingdom and to live for You. Remove my anxious, worried heart and replace it with a steadfast, unwavering heart. Thank You for listening to my prayers, God. In Your Son&rsquo;s Name, I pray, Amen.
What are your most common worries? How can you apply Jesus&rsquo; words in Matthew 6:33-34 to your life?
Further Reading:
Psalm 55:22
Proverbs 12:25
Matthew 11:28-30

The Desire to Be Free from Worry

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/384f7c14-f84e-43cc-8915-b42f012466b6/transcript

Struggling with anxiety as a Christian can feel confusing—especially when verses like John 14:1 tell us not to let our hearts be troubled. But Jesus’ response to anxiety isn’t harsh correction—it’s compassionate invitation. In moments of fear and overwhelm, He offers peace, not pressure. His words weren’t spoken to shame anxious hearts but to comfort them, reminding us that trust in Him is the pathway to lasting peace.

True peace isn’t something we manufacture through perfect prayers or flawless faith—it’s something we receive from Jesus. Biblical peace goes deeper than calm emotions; it’s a sense of wholeness and security rooted in His presence. As we consistently turn to Him—through prayer, Scripture, and honest surrender—He begins to reshape our thoughts and quiet our fears. It may not happen instantly, but over time, His peace grows stronger than our anxiety.

Highlights
Jesus responds to anxiety with compassion, not condemnation
“Do not be troubled” is an invitation to trust, not a harsh command
Peace comes from Christ—not from striving or self-effort
Anxiety often persists when we expect instant healing
Spiritual practices help us receive the peace we already have in Christ
Honest prayer invites God to reveal what may be hindering our peace
Trusting Jesus more deeply leads to greater, lasting peace

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety

By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” - John 14:1 NIV

As someone with a long history of anxiety, I used to feel guilt and condemnation when I read today’s verse and others like it. I knew Scripture told me, in numerous places, not to fear. I understood the importance of “taking my thoughts captive. I also recognized that I’d remain stuck in my overwhelm and whatever habitual battle I faced unless I allowed the Lord to transform me as I intentionally renewed my mind with God’s unchanging truth.

Yet, I consistently found myself enslaved to my spinning anxious thoughts that felt far too strong to counter or correct. My problem was two-fold. First, I expected instant healing and freedom. I thought if I said the right prayers, memorized enough Scripture, and chose to yield my circumstances to Christ, bam! He’d instantly erase all the lies and doubts fueling my fears and flood my brain and soul with His promises—which, of course, would stick, indefinitely. Second, I misread Jesus’ invitation to trust as a harsh command that brought Him frustration when not lived out.

But our Savior is gentle and humble in heart and longs to provide rest, not guilt and shame, to our souls (Matthew 11:28). When I read John 14 through that lens, I see Christ’s words as tender reassurance spoken from a place of compassionate awareness that fearful times lie ahead.

The context of today’s verse supports this. If you’re familiar with the events surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, you might recognize the circumstances surrounding His words. On the night before His death, He gathered His disciples in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. During this sacred meal, He predicted several unsettling things: He’d soon leave, and they couldn’t come. One of them would betray Him, they’d all abandon Him in His most painful moment, and Peter would deny three times that he even knew Him.

But notice how Jesus bookended this difficult information. He began the chapter with today’s verse, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled but instead to trust in Him. Then, in verse 27, He repeated this with additional details when 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.”

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Peace. Biblically speaking, this word, eiréné in the original Greek, goes deeper than emotional tranquility. It signifies wholeness, well-being, and things as they should be. And notice, this soul-state comes from Him, not our frantic efforts to change or heal ourselves. Yes, we must do our part by consistently turning to Him through prayer, Bible reading, silent meditation, and practicing other spiritual disciplines. Scripture also encourages us to learn how to rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit more consistently and to do our best to obey, however He leads. Sometimes, this requires prayerfully considering ways we might be actively blocking or hindering our ability to receive Christ’s peace.

Notice the phrasing in Colossians 3:15:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (NIV, emphasis mine).

This seems to indicate that we already possess His peace but haven’t given it full reign for some reason. Perhaps we’re held captive to an addiction that leads to regretful behavior and damaged relationships, and the inner angst both scenarios create. Or, maybe we’re spending far more time reading fear-mongering clickbait articles than we are truth. Or we might feel reluctant to take medication that our brain needs to function optimally.

Most, if not all, of us also tend to experience some degree of self-deception. Because of this, I’ve found it helpful to pray Psalm 139:23-24, which reads:

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 (NIV).

The New American Standard Bible phrases the last line in this passage this way:

 … see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

Understand, I don’t pray this from a place of guilt or shame. Rather, I’m asking the One who knows me better than I know myself and sees the most hidden places in my soul to reveal those things within me that hinder my freedom. This is a request He loves to answer because it positions me for the deep transformation I need to experience the “beyond-expectations” thriving life He promised in John 10:10.

Because only the Prince of Peace holds the power to calm and strengthen my wounded and fearful soul. He longs to do the same for you.

The more you connect with, listen to, learn from, and follow Him, the easier it becomes to “believe in Him,” as today’s verse invites you to do. And the more we believe in Him—trusting His power, promises, and heart—the greater our peace.  

Further Reading:
Philippians 4:6-8
1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 4:8

Struggling with anxiety as a Christian can feel confusing&mdash;especially when verses like John 14:1 tell us not to let our hearts be troubled. But Jesus&rsquo; response to anxiety isn&rsquo;t harsh correction&mdash;it&rsquo;s compassionate invitation. In moments of fear and overwhelm, He offers peace, not pressure. His words weren&rsquo;t spoken to shame anxious hearts but to comfort them, reminding us that trust in Him is the pathway to lasting peace.
True peace isn&rsquo;t something we manufacture through perfect prayers or flawless faith&mdash;it&rsquo;s something we receive from Jesus. Biblical peace goes deeper than calm emotions; it&rsquo;s a sense of wholeness and security rooted in His presence. As we consistently turn to Him&mdash;through prayer, Scripture, and honest surrender&mdash;He begins to reshape our thoughts and quiet our fears. It may not happen instantly, but over time, His peace grows stronger than our anxiety.
<hr data-start="892" data-end="895">
Highlights
<ul data-start="913" data-end="1378">
<li data-section-id="ug7cbn" data-start="913" data-end="976">Jesus responds to anxiety with compassion, not condemnation</li>
<li data-section-id="bsy9av" data-start="977" data-end="1048">&ldquo;Do not be troubled&rdquo; is an invitation to trust, not a harsh command</li>
<li data-section-id="zc4ztd" data-start="1049" data-end="1109">Peace comes from Christ&mdash;not from striving or self-effort</li>
<li data-section-id="jpc3z7" data-start="1110" data-end="1167">Anxiety often persists when we expect instant healing</li>
<li data-section-id="186lrro" data-start="1168" data-end="1243">Spiritual practices help us receive the peace we already have in Christ</li>
<li data-section-id="at6z5g" data-start="1244" data-end="1315">Honest prayer invites God to reveal what may be hindering our peace</li>
<li data-section-id="1ogllao" data-start="1316" data-end="1378">Trusting Jesus more deeply leads to greater, lasting peace</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety
By: Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.&rdquo; - John 14:1 NIV
As someone with a long history of anxiety, I used to feel guilt and condemnation when I read today&rsquo;s verse and others like it. I knew Scripture told me, in numerous places, not to fear. I understood the importance of &ldquo;taking my thoughts captive. I also recognized that I&rsquo;d remain stuck in my overwhelm and whatever habitual battle I faced unless I allowed the Lord to transform me as I intentionally renewed my mind with God&rsquo;s unchanging truth.
Yet, I consistently found myself enslaved to my spinning anxious thoughts that felt far too strong to counter or correct. My problem was two-fold. First, I expected instant healing and freedom. I thought if I said the right prayers, memorized enough Scripture, and chose to yield my circumstances to Christ, bam! He&rsquo;d instantly erase all the lies and doubts fueling my fears and flood my brain and soul with His promises&mdash;which, of course, would stick, indefinitely. Second, I misread Jesus&rsquo; invitation to trust as a harsh command that brought Him frustration when not lived out.
But our Savior is gentle and humble in heart and longs to provide rest, not guilt and shame, to our souls (Matthew 11:28). When I read John 14 through that lens, I see Christ&rsquo;s words as tender reassurance spoken from a place of compassionate awareness that fearful times lie ahead.
The context of today&rsquo;s verse supports this. If you&rsquo;re familiar with the events surrounding Christ&rsquo;s crucifixion, you might recognize the circumstances surrounding His words. On the night before His death, He gathered His disciples in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. During this sacred meal, He predicted several unsettling things: He&rsquo;d soon leave, and they couldn&rsquo;t come. One of them would betray Him, they&rsquo;d all abandon Him in His most painful moment, and Peter would deny three times that he even knew Him.
But notice how Jesus bookended this difficult information. He began the chapter with today&rsquo;s verse, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled but instead to trust in Him. Then, in verse 27, He repeated this with additional details when He said, &ldquo;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.&rdquo;
Intersecting Life &amp; Faith:
Peace. Biblically speaking, this word, eir&eacute;n&eacute; in the original Greek, goes deeper than emotional tranquility. It signifies wholeness, well-being, and things as they should be. And notice, this soul-state comes from Him, not our frantic efforts to change or heal ourselves. Yes, we must do our part by consistently turning to Him through prayer, Bible reading, silent meditation, and practicing other spiritual disciplines. Scripture also encourages us to learn how to rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit more consistently and to do our best to obey, however He leads. Sometimes, this requires prayerfully considering ways we might be actively blocking or hindering our ability to receive Christ&rsquo;s peace.
Notice the phrasing in Colossians 3:15:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (NIV, emphasis mine).
This seems to indicate that we already possess His peace but haven&rsquo;t given it full reign for some reason. Perhaps we&rsquo;re held captive to an addiction that leads to regretful behavior and damaged relationships, and the inner angst both scenarios create. Or, maybe we&rsquo;re spending far more time reading fear-mongering clickbait articles than we are truth. Or we might feel reluctant to take medication that our brain needs to function optimally.
Most, if not all, of us also tend to experience some degree of self-deception. Because of this, I&rsquo;ve found it helpful to pray Psalm 139:23-24, which reads:
Search me, God, and know my heart; &nbsp; &nbsp; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, &nbsp; &nbsp; and lead me in the way everlasting (NIV).
The New American Standard Bible phrases the last line in this passage this way:
&nbsp;&hellip; see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Understand, I don&rsquo;t pray this from a place of guilt or shame. Rather, I&rsquo;m asking the One who knows me better than I know myself and sees the most hidden places in my soul to reveal those things within me that hinder my freedom. This is a request He loves to answer because it positions me for the deep transformation I need to experience the &ldquo;beyond-expectations&rdquo; thriving life He promised in John 10:10.
Because only the Prince of Peace holds the power to calm and strengthen my wounded and fearful soul. He longs to do the same for you.
The more you connect with, listen to, learn from, and follow Him, the easier it becomes to &ldquo;believe in Him,&rdquo; as today&rsquo;s verse invites you to do. And the more we believe in Him&mdash;trusting His power, promises, and heart&mdash;the greater our peace.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Further Reading: Philippians 4:6-8 1 Peter 5:7 Psalm 4:8

How Jesus Responds to Our Anxiety

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/b2bcff40-4c8f-4121-bf16-b42e013c7197/transcript

Feeling prompted to reconnect with an old friend but held back by fear or awkwardness? 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives us power, love, and self-discipline—not fear—especially when it comes to relationships He may be stirring in our hearts. When someone from your past keeps coming to mind, it might not be random—it could be God gently nudging you toward restoration, encouragement, or even closure.

Reaching out doesn’t require a perfect plan or flawless words. God simply asks for your willingness to take the first step. Whether the outcome is a renewed friendship or just a moment of peace, God is present in the process. As you trust Him with both the courage to act and the results that follow, you’ll find freedom from fear and confidence in knowing He’s working through every connection in your life.

Highlights
God prompts connection—people coming to mind may not be случайно
Fear often holds us back, but it doesn’t come from God
God equips you with power, love, and self-discipline to take action
You don’t need the perfect words—just a simple, honest reach-out
Reconnection may bring healing, restoration, or closure
You’re responsible for obedience, not the outcome
God works through relationships in meaningful ways

Do you want to listen ad-free?

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Full Transcript Below:

God Will Help You Reconnect with an Old Friend
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV 

It had been years since I’d seen my friend Pam when I started to think of her again. She kept coming to mind, but I kept hesitating to reach out to her, because I thought it might be awkward to try to catch up after all the time that had passed since I got married, she stayed single, and we drifted apart. One day, I prayed about it, and the Holy Spirit seemed to be encouraging me to contact her. I called the number I had for Pam, only to find that it was no longer valid. But that Sunday when I went up to the altar for Communion at church, there in the Communion line with me was Pam! She had recently moved back to my area and joined my church, without even knowing that was where I currently worshipped. But God’s Spirit had made a way for us to meet and reconnect! 

Have you ever had an old friend suddenly come to mind? You might not know why that person you’ve lost touch with has popped into your thoughts, but the memory lingers. You may have mixed feelings about it – excitement to try to reconnect, but fear that too much time has gone by to really be friends again. Fear can take over and stop you from reaching out to your old friend. You may have a whole bunch of fear-based excuses for not trying to reconnect, like it’s been too long, or it’ll be too awkward, or that your former friend probably doesn’t want to hear from you. 

But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds you that God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. So, the hesitation you feel doesn’t come from God. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God gives you power, love, and self-discipline. When fear tells you to stay silent, God offers you courage to move forward despite feeling afraid. 

If you’re thinking a lot about an old friend, it may not be random. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gently but persistently encourages you to reconnect. Relationships are important to God. He often works through connections between people. Reaching out might be an important part of God’s work in both of your lives! 

You’ll still likely feel afraid because of the uncertainty of what will happen when you do reach out. But God will give you the courage you need to act even when you feel unsure. You don’t have to plan the perfect message or know how the conversation will go. You don’t have to fix the past or explain everything that went wrong. You can start by just sending a simple text or email that says something like: “Hi, you’ve been on my mind lately. I hope you’re doing well.” That’s it. God can work with that. 

You may be worried about rejection or silence. That’s understandable. But remember, God never asks you to control how someone responds. He only invites you to trust him with the process. When you step out in faith, you’re placing the results in God’s hands. No matter how your old friend responds, God is still at work in both of your lives. 

Reconnecting with an old friend can also stir up past pain. You may remember misunderstandings or conflicts that caused the friendship to end. If that’s the case, ask God to guide you before you reach out. God can help you approach the situation with honesty and humility, and God can also help you forgive and ask for forgiveness. Just like God gives you grace and mercy, you can give your old friend grace and mercy so you both can move forward well. 

It’s also possible that reconnecting won’t lead to a restored friendship, and that’s okay. Sometimes the purpose is just peace and closure for both of you. Trust that God knows what this connection is meant to be, and just follow where God leads you. 

As you think about reaching out, pray and ask God to fight anxiety for you. Ask God’s Spirit to prepare both you and your old friend, and to give you the right words to reach out. Then contact your old friend, and rely on the courage God will give you. God will handle all the rest. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why it’s important to ask God for help, like courage to reconnect with old friends, reflect on these questions: 
Who is an old friend who has been on your mind lately? 
What’s currently keeping you from reaching out to him or her? 
Which gift from God – power, love, or self-discipline – do you need the most to reach out to your old friend? 
Are you willing to leave the results of reconnecting in God’s hands? 

Further Reading:
1 John 4:18
Hebrews 10:24
Romans 12:18
Philippians 4:6-7
Proverbs 3:5-6

Feeling prompted to reconnect with an old friend but held back by fear or awkwardness? 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives us power, love, and self-discipline&mdash;not fear&mdash;especially when it comes to relationships He may be stirring in our hearts. When someone from your past keeps coming to mind, it might not be random&mdash;it could be God gently nudging you toward restoration, encouragement, or even closure.
Reaching out doesn&rsquo;t require a perfect plan or flawless words. God simply asks for your willingness to take the first step. Whether the outcome is a renewed friendship or just a moment of peace, God is present in the process. As you trust Him with both the courage to act and the results that follow, you&rsquo;ll find freedom from fear and confidence in knowing He&rsquo;s working through every connection in your life.
<hr data-start="833" data-end="836">
Highlights
<ul data-start="854" data-end="1291">
<li data-section-id="150fp5h" data-start="854" data-end="922">God prompts connection&mdash;people coming to mind may not be случайно</li>
<li data-section-id="1ucmeel" data-start="923" data-end="981">Fear often holds us back, but it doesn&rsquo;t come from God</li>
<li data-section-id="14tz0kv" data-start="982" data-end="1053">God equips you with power, love, and self-discipline to take action</li>
<li data-section-id="m5s9no" data-start="1054" data-end="1122">You don&rsquo;t need the perfect words&mdash;just a simple, honest reach-out</li>
<li data-section-id="9kmmmo" data-start="1123" data-end="1182">Reconnection may bring healing, restoration, or closure</li>
<li data-section-id="8c1o1k" data-start="1183" data-end="1236">You&rsquo;re responsible for obedience, not the outcome</li>
<li data-section-id="rg8ndl" data-start="1237" data-end="1291">God works through relationships in meaningful ways</li>
</ul>
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<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
God Will Help You Reconnect with an Old Friend By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading: &ldquo;For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.&rdquo; &ndash; 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV&nbsp;
It had been years since I&rsquo;d seen my friend Pam when I started to think of her again. She kept coming to mind, but I kept hesitating to reach out to her, because I thought it might be awkward to try to catch up after all the time that had passed since I got married, she stayed single, and we drifted apart. One day, I prayed about it, and<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/scriptures-that-tell-us-about-the-holy-spirit.html"> the Holy Spirit</a> seemed to be encouraging me to contact her. I called the number I had for Pam, only to find that it was no longer valid. But that Sunday when I went up to the altar for Communion at church, there in the Communion line with me was Pam! She had recently moved back to my area and joined my church, without even knowing that was where I currently worshipped. But God&rsquo;s Spirit had made a way for us to meet and reconnect!&nbsp;
Have you ever had an old friend suddenly come to mind? You might not know why that person you&rsquo;ve lost touch with has popped into your thoughts, but the memory lingers. You may have mixed feelings about it &ndash; excitement to try to reconnect, but fear that too much time has gone by to really be friends again. Fear can take over and stop you from reaching out to your old friend. You may have a whole bunch of fear-based excuses for not trying to reconnect, like it&rsquo;s been too long, or it&rsquo;ll be too awkward, or that your former friend probably doesn&rsquo;t want to hear from you.&nbsp;
But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds you that God didn&rsquo;t give you a spirit of fear. So, the hesitation you feel doesn&rsquo;t come from God. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God gives you power, love, and self-discipline. When fear tells you to stay silent, God offers you courage to move forward despite feeling afraid.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re thinking a lot about an old friend, it may not be random. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gently but persistently encourages you to reconnect. Relationships are important to God. He often works through connections between people. Reaching out might be an important part of God&rsquo;s work in both of your lives!&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll still likely feel afraid because of the uncertainty of what will happen when you do reach out. But God will give you the courage you need to act even when you feel unsure. You don&rsquo;t have to plan the perfect message or know how the conversation will go. You don&rsquo;t have to fix the past or explain everything that went wrong. You can start by just sending a simple text or email that says something like: &ldquo;Hi, you&rsquo;ve been on my mind lately. I hope you&rsquo;re doing well.&rdquo; That&rsquo;s it. God can work with that.&nbsp;
You may be worried about rejection or silence. That&rsquo;s understandable. But remember, God never asks you to control how someone responds. He only invites you to trust him with the process. When you step out in faith, you&rsquo;re placing the results<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/lessons-adults-can-learn-from-hes-got-the-whole-world-in-his-hands.html"> in God&rsquo;s hands</a>. No matter how your old friend responds, God is still at work in both of your lives.&nbsp;
Reconnecting with an old friend can also stir up past pain. You may remember misunderstandings or conflicts that caused the friendship to end. If that&rsquo;s the case, ask God to guide you before you reach out. God can help you approach the situation with honesty and humility, and God can also help you forgive and ask for forgiveness. Just like God gives you grace and mercy, you can<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/ways-to-exhibit-grace-and-mercy-to-others.html"> give your old friend grace and mercy</a> so you both can move forward well.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also possible that reconnecting won&rsquo;t lead to a restored friendship, and that&rsquo;s okay. Sometimes the purpose is just peace and closure for both of you. Trust that God knows what this connection is meant to be, and just follow where God leads you.&nbsp;
As you think about reaching out, pray and ask God to fight anxiety for you. Ask God&rsquo;s Spirit to prepare both you and your old friend, and to give you the right words to reach out. Then contact your old friend, and rely on the courage God will give you. God will handle all the rest.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
As you consider why it&rsquo;s important to ask God for help, like courage to reconnect with old friends, reflect on these questions:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Who is an old friend who has been on your mind lately?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">What&rsquo;s currently keeping you from reaching out to him or her?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Which gift from God &ndash; power, love, or self-discipline &ndash; do you need the most to reach out to your old friend?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Are you willing to leave the results of reconnecting in God&rsquo;s hands?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Further Reading: 1 John 4:18 Hebrews 10:24 Romans 12:18 Philippians 4:6-7 Proverbs 3:5-6

God Will Help You Reconnect with an Old Friend

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Discerning Our Spiritual Gifts

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