When the world feels broken and your soul is weary, how do you hold on to hope? In this moving devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on the promise of Revelation 21:5 and shares how slowing down in the midst of personal illness opened her eyes to God’s presence—and His promise to renew all things. With raw honesty and eternal perspective, she offers encouragement for anyone walking through hard seasons.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):


Why noticing God’s beauty in creation can shift your outlook


How suffering reminds us that this world is not our forever home


The biblical promise of complete restoration in the New Heaven and New Earth


An invitation to trust God in the waiting, knowing He’s making all things new

💬 Join the Conversation:
Where have you seen glimpses of God’s renewal in your life lately? What gives you hope when life feels heavy? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #AllThingsNewDevotional and share a moment that reminded you of God’s faithfulness.

🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer

🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts:Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Full Transcript Below:

God Is Making All Things New

By Vivian Bricker

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Revelation 21:5). 

Whenever we spend time outdoors, we are reminded of God’s beauty. This is why I enjoy spending time outdoors. The beautiful blue sky, the shining sun, and the singing birds help me to remember that there is still hope in the world. Since my days are often spent in doctor's offices and clinics, it is a nice break to step outside and enjoy God’s craftsmanship. 

However, if we do not pay careful attention to this beauty, we will miss it. I have noticed many times in my life that I have had a habit of rushing and missing out on these beautiful things. Rather than slowing down and fully absorbing the sky or the clouds, I'm just rushing from one place to the next. Ever since I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness, I have slowed down and started to take note of these parts of God’s creation. 

One of my symptoms during a flare-up is extreme lethargy. I cannot move as fast as I would like, so I must take it slowly. This has been a blessing in disguise because it helps me notice all the little things in life: the blooming of the flowers, a few storm clouds in the distance, or the happy face of a stranger as they pass by. 

If we slow down enough, we will be able to notice all of these things. However, you don’t have to undergo a traumatic diagnosis to start appreciating all of the things God has placed in the world. Taking time to notice these things will help us have a healthier outlook on life. Even when things are not going upward, God is still good, and He is still in control. 

On the other hand, sometimes we can notice all of the bad things in life. It doesn’t take much to notice this, such as seeing our loved ones in pain, being diagnosed with an incurable illness, struggling with mental health issues, or witnessing the death of someone we love. There is hate, bullying, and mass killings going on every day. When we look at these things, we see the world has come a long way from the way God created it. 

God created the world perfect, but sin changed everything (Genesis 3:1-24). Illness, sickness, evil, and death sprang into being. This is why terrible things happen in the world. It is not because of God, but rather, it is because of sin in the world. The world has fallen, and it is filled with all of us who are fallen sinners. We get hurt by others, and we hurt others too. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

In the future, God will make all things new. The Bible tells us, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Revelation 21:5). This is a wonderful promise given to us by God. The fallen world we are living in will be destroyed and created new. 

The evil and pain we see today won’t continue for all eternity. There will come a day when light finally reigns. No longer will we see anyone get sick or die. Instead, we will be living with the Lord in perfect harmony. He has blessed us by dying for us, and for all those who place faith in Him, we will be able to see the beautiful creation that is to come. 

Therefore, as you slow down and notice these things, trust in God. He is there through the good and the bad. We can appreciate the good while also being aware of sin in the world. Both the good and the bad can help us be encouraged and yearn for better days. One day, all things will be made new, and we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth with God. 

We can all lift our heavy hearts in praise for this truth. Regardless of what you are facing today, things will get better. Maybe they won’t get better today, but they will be healed and restored at the end of all things. Lean into the Lord, cultivate your relationship with Him, and focus on Him above anything else. 

Have you taken time to slow down and look at the beauty of the Lord around you? In the same way, have you noticed the sin that is so prevalent in the world? How can you appreciate the good while also acknowledging the bad things in the world? How does it feel to know God is going to make all things new? 

Further Reading:
Isaiah 65:17-19
2 Peter 3:1-13
Revelation 21:1-27

When the world feels broken and your soul is weary, how do you hold on to hope? In this moving devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on the promise of Revelation 21:5 and shares how slowing down in the midst of personal illness opened her eyes to God&rsquo;s presence&mdash;and His promise to renew all things. With raw honesty and eternal perspective, she offers encouragement for anyone walking through hard seasons.
📌 What You&rsquo;ll Learn (Key Takeaways):
<ul data-start="579" data-end="875">
<li data-start="579" data-end="643">
Why noticing God&rsquo;s beauty in creation can shift your outlook
</li>
<li data-start="644" data-end="712">
How suffering reminds us that this world is not our forever home
</li>
<li data-start="713" data-end="793">
The biblical promise of complete restoration in the New Heaven and New Earth
</li>
<li data-start="794" data-end="875">
An invitation to trust God in the waiting, knowing He&rsquo;s making all things new
</li>
</ul>
💬 Join the Conversation: Where have you seen glimpses of God&rsquo;s renewal in your life lately? What gives you hope when life feels heavy? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #AllThingsNewDevotional and share a moment that reminded you of God&rsquo;s faithfulness.
🎙🎶&nbsp;SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW &mdash; <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">Your Nightly Prayer</a>
🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-talk-celebrity-christian-interviews/">Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
God Is Making All Things New
By Vivian Bricker
&ldquo;He who was seated on the throne said, &lsquo;I am making everything new!&rsquo; Then he said, &lsquo;Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true&rsquo;&rdquo; (Revelation 21:5).&nbsp;
Whenever we spend time outdoors, we are reminded of God&rsquo;s beauty. This is why I enjoy spending time outdoors. The beautiful blue sky, the shining sun, and the singing birds help me to remember that there is still hope in the world. Since my days are often spent in doctor's offices and clinics, it is a nice break to step outside and enjoy God&rsquo;s craftsmanship.&nbsp;
However, if we do not pay careful attention to this beauty, we will miss it. I have noticed many times in my life that I have had a habit of rushing and missing out on these beautiful things. Rather than slowing down and fully absorbing the sky or the clouds, I'm just rushing from one place to the next. Ever since I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness, I have slowed down and started to take note of these parts of God&rsquo;s creation.&nbsp;
One of my symptoms during a flare-up is extreme lethargy. I cannot move as fast as I would like, so I must take it slowly. This has been a blessing in disguise because it helps me notice all the little things in life: the blooming of the flowers, a few storm clouds in the distance, or the happy face of a stranger as they pass by.&nbsp;
If we slow down enough, we will be able to notice all of these things. However, you don&rsquo;t have to undergo a traumatic diagnosis to start appreciating all of the things God has placed in the world. Taking time to notice these things will help us have a healthier outlook on life. Even when things are not going upward, God is still good, and He is still in control.&nbsp;
On the other hand, sometimes we can notice all of the bad things in life. It doesn&rsquo;t take much to notice this, such as seeing our loved ones in pain, being diagnosed with an incurable illness, struggling with mental health issues, or witnessing the death of someone we love. There is hate, bullying, and mass killings going on every day. When we look at these things, we see the world has come a long way from the way God created it.&nbsp;
God created the world perfect, but sin changed everything (Genesis 3:1-24). Illness, sickness, evil, and death sprang into being. This is why terrible things happen in the world. It is not because of God, but rather, it is because of sin in the world. The world has fallen, and it is filled with all of us who are fallen sinners. We get hurt by others, and we hurt others too.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:&nbsp;
In the future, God will make all things new. The Bible tells us, &ldquo;He who was seated on the throne said, &lsquo;I am making everything new!&rsquo; Then he said, &lsquo;Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true&rsquo;&rdquo; (Revelation 21:5). This is a wonderful promise given to us by God. The fallen world we are living in will be destroyed and created new.&nbsp;
The evil and pain we see today won&rsquo;t continue for all eternity. There will come a day when light finally reigns. No longer will we see anyone get sick or die. Instead, we will be living with the Lord in perfect harmony. He has blessed us by dying for us, and for all those who place faith in Him, we will be able to see the beautiful creation that is to come.&nbsp;
Therefore, as you slow down and notice these things, trust in God. He is there through the good and the bad. We can appreciate the good while also being aware of sin in the world. Both the good and the bad can help us be encouraged and yearn for better days. One day, all things will be made new, and we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth with God.&nbsp;
We can all lift our heavy hearts in praise for this truth. Regardless of what you are facing today, things will get better. Maybe they won&rsquo;t get better today, but they will be healed and restored at the end of all things. Lean into the Lord, cultivate your relationship with Him, and focus on Him above anything else.&nbsp;
Have you taken time to slow down and look at the beauty of the Lord around you? In the same way, have you noticed the sin that is so prevalent in the world? How can you appreciate the good while also acknowledging the bad things in the world? How does it feel to know God is going to make all things new?&nbsp;
Further Reading:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Isaiah 65:17-19</li>
<li aria-level="1">2 Peter 3:1-13</li>
<li aria-level="1">Revelation 21:1-27</li>
</ul>

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.

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