The empowerment of a Christian’s life is not seeking after “mystical zap” experiences but through these ordinary means of grace from the Father. Normal means of grace builds contentment in our heart so that we are strengthened to endure all circumstances, whether we are brought low and are suffering or experiencing abundance in every area of our life.  - Emily Rose Massey

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/

The empowerment of a Christian’s life is not seeking after “mystical zap” experiences but through these ordinary means of grace from the Father. Normal means of grace builds contentment in our heart so that we are strengthened to endure all circumstances, whether we are brought low and are suffering or experiencing abundance in every area of our life.  - Emily Rose Massey
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

Strengthened by Ordinary Grace

Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Reacted instead of responded? Ignored that quiet warning in your spirit?

In this episode, we talk about the universal struggle of falling short — and the overwhelming mercy of God that meets us there.

Drawing from Romans 3 and Romans 7, we’re reminded that even the apostle Paul wrestled with doing what he didn’t want to do. Sin is part of our fallen human condition — but shame and distance from God don’t have to be.

This conversation is about repentance, reconciliation, and the loving Father who runs toward us when we turn back to Him.

What We Discuss


Why we instinctively choose wrong at times


Paul’s transparent struggle with sin (Romans 7:14–16)


The difference between conviction and condemnation


Why guilt often pushes us away from God instead of toward Him


The heart of the Father in repentance


This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Falling Short
By: Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

Have you ever said something you wished you could take back? Or decided to go against that still small voice warning you not to make a specific choice or take a particular action? If you are anything like me, your answer to these questions is a resounding, disappointed yes. Likely, after you spoke when you should have remained silent, or conducted yourself in a manner that failed to represent Kingdom qualities, your instantaneous response was regret. 

Why is it that we so often choose what we shouldn’t? Because “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sometimes, it isn’t even a conscious thought-out decision, but rather an instinctive reaction.  We just automatically do or say without thinking. Even the apostle Paul, whom many of us esteem as a father in the faith, transparently shared his own struggle with sin when he said:

“The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate” (Romans 7:14-16, NLT).

It is so easy to beat ourselves up when we fall short, but as Paul shared, we are only human. This is not an excuse for us to sin, but rather an acknowledgement of our fallen state and God’s unfathomable mercy. The Lord knows we will fail again… and again… and again.  He knew it from the very beginning when it was decided in the Garden that Christ would come and pay the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to the Father. Our Heavenly Father is not asking us to be perfect or to achieve some unattainable standard of Christianity. Instead, He has made a way for us to remain connected to Him despite our sin through the blood of Jesus and the gift of repentance.

When our children make poor choices, what is it that we want most from them? We desire repentance and reconciliation. True, there might be consequences for their actions, but our ultimate goal is to retain the relationship and remind them of our unfailing love for them. It is the same with the Lord. 

“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).

Even if we understand this to be true, somehow, when we know we have done wrong, we end up distancing ourselves from the Lord rather than drawing nearer to Him. Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden all of those years ago, we want to cover our shame. We want to hide from an all-seeing God. While logically we know this is impossible, we still somehow think, if we remain in the shadows, it will go unnoticed. However, the awareness of our own thoughts or deeds within our hearts can only be silenced for so long. Regret will eat away at our peace until we finally surrender it to the Lord. 

What will we find when we reach this point of surrender? A harsh judge ready to issue punishment? No, we will find our loving Father running towards us with open arms, just as we read in the parable of the prodigal son, ready to embrace us (mud, muck, and all). He will wash away all of our sin, put a fresh robe of righteousness upon our backs, and welcome us into communion with him.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you still feel the weight of guilt or remorse over a situation when you fell into sin? If so, ask yourself why you are still carrying this regret. Are you distancing yourself from the Lord because you feel unworthy? Or is there another reason you are still struggling with shame? I invite you to take a look at the scripture passages listed in the further reading section. In particular, I encourage you to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). May you find relief and reconciliation as you return to the Lord through repentance. He is there waiting for you with open arms.

Further Reading:
Luke 15:11-32
John 3:16

Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Reacted instead of responded? Ignored that quiet warning in your spirit?
In this episode, we talk about the universal struggle of falling short &mdash; and the overwhelming mercy of God that meets us there.
Drawing from Romans 3 and Romans 7, we&rsquo;re reminded that even the apostle Paul wrestled with doing what he didn&rsquo;t want to do. Sin is part of our fallen human condition &mdash; but shame and distance from God don&rsquo;t have to be.
This conversation is about repentance, reconciliation, and the loving Father who runs toward us when we turn back to Him.
<hr data-start="912" data-end="915">
What We Discuss
<ul data-start="939" data-end="1242">
<li data-start="939" data-end="985">
Why we instinctively choose wrong at times
</li>
<li data-start="986" data-end="1043">
Paul&rsquo;s transparent struggle with sin (Romans 7:14&ndash;16)
</li>
<li data-start="1044" data-end="1098">
The difference between conviction and condemnation
</li>
<li data-start="1099" data-end="1164">
Why guilt often pushes us away from God instead of toward Him
</li>
<li data-start="1165" data-end="1206">
The heart of the Father in repentance
</li>
</ul>
 This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Falling Short By: Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading: &ldquo;For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.&rdquo; - Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
Have you ever said something you wished you could take back? Or decided to go against that still small voice warning you not to make a specific choice or take a particular action? If you are anything like me, your answer to these questions is a resounding, disappointed yes. Likely, after you spoke when you should have remained silent, or conducted yourself in a manner that failed to represent Kingdom qualities, your instantaneous response was regret.&nbsp;
Why is it that we so often choose what we shouldn&rsquo;t? Because &ldquo;all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God&rdquo; (Romans 3:23). Sometimes, it isn&rsquo;t even a conscious thought-out decision, but rather an instinctive reaction.&nbsp; We just automatically do or say without thinking. Even the apostle Paul, whom many of us esteem as a father in the faith, transparently shared his own struggle with sin when he said:
&ldquo;The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don&rsquo;t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don&rsquo;t do it. Instead, I do what I hate&rdquo; (Romans 7:14-16, NLT).
It is so easy to beat ourselves up when we fall short, but as Paul shared, we are only human. This is not an excuse for us to sin, but rather an acknowledgement of our fallen state and God&rsquo;s unfathomable mercy. The Lord knows we will fail again&hellip; and again&hellip; and again.&nbsp; He knew it from the very beginning when it was decided in the Garden that Christ would come and pay the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to the Father. Our Heavenly Father is not asking us to be perfect or to achieve some unattainable standard of Christianity. Instead, He has made a way for us to remain connected to Him despite our sin through the blood of Jesus and the gift of repentance.
When our children make poor choices, what is it that we want most from them? We desire repentance and reconciliation. True, there might be consequences for their actions, but our ultimate goal is to retain the relationship and remind them of our unfailing love for them. It is the same with the Lord.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance&rdquo; (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).
Even if we understand this to be true, somehow, when we know we have done wrong, we end up distancing ourselves from the Lord rather than drawing nearer to Him. Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden all of those years ago, we want to cover our shame. We want to hide from an all-seeing God. While logically we know this is impossible, we still somehow think, if we remain in the shadows, it will go unnoticed. However, the awareness of our own thoughts or deeds within our hearts can only be silenced for so long. Regret will eat away at our peace until we finally surrender it to the Lord.&nbsp;
What will we find when we reach this point of surrender? A harsh judge ready to issue punishment? No, we will find our loving Father running towards us with open arms, just as we read in the parable of the prodigal son, ready to embrace us (mud, muck, and all). He will wash away all of our sin, put a fresh robe of righteousness upon our backs, and welcome us into communion with him.
&ldquo;If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness&rdquo; (1 John 1:9, ESV).
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Do you still feel the weight of guilt or remorse over a situation when you fell into sin? If so, ask yourself why you are still carrying this regret. Are you distancing yourself from the Lord because you feel unworthy? Or is there another reason you are still struggling with shame? I invite you to take a look at the scripture passages listed in the further reading section. In particular, I encourage you to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). May you find relief and reconciliation as you return to the Lord through repentance. He is there waiting for you with open arms.
Further Reading: Luke 15:11-32 John 3:16

Falling Short

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/bcdf08d4-f37f-4ae1-b4f0-b3fe010c5e25/transcript

What if your job — even the one you don’t love — is actually sacred?

In this episode, we unpack what it truly means to “work for the Lord.” Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:58, we explore how every task, every shift, and every responsibility can become an act of worship when done with the right heart posture.

What We Discuss


Why every job can glorify God


Working through difficult seasons with faithfulness


Serving Jesus even when serving a challenging boss


The difference between working for approval vs. working from purpose


Why work is a blessing — not a burden


How Jesus modeled servant leadership

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Work for the Lord
By: Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). 

Like most people, I have had many different jobs. Some of these jobs I really enjoyed, but others, not so much. However, in every job, I have tried to do my best. For example, a few years ago I worked at an inn. It was extremely difficult, since I struggle with contamination-type OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

The responsibility of an assistant innkeeper means cleaning anything and everything—changing bed sheets, washing bed sheets, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, dusting, and any other housework that needs to be done. As someone with OCD, this was incredibly stressful. However, by the grace of God, I lasted the entire summer. I tried my best every day, and I know that I served the Lord through my work.

Someone might say, “No, you were working for your boss.” While this is true, I was also working for Jesus. In everything we do, we need to work as though we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). We are serving Jesus in any job we put our hands to. This is why we need to work at every task with our whole heart. Rather than becoming lazy, we need to glorify God in our work.

Maybe you are at a job right now that is similar to when I worked at the inn—you don’t like it, and you can’t wait to get off each day. If this is true, know that you won’t be at this job forever. For the time being, continue to do your best and strive to serve Jesus through your work. Even if your boss is not kind or the job is taxing, try your best to show Jesus’ love to everyone around you.

Jesus Himself took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5–8). We need to follow His example by also taking on the nature of a servant. We should not view any job as inferior. Sometimes we have to take a job because we have no other choice. God does not call us to be idle or unproductive in our lives. Instead, He wants us to work and serve Him through our dedication to doing what is right.

Many people have a distorted view of work. They think work is a bad thing. This is not true—work is a blessing from God. Working and being able to provide for ourselves is a good thing. We never need to view work in a negative light, because it can help us grow, build a strong work ethic, and produce endurance. Through our work, we can become more dependent on God.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As Paul says in this passage, we need to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as our hard work is not in vain. Working for the Lord will bring Him glory and point others to Him.

Many people think the “work of the Lord” only consists of pastors, Sunday school teachers, or missionaries, but this is not true. The “work of the Lord” can be anything, as long as we are serving Jesus through our work. Therefore, even regular jobs, such as working at a hotel, a library, or a department store, can all bring glory to God if we are faithfully serving Him.

As Christ followers, we must ask ourselves whether or not we will serve God in our work. If we become lazy and unproductive in our work, we are not working to the glory of the Lord. If we find ourselves in this situation, we need to bring our hearts back to Jesus. Every job deserves our full attention and productivity. Loving God and serving Him will help us to truly work for Him and not give up when times are hard. 

Continue to work for Him because your labor is not in vain. Jesus sees all the challenges you are going through. Even when days are tough, choose to live for Him, love Him, and serve Him faithfully in your work and in your life. 

What are some ways you can glorify God in your work? List a few here. 

Further Reading:

1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

Colossians 3:17

What if your job &mdash; even the one you don&rsquo;t love &mdash; is actually sacred?
In this episode, we unpack what it truly means to &ldquo;work for the Lord.&rdquo; Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:58, we explore how every task, every shift, and every responsibility can become an act of worship when done with the right heart posture.
What We Discuss
<ul data-start="1008" data-end="1308">
<li data-start="1008" data-end="1041">
Why every job can glorify God
</li>
<li data-start="1042" data-end="1097">
Working through difficult seasons with faithfulness
</li>
<li data-start="1098" data-end="1152">
Serving Jesus even when serving a challenging boss
</li>
<li data-start="1153" data-end="1225">
The difference between working for approval vs. working from purpose
</li>
<li data-start="1226" data-end="1267">
Why work is a blessing &mdash; not a burden
</li>
<li data-start="1268" data-end="1308">
How Jesus modeled servant leadership
</li>
</ul>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Work for the Lord By: Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain&rdquo; (1 Corinthians 15:58).&nbsp;
Like most people, I have had many different jobs. Some of these jobs I really enjoyed, but others, not so much. However, in every job, I have tried to do my best. For example, a few years ago I worked at an inn. It was extremely difficult, since I struggle with contamination-type OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
The responsibility of an assistant innkeeper means cleaning anything and everything&mdash;changing bed sheets, washing bed sheets, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, dusting, and any other housework that needs to be done. As someone with OCD, this was incredibly stressful. However, by the grace of God, I lasted the entire summer. I tried my best every day, and I know that I served the Lord through my work.
Someone might say, &ldquo;No, you were working for your boss.&rdquo; While this is true, I was also working for Jesus. In everything we do, we need to work as though we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). We are serving Jesus in any job we put our hands to. This is why we need to work at every task with our whole heart. Rather than becoming lazy, we need to glorify God in our work.
Maybe you are at a job right now that is similar to when I worked at the inn&mdash;you don&rsquo;t like it, and you can&rsquo;t wait to get off each day. If this is true, know that you won&rsquo;t be at this job forever. For the time being, continue to do your best and strive to serve Jesus through your work. Even if your boss is not kind or the job is taxing, try your best to show Jesus&rsquo; love to everyone around you.
Jesus Himself took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5&ndash;8). We need to follow His example by also taking on the nature of a servant. We should not view any job as inferior. Sometimes we have to take a job because we have no other choice. God does not call us to be idle or unproductive in our lives. Instead, He wants us to work and serve Him through our dedication to doing what is right.
Many people have a distorted view of work. They think work is a bad thing. This is not true&mdash;work is a blessing from God. Working and being able to provide for ourselves is a good thing. We never need to view work in a negative light, because it can help us grow, build a strong work ethic, and produce endurance. Through our work, we can become more dependent on God.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
The Apostle Paul tells us, &ldquo;Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain&rdquo; (1 Corinthians 15:58). As Paul says in this passage, we need to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as our hard work is not in vain. Working for the Lord will bring Him glory and point others to Him.
Many people think the &ldquo;work of the Lord&rdquo; only consists of pastors, Sunday school teachers, or missionaries, but this is not true. The &ldquo;work of the Lord&rdquo; can be anything, as long as we are serving Jesus through our work. Therefore, even regular jobs, such as working at a hotel, a library, or a department store, can all bring glory to God if we are faithfully serving Him.
As Christ followers, we must ask ourselves whether or not we will serve God in our work. If we become lazy and unproductive in our work, we are not working to the glory of the Lord. If we find ourselves in this situation, we need to bring our hearts back to Jesus. Every job deserves our full attention and productivity. Loving God and serving Him will help us to truly work for Him and not give up when times are hard.&nbsp;
Continue to work for Him because your labor is not in vain. Jesus sees all the challenges you are going through. Even when days are tough, choose to live for Him, love Him, and serve Him faithfully in your work and in your life.&nbsp;
What are some ways you can glorify God in your work? List a few here.&nbsp;
Further Reading:
1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
Colossians 3:17

Work For the Lord

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/fad354e5-0155-4f9d-a36f-b3fa013e8122/transcript

“Where are You, God?” If you’ve ever whispered that question through tears, sleepless nights, or silent disappointment, you’re not alone.

In this episode, we talk about the painful seasons when God feels distant — when prayers feel unanswered and discouragement makes it hard to even find the words to pray. Yet Scripture tells us something steady and unshakable: Jesus promised He would be with us always.

Not sometimes.
Not when we feel spiritual.
Always. Even in silence. Even in valleys. Even in doubt.

What We Discuss


Why God can feel distant during hardship


How discouragement can drain our ability to pray


The truth that God hears even unspoken prayers


The danger of believing the lie that God has abandoned us


Drawing near to God when emotions say He’s far


Finding encouragement through Scripture, worship, and Christian community

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

Where Is God?

By Alexis A. Goring

Bible Reading:
“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

“Where are you, God?” 

If there was a consistent question I asked God last year, that was it. Little did I know that by the start of this year, God would answer my question in profound ways that proved He hears my every prayer and He is always here with us. 

It started with simple things that were concerning me, then it snowballed into many other issues and situations that were troubling my heart and keeping me awake at night. Sleepless nights were the norm for me that year. I tried praying my way through it, but at times I was too tired to pray. Have you ever been so discouraged that you can barely talk to God about it? 

However, God taught me that He knows our hearts and He hears even the prayers we don’t have the energy or capacity to pray. He even considers the tears that roll down our faces when we cry as silent prayers, and He understands our pain before we have words to give voice to it. If you’re looking for someone who knows you better than you know yourself, your Maker (God) fits that bill perfectly. 

Because we live in a world that is negatively affected by sin, we all may face situations in life that cause us to ask, “God, where are you?” It is then that we are tempted by the enemy to believe that God has forsaken us. But in those moments, we need to believe what the Bible says: God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). When you feel far away from God, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). If you’re having trouble seeking Him, ask God to help you feel His Presence and experience His peace. Remember: He’s always been pursuing a relationship with you before you realized you needed Him and started seeking Him. 


Now, there’s the fact that God is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). But the truth is that He is real (Psalm 14:1). Don’t let His invisibility become a barrier to your seeking Him. Over the years, I’ve heard people debate that since we cannot see God, that must mean He doesn’t exist. Well, to that I’d say, we cannot see the air we breathe, but we know that if we don’t have air, we’d be dead. Same with God. We cannot see Him, but we need Him to live. 

When we are in pain so deep that we can barely get out of bed in the morning and start going about our day, it is important to remember that God is with us in our pain. Soon after the start of this year, God showed me that He had heard my prayers and questions last year. He did this by inspiring a Christian author to ask me if I wanted to read an early copy of her book that is releasing in January 2026. After seeing that the title of the book is “God, Where Are You?”, I knew this was encouragement from God for me. He recommended a whole book (in addition to the Bible) to answer my question. I agreed to read her book and was blessed by it.

The author’s name is Dominique Young. The full title of her book is “God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence”. It is advertised on Amazon as “a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.” It’s for people who have been silently suffering under the heavy weight of anxiety, grief, depression, shame, and spiritual doubt. Through this book, she helps the reader discover how near God is to them through their toughest trials in life. God doesn’t abandon you in the valley lows. He’s with you through it all. And He can heal our brokenness. The author invites the reader to stop pretending they are okay when they are not, face the pain you’ve been hiding, and learn how you are seen by the Almighty God as one He deeply loves. Dominique encourages the reader to remember that even when God is silent, He is near and will not leave you.

After reading the first few pages of Dominique’s book, I thanked God for answering my prayers on this topic because it was like He was speaking to me through her messages that were supported with Scripture. I am grateful He used this author’s debut book to encourage me in my faith walk. I believe this book will encourage you, too, if you read it. 

In closing, I’d like for you to listen to three songs (listed below) that remind us God is here with us and He’s going to stay with us until the end of the world.

Song of Reflection #1: “God is with Us” by The Afters. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Know You’re There” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE.

Song of Reflection #3: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham. Listen to it HERE.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How does it feel to know that God is right here with you and He’s not going anywhere?

Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 43:2
Deuteronomy 31:6
Psalm 23:4
Zephaniah 3:17

&ldquo;Where are You, God?&rdquo;&nbsp;If you&rsquo;ve ever whispered that question through tears, sleepless nights, or silent disappointment, you&rsquo;re not alone.
In this episode, we talk about the painful seasons when God feels distant &mdash; when prayers feel unanswered and discouragement makes it hard to even find the words to pray. Yet Scripture tells us something steady and unshakable: Jesus promised He would be with us always.
Not sometimes. Not when we feel spiritual. Always.&nbsp;Even in silence. Even in valleys. Even in doubt.
<hr data-start="858" data-end="861">
What We Discuss
<ul data-start="883" data-end="1222">
<li data-start="883" data-end="927">
Why God can feel distant during hardship
</li>
<li data-start="928" data-end="980">
How discouragement can drain our ability to pray
</li>
<li data-start="981" data-end="1031">
The truth that God hears even unspoken prayers
</li>
<li data-start="1032" data-end="1093">
The danger of believing the lie that God has abandoned us
</li>
<li data-start="1094" data-end="1144">
Drawing near to God when emotions say He&rsquo;s far
</li>
<li data-start="1145" data-end="1222">
Finding encouragement through Scripture, worship, and Christian community
</li>
</ul>
This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. &nbsp;Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
TrinityCredit &ndash; Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. <a href="https://trinitycredit.org/">https://trinitycredit.org</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Where Is God?
By Alexis A. Goring
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.&rdquo; - Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
&ldquo;Where are you, God?&rdquo;&nbsp;
If there was a consistent question I asked God last year, that was it. Little did I know that by the start of this year, God would answer my question in profound ways that proved He hears my every prayer and He is always here with us.&nbsp;
It started with simple things that were concerning me, then it snowballed into many other issues and situations that were troubling my heart and keeping me awake at night. Sleepless nights were the norm for me that year. I tried praying my way through it, but at times I was too tired to pray. Have you ever been so discouraged that you can barely talk to God about it?&nbsp;
However, God taught me that He knows our hearts and He hears even the prayers we don&rsquo;t have the energy or capacity to pray. He even considers the tears that roll down our faces when we cry as silent prayers, and He understands our pain before we have words to give voice to it. If you&rsquo;re looking for someone who knows you better than you know yourself, your Maker (God) fits that bill perfectly.&nbsp;
Because we live in a world that is negatively affected by sin, we all may face situations in life that cause us to ask, &ldquo;God, where are you?&rdquo; It is then that we are tempted by the enemy to believe that God has forsaken us. But in those moments, we need to believe what the Bible says: God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). When you feel far away from God, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). If you&rsquo;re having trouble seeking Him, ask God to help you feel His Presence and experience His peace. Remember: He&rsquo;s always been pursuing a relationship with you before you realized you needed Him and started seeking Him.&nbsp;
 Now, there&rsquo;s the fact that God is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). But the truth is that He is real (Psalm 14:1). Don&rsquo;t let His invisibility become a barrier to your seeking Him. Over the years, I&rsquo;ve heard people debate that since we cannot see God, that must mean He doesn&rsquo;t exist. Well, to that I&rsquo;d say, we cannot see the air we breathe, but we know that if we don&rsquo;t have air, we&rsquo;d be dead. Same with God. We cannot see Him, but we need Him to live.&nbsp;
When we are in pain so deep that we can barely get out of bed in the morning and start going about our day, it is important to remember that God is with us in our pain. Soon after the start of this year, God showed me that He had heard my prayers and questions last year. He did this by inspiring a Christian author to ask me if I wanted to read an early copy of her book that is releasing in January 2026. After seeing that the title of the book is &ldquo;God, Where Are You?&rdquo;, I knew this was encouragement from God for me. He recommended a whole book (in addition to the Bible) to answer my question. I agreed to read her book and was blessed by it.
The author&rsquo;s name is Dominique Young. The full title of her book is &ldquo;God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence&rdquo;. It is advertised on Amazon as &ldquo;a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s for people who have been silently suffering under the heavy weight of anxiety, grief, depression, shame, and spiritual doubt. Through this book, she helps the reader discover how near God is to them through their toughest trials in life. God doesn&rsquo;t abandon you in the valley lows. He&rsquo;s with you through it all. And He can heal our brokenness. The author invites the reader to stop pretending they are okay when they are not, face the pain you&rsquo;ve been hiding, and learn how you are seen by the Almighty God as one He deeply loves. Dominique encourages the reader to remember that even when God is silent, He is near and will not leave you.
After reading the first few pages of Dominique&rsquo;s book, I thanked God for answering my prayers on this topic because it was like He was speaking to me through her messages that were supported with Scripture. I am grateful He used this author&rsquo;s debut book to encourage me in my faith walk. I believe this book will encourage you, too, if you read it.&nbsp;
In closing, I&rsquo;d like for you to listen to three songs (listed below) that remind us God is here with us and He&rsquo;s going to stay with us until the end of the world.
Song of Reflection #1: &ldquo;God is with Us&rdquo; by The Afters. Listen to it <a href="https://youtu.be/z2jKzPgKbMw?si=w2GAkF9LPsu041eH">HERE</a>.
Song of Reflection #2: &ldquo;I Know You&rsquo;re There&rdquo; by Casting Crowns. Listen to it <a href="https://youtu.be/WQxfBnnHddU?si=nsbJGvXgMZSXrxBR">HERE</a>.
Song of Reflection #3: &ldquo;When You Walk Through the Water&rdquo; by Allison Durham. Listen to it <a href="https://youtu.be/9penOHLXcGM?si=XsZoSZAXLYooq9_3">HERE</a>.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
How does it feel to know that God is right here with you and He&rsquo;s not going anywhere?
Further Reading: Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 43:2 Deuteronomy 31:6 Psalm 23:4 Zephaniah 3:17

Where Is God?

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