It is important to make sure we are walking in step with the Spirit. When we align ourselves with God will, there is nothing that will stop us. When we yield our lives to God, his plans become our plans. - Michelle Lazurek

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

It is important to make sure we are walking in step with the Spirit. When we align ourselves with God will, there is nothing that will stop us. When we yield our lives to God, his plans become our plans. - Michelle Lazurek
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</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

Are You Fighting Against God's Will for Your Life?

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the challenging yet transformative call to love those who are hard to love. Jesus commands us to love not just our friends but also our enemies, which can feel daunting. We’ll discuss practical ways to embody Christ-like love, even when faced with difficult relationships. Together, we’ll examine scriptural insights, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of seeing others through God’s eyes. Join us as we uncover how loving the unlovable can lead to profound spiritual growth and deeper connections with God.

Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you navigated relationships with those who challenge your capacity to love? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What strategies have helped you cultivate love and understanding in tough situations?

🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:
https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/

Full Transcript Below:

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:19-21.

The holidays can place us at the table with some of the people we find hardest to love. Maybe we fear our mother-in-law will spend Christmas dinner criticizing our parenting, career choices, or cooking. Perhaps we’ll spend time with a sibling who hurt us deeply and with whom we experience significant, ongoing conflict. Or, we might feel stuck in a lonely marriage with a spouse who seems oblivious to our pain. 

We live in a relationally messy world, infiltrated by brokenness and sin. Sometimes it can feel confusing to know how to guard our hearts and love others well. For years, I assumed this meant suppressing my pain when others wounded me, but that created codependent behaviors and increased dysfunction. Discouraged and frustrated, I began to emotionally withdraw behind a self-protecting façade. 

Perhaps you can relate. How can we demonstrate the love of Christ to the most the unloving people in our lives? While this is an area in which I’m still learning and growing, in my wrestling with God over this question, He’s taught me a few things.

Verse 19 reminds me that I cannot give what I don’t possess. In other words, the more I receive God’s love, in my most wounded places, the more it flows from me. Consider Jesus’ behavior on the night before His death. He humbly and tenderly washed His disciples’ feet, knowing they’d abandon Him and that Judas would betray Him. 

Notice what Scripture reveals in John 13:3-4: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist” (NIV, emphasis mine).

Jesus loved His disciples from a place of wholeness. He lived secure in His identity, remained focused on His mission, and confident of His eternal destination. He didn’t allow other people to set His agenda, hijack His emotions, or affect how He viewed Himself. 

We see this in how He related to the masses, as well. In John 2:23-25, we read:

Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person (NIV).

I’m struck by the phrase: He didn’t entrust Himself to them. Jesus knew the very ones who praised Him on Palm Sunday would chant for His crucifixion come Good Friday. Yet, still He chose the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (John 23:24, NIV). 

He understood the pervasive effects of sin and therefore could separate the individual from their behavior. I began to experience healing when I started to do the same. I learned to shift my anger off the person who hurt me and onto the one responsible for our world’s darkness. 

I hated the devil for the damage he inflicted rather than a fellow victim. This helped shift my anger for the person to compassion, which in turn stirred me to prayer. As I stepped more fully into God’s illuminating light, I came to realize the bitterness that once consumed me was merely a defense mechanism shielding me from pain. My soul needed space to grieve, and to receive the comfort of the Lord who sees me, knows me, and will always love me. 

This didn’t mean I denied or accepted someone’s poor behavior, or that it necessitated relational closeness. There are some people in my life I must love from a distance. I’m also learning not to make their behavior about me. I see it instead as a reflection of their heart and their need for Jesus. 

Intersecting Life and Faith

I don’t intend to imply that this has been easy or that I have complete clarity. It’s taken therapy, prayer, and listening for God’s gentle voice as I read Scripture and journaled to better understand how He is calling me to love each individual. I recognize I still have much room for growth. But I also know that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion. He will carry me to completion, to wholeness, as He gently yet consistently leads me to greater freedom. 

I recognize how difficult today’s passage can feel, especially for those who’ve experienced inconceivably deep wounds. Jesus never exacerbates or diminishes our pain. To the contrary. At every moment, He is leading us toward thriving life (John 10:10). When we remember that He is always focused on our ultimate good, we gain the courage to yield to His transformative, healing hand. 

Further Reading:

Romans 13:8

Matthew 5:43-48

John 13:34

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the challenging yet transformative call to love those who are hard to love. Jesus commands us to love not just our friends but also our enemies, which can feel daunting. We&rsquo;ll discuss practical ways to embody Christ-like love, even when faced with difficult relationships. Together, we&rsquo;ll examine scriptural insights, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of seeing others through God&rsquo;s eyes. Join us as we uncover how loving the unlovable can lead to profound spiritual growth and deeper connections with God.
Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you navigated relationships with those who challenge your capacity to love? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What strategies have helped you cultivate love and understanding in tough situations?
🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a> 
Full Transcript Below:
19&nbsp;We love because he first loved us.&nbsp;20&nbsp;Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister&nbsp;is a liar.&nbsp;For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,&nbsp;cannot love God, whom they have not seen.&nbsp;21&nbsp;And he has given us this command:&nbsp;Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:19-21.
The holidays can place us at the table with some of the people we find hardest to love. Maybe we fear our mother-in-law will spend Christmas dinner criticizing our parenting, career choices, or cooking. Perhaps we&rsquo;ll spend time with a sibling who hurt us deeply and with whom we experience significant, ongoing conflict. Or, we might feel stuck in a lonely marriage with a spouse who seems oblivious to our pain.&nbsp;
We live in a relationally messy world, infiltrated by brokenness and sin. Sometimes it can feel confusing to know how to guard our hearts and love others well. For years, I assumed this meant suppressing my pain when others wounded me, but that created codependent behaviors and increased dysfunction. Discouraged and frustrated, I began to emotionally withdraw behind a self-protecting fa&ccedil;ade.&nbsp;
Perhaps you can relate. How can we demonstrate the love of Christ to the most the unloving people in our lives? While this is an area in which I&rsquo;m still learning and growing, in my wrestling with God over this question, He&rsquo;s taught me a few things.
Verse 19 reminds me that I cannot give what I don&rsquo;t possess. In other words, the more I receive God&rsquo;s love, in my most wounded places, the more it flows from me. Consider Jesus&rsquo; behavior on the night before His death. He humbly and tenderly washed His disciples&rsquo; feet, knowing they&rsquo;d abandon Him and that Judas would betray Him.&nbsp;
Notice what Scripture reveals in John 13:3-4: &ldquo;Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power,&nbsp;and that he had come from God&nbsp;and was returning to God;&nbsp;4&nbsp;so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist&rdquo; (NIV, emphasis mine).
Jesus loved His disciples from a place of wholeness. He lived secure in His identity, remained focused on His mission, and confident of His eternal destination. He didn&rsquo;t allow other people to set His agenda, hijack His emotions, or affect how He viewed Himself.&nbsp;
We see this in how He related to the masses, as well. In John 2:23-25, we read:
Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person (NIV).
I&rsquo;m struck by the phrase: He didn&rsquo;t entrust Himself to them. Jesus knew the very ones who praised Him on Palm Sunday would chant for His crucifixion come Good Friday. Yet, still He chose the cross, praying, &ldquo;Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing&rdquo; (John 23:24, NIV).&nbsp;
He understood the pervasive effects of sin and therefore could separate the individual from their behavior. I began to experience healing when I started to do the same. I learned to shift my anger off the person who hurt me and onto the one responsible for our world&rsquo;s darkness.&nbsp;
I hated the devil for the damage he inflicted rather than a fellow victim. This helped shift my anger for the person to compassion, which in turn stirred me to prayer. As I stepped more fully into God&rsquo;s illuminating light, I came to realize the bitterness that once consumed me was merely a defense mechanism shielding me from pain. My soul needed space to grieve, and to receive the comfort of the Lord who sees me, knows me, and will always love me.&nbsp;
This didn&rsquo;t mean I denied or accepted someone&rsquo;s poor behavior, or that it necessitated relational closeness. There are some people in my life I must love from a distance. I&rsquo;m also learning not to make their behavior about me. I see it instead as a reflection of their heart and their need for Jesus.&nbsp;
Intersecting Life and Faith
I don&rsquo;t intend to imply that this has been easy or that I have complete clarity. It&rsquo;s taken therapy, prayer, and listening for God&rsquo;s gentle voice as I read Scripture and journaled to better understand how He is calling me to love each individual. I recognize I still have much room for growth. But I also know that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion. He will carry me to completion, to wholeness, as He gently yet consistently leads me to greater freedom.&nbsp;
I recognize how difficult today&rsquo;s passage can feel, especially for those who&rsquo;ve experienced inconceivably deep wounds. Jesus never exacerbates or diminishes our pain. To the contrary. At every moment, He is leading us toward thriving life (John 10:10). When we remember that He is always focused on our ultimate good, we gain the courage to yield to His transformative, healing hand.&nbsp;
Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013%3A8&amp;version=NIV">Romans 13:8</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A43-48&amp;version=NIV">Matthew 5:43-48</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A34&amp;version=NIV">John 13:34</a>

Loving Those Who Are Hard to Love

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the concept of New Year’s resolutions and examine whether they truly serve us in our faith journey. Many set resolutions with good intentions, but how often do we find ourselves falling short? Together, we’ll discuss the importance of aligning our goals with God’s will, the role of grace in our efforts, and practical steps to make our resolutions more meaningful. Join us as we explore how to transform resolutions into intentional commitments that draw us closer to Christ.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on resolutions! Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—Have you found success in your resolutions, or have they felt like failing propositions? What strategies have worked for you in pursuing lasting change?

🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:
https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/

Full Transcript Below:

Are Resolutions Failing Propositions?

By Kelly Balarie

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 NIV 

I set my specific goals to improve on January 1st, however somewhere between 3 days to 3 weeks later, my resolution was done, broke, and entirely over. I can’t say I’m proud of it. My spirit was willing, but flesh proved weak. And, in a spirit of confession, before you, fellow Christian, I must admit, this wasn’t an isolated incident either. I’ve broken resolution after resolution. I commit things and don’t always follow through. I sometimes hate myself for it too.

Ever been there?

It’s frustrating. The new year resolution that was supposed to bless, inspire, and make me better -- defeated, discouraged, and deflated me. Grr…So, here we are again…in the midst of the new year. The time of year when people are throwing up resolution-like things, like bullets, all over social media sites. A time when they say, “I am going to ____.” “I will stop ____.” “My word of the year is ___.”

Hearing all these bold declarations -- almost makes you feel like a lazy loser if you’re not participating. 

But, at the same time, and I think it is a valid question to ask – do resolutions even work? And are they God’s best intent for us? 

Research shows only 9% people keep their new year resolution. 23% give up by the first week. 43% give up by February. 

Even the holy and saintly disciples broke a resolution. 

In Jesus’ hour of intense agony and sorrow, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told them to sit nearby and to keep watch with him. I’m sure they determined, with great inner-resolution to accomplish this -- to obey and to pray, just like Jesus had said.

Yet, it wasn’t too long until Jesus returned and found them -- asleep. So much for that resolution!

“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt. 26:41-42 NIV)

Ultimately, what it comes down to is – resolution without intercession is ineffective. Resolution without God’s accompanying grace is counterproductive. Resolution without keeping watch leads to falling into temptation.

In all this, I can’t help but think -- it is better not to say, “I am going to do this ___ this year,” but, instead, to pray, “God, give me grace and show how to do __ today. Reveal to me what to watch out for…” 

One sets itself up for defeat; the other sets itself up to rely on God. Just as I want my kid to trust me as I teach them, verses being a know-it-all who can do it all – God wants our trust too.

In this, we can be encouraged! God has all the grace we need! Like fresh bread, with fresh daily-equipping power all packed inside – we can approach him day-by-day, moment-by-moment, for all the grace we need in our hour of need, without setting ourselves up for defeat. 

What if, instead of declaring some massive resolution we get about daily intercession for the deep desires of our heart? Perhaps, then, we’ll see, even in the failings God is gleaning great learnings for us, as we go forward.

Our life change is not by our own power or might, but it all happens by the Spirit of God. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

What do you want to see change in your life? What if, morning by morning, you ask God to help you, you seek His way and you keep knocking? How might God’s grace be more valuable than your own willpower? How have you seen God change you in the past? Ask Him to do it again.

Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. 

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the concept of New Year&rsquo;s resolutions and examine whether they truly serve us in our faith journey. Many set resolutions with good intentions, but how often do we find ourselves falling short? Together, we&rsquo;ll discuss the importance of aligning our goals with God&rsquo;s will, the role of grace in our efforts, and practical steps to make our resolutions more meaningful. Join us as we explore how to transform resolutions into intentional commitments that draw us closer to Christ.
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on resolutions! Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email&mdash;Have you found success in your resolutions, or have they felt like failing propositions? What strategies have worked for you in pursuing lasting change? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a> 
Full Transcript Below:
Are Resolutions Failing Propositions?
By Kelly Balarie
&ldquo;Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.&rdquo; &ndash; Matthew 26:41 NIV&nbsp;
I set my specific goals to improve on January 1st, however somewhere between 3 days to 3 weeks later, my resolution was done, broke, and entirely over. I can&rsquo;t say I&rsquo;m proud of it. My spirit was willing, but flesh proved weak. And, in a spirit of confession, before you, fellow Christian, I must admit, this wasn&rsquo;t an isolated incident either. I&rsquo;ve broken resolution after resolution. I commit things and don&rsquo;t always follow through. I sometimes hate myself for it too.
Ever been there?
It&rsquo;s frustrating. The new year resolution that was supposed to bless, inspire, and make me better -- defeated, discouraged, and deflated me. Grr&hellip;So, here we are again&hellip;in the midst of the new year. The time of year when people are throwing up resolution-like things, like bullets, all over social media sites. A time when they say, &ldquo;I am going to ____.&rdquo; &ldquo;I will stop ____.&rdquo; &ldquo;My word of the year is ___.&rdquo;
Hearing all these bold declarations -- almost makes you feel like a lazy loser if you&rsquo;re not participating.&nbsp;
But, at the same time, and I think it is a valid question to ask &ndash; do resolutions even work? And are they God&rsquo;s best intent for us?&nbsp;
<a href="https://insideoutmastery.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/">Research shows</a> only 9% people keep their new year resolution. 23% give up by the first week. 43% give up by February.&nbsp;
Even the holy and saintly disciples broke a resolution.&nbsp;
In Jesus&rsquo; hour of intense agony and sorrow, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told them to sit nearby and to keep watch with him. I&rsquo;m sure they determined, with great inner-resolution to accomplish this -- to obey and to pray, just like Jesus had said.
Yet, it wasn&rsquo;t too long until Jesus returned and found them -- asleep. So much for that resolution!
&ldquo;Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you men keep watch with me for one hour?&rdquo; he asked Peter.41 &ldquo;Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.&rdquo; (Mt. 26:41-42 NIV)
Ultimately, what it comes down to is &ndash; resolution without intercession is ineffective. Resolution without God&rsquo;s accompanying grace is counterproductive. Resolution without keeping watch leads to falling into temptation.
In all this, I can&rsquo;t help but think -- it is better not to say, &ldquo;I am going to do this ___ this year,&rdquo; but, instead, to pray, &ldquo;God, give me grace and show how to do __ today. Reveal to me what to watch out for&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;
One sets itself up for defeat; the other sets itself up to rely on God. Just as I want my kid to trust me as I teach them, verses being a know-it-all who can do it all &ndash; God wants our trust too.
In this, we can be encouraged! God has all the grace we need! Like fresh bread, with fresh daily-equipping power all packed inside &ndash; we can approach him day-by-day, moment-by-moment, for all the grace we need in our hour of need, without setting ourselves up for defeat.&nbsp;
What if, instead of declaring some massive resolution we get about daily intercession for the deep desires of our heart? Perhaps, then, we&rsquo;ll see, even in the failings God is gleaning great learnings for us, as we go forward.
Our life change is not by our own power or might, but it all happens by the Spirit of God.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
What do you want to see change in your life? What if, morning by morning, you ask God to help you, you seek His way and you keep knocking? How might God&rsquo;s grace be more valuable than your own willpower? How have you seen God change you in the past? Ask Him to do it again.
Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/119374">blog posts</a> by email. Kelly, creator of the &ldquo;Hear God&rsquo;s Voice&rdquo; podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people&rsquo;s faces when they realize &ndash;God is faithful! Kelly&rsquo;s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN&rsquo;s 700 Club, Relevant and Today&rsquo;s Christian Woman.&nbsp;

Are Resolutions Failing Propositions?

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we celebrate the theme of hope as we step into the new year. As believers, we are reminded that each new beginning offers us a chance to renew our faith and trust in God’s promises. Together, we’ll explore Scripture that inspires hope, discuss how to let go of past disappointments, and embrace the future with a heart full of faith. Join us as we discover practical ways to cultivate hope in our daily lives and uplift those around us.

Join the Conversation:
We want to hear how you’re finding hope as you enter the new year! Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—What new hopes and dreams are you embracing this year, and how can we pray for you in that journey?

🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:
https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ 

Full Transcript Below:

Newfound Hope for the New Year. Three Ways to Find it.

By Keri Eichberger

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7) 

Hope isn’t something I’ve felt a whole lot of lately. Well, for a while actually. In fact, I honestly can’t remember when I last felt it, or when I seemed to lose it. Maybe it was a year ago when my first book was released, and the results didn’t quite match my efforts and initial excitement. And maybe a little more hope left me with the death of a beloved family member a few months later. Then more through the fear of Dad’s open heart surgery that followed. And some more with his sudden stroke too shortly after that. But I likely lost my final spark when we found out a huge investment crashed, leaving my family in a financial nightmare the very next season of sorrow.

And I hate to highlight so much of the sad side of life, and neglect to share the good—because deep down I know there actually is always so much to be thankful for. But vulnerably speaking, sometimes our reality and human nature tend to bend a bit down in the dumps. The ugly truth is, I feel like I was on the verge of forgetting how to even feel truly hopeful altogether.

But I want to be. I want to feel hope and joy and fresh, vibrant life budding and blossoming within. And I know God wants that. For all of his children. Plus, the alternative is just dark, depressing, and dreadful. Now these sentiments I am well acquainted with these days. Ugh, how horrible is that to admit?

Do you feel like you are lacking some hope too? Or any hope? Are you tired of feeling this way?

I sure am. I miss feeling alive with anticipation of blessings in the works. I miss excitedly expecting better days just ahead. I want to watch in joyful hope for the Lord‘s goodness and gifts, that I really do know are ever-flowing. 

You get it. Yes, we’ve all walked through some hard things. We’ve all cried out to God in our suffering more times than we’d like to be true. But here’s the thing. He has heard each and every cry. He has grieved and wept right with us. But he wants so much more for our lives. Because he loves us. He has better and bigger plans for our future. Because he loves us. He is pleased to share with us his glory and blessings right here on earth. Because he loves us.

I want this year to be different, don’t you? Yes, we all want to be filled with hope in the Lord.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Here’s what I’ve learned from God and his Word when it comes to hope. It starts with him. Hope begins by:


Acknowledging him. Sitting silently in his presence. Sharing with Jesus what’s still causing you hurt and heartache. Releasing the disappointments of the past, your current season of sadness, your mistakes, mishaps, and misunderstandings. Acknowledging that he hears you and your cries. And then,


Acknowledging him as savior. Accepting and professing that he is the sovereign one who loves you so much. Who wants good for you. And has all the power to bring your best to be. You can trust your life in his all-powerful hands. And because of this, you can practice,


Waiting in hope for him. We wait because God is currently working out his plan. And we can do it with anticipation, patience, and hope because we know it will be nothing short of perfect. Because his love for you and me is nothing less than perfect.

Like Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Friend, let this be true of you too as we walk into the new year. Watch in hope for the Lord. Wait for our good, good God. The Almighty God who loves you. He is your savior. He has heard you, he hears you, and he always will. May we both not only be hopeful, but abounding with praise and joy today for the good things he is abundantly bringing our way.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we celebrate the theme of hope as we step into the new year. As believers, we are reminded that each new beginning offers us a chance to renew our faith and trust in God&rsquo;s promises. Together, we&rsquo;ll explore Scripture that inspires hope, discuss how to let go of past disappointments, and embrace the future with a heart full of faith. Join us as we discover practical ways to cultivate hope in our daily lives and uplift those around us.
Join the Conversation: We want to hear how you&rsquo;re finding hope as you enter the new year! Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email&mdash;What new hopes and dreams are you embracing this year, and how can we pray for you in that journey?
🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a>&nbsp;
Full Transcript Below:
Newfound Hope for the New Year. Three Ways to Find it.
By Keri Eichberger
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)&nbsp;
Hope isn&rsquo;t something I&rsquo;ve felt a whole lot of lately. Well, for a while actually. In fact, I honestly can&rsquo;t remember when I last felt it, or when I seemed to lose it. Maybe it was a year ago when my first book was released, and the results didn&rsquo;t quite match my efforts and initial excitement. And maybe a little more hope left me with the death of a beloved family member a few months later. Then more through the fear of Dad&rsquo;s open heart surgery that followed. And some more with his sudden stroke too shortly after that. But I likely lost my final spark when we found out a huge investment crashed, leaving my family in a financial nightmare the very next season of sorrow.
And I hate to highlight so much of the sad side of life, and neglect to share the good&mdash;because deep down I know there actually is always so much to be thankful for. But vulnerably speaking, sometimes our reality and human nature tend to bend a bit down in the dumps. The ugly truth is, I feel like I was on the verge of forgetting how to even feel truly hopeful altogether.
But I want to be. I want to feel hope and joy and fresh, vibrant life budding and blossoming within. And I know God wants that. For all of his children. Plus, the alternative is just dark, depressing, and dreadful. Now these sentiments I am well acquainted with these days. Ugh, how horrible is that to admit?
Do you feel like you are lacking some hope too? Or any hope? Are you tired of feeling this way?
I sure am. I miss feeling alive with anticipation of blessings in the works. I miss excitedly expecting better days just ahead. I want to watch in joyful hope for the Lord&lsquo;s goodness and gifts, that I really do know are ever-flowing.&nbsp;
You get it. Yes, we&rsquo;ve all walked through some hard things. We&rsquo;ve all cried out to God in our suffering more times than we&rsquo;d like to be true. But here&rsquo;s the thing. He has heard each and every cry. He has grieved and wept right with us. But he wants so much more for our lives. Because he loves us. He has better and bigger plans for our future. Because he loves us. He is pleased to share with us his glory and blessings right here on earth. Because he loves us.
I want this year to be different, don&rsquo;t you? Yes, we all want to be filled with hope in the Lord.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Here&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;ve learned from God and his Word when it comes to hope. It starts with him. Hope begins by:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Acknowledging him. Sitting silently in his presence. Sharing with Jesus what&rsquo;s still causing you hurt and heartache. Releasing the disappointments of the past, your current season of sadness, your mistakes, mishaps, and misunderstandings. Acknowledging that he hears you and your cries. And then,
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Acknowledging him as savior. Accepting and professing that he is the sovereign one who loves you so much. Who wants good for you. And has all the power to bring your best to be. You can trust your life in his all-powerful hands. And because of this, you can practice,
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Waiting in hope for him. We wait because God is currently working out his plan. And we can do it with anticipation, patience, and hope because we know it will be nothing short of perfect. Because his love for you and me is nothing less than perfect.
</li>
</ol>
Like Micah 7:7 says, &ldquo;But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.&rdquo;
Friend, let this be true of you too as we walk into the new year. Watch in hope for the Lord. Wait for our good, good God. The Almighty God who loves you. He is your savior. He has heard you, he hears you, and he always will. May we both not only be hopeful, but abounding with praise and joy today for the good things he is abundantly bringing our way.

Are You Fighting Against God's Will for Your Life?

In 1 playlist(s)

The Crosswalk Devotional

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips