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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

The Face of God

We all make plans for our lives. We dream about the career we’ll have, the relationships we’ll build, the family we’ll create, and the goals we’ll accomplish. And when those plans fall apart despite our best efforts, the disappointment can be profound. Unanswered prayers, unexpected detours, and unfulfilled dreams can leave us wondering whether we missed God’s plan or whether He is doing something we simply cannot see yet. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is ultimately the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

That truth can be both challenging and comforting. Our perspective is limited, but God sees the entire picture. A path that feels like a setback may actually be His redirection, and a dream that doesn’t come to pass may make room for something He knows is better. When our plans don't unfold the way we imagined, we can look back at God's faithfulness, surrender our expectations, and trust that His purpose is still at work.

Highlights
Why unmet expectations and unfulfilled dreams can be so difficult to process
What Proverbs 19:21 teaches about our plans versus God’s purpose
Why our limited perspective makes it difficult to understand God’s direction
How unexpected detours can become opportunities to trust God more deeply
The importance of looking back at how God has redirected your path in the past
How surrendering our plans can help us embrace God’s purpose for our lives
Encouragement to trust that God’s design for your life is good, even when the path looks different than expected

Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword

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:

Prevailing Purpose
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I love a good plan. There is something so satisfying about witnessing dreams or goals become reality.  Even better when you feel a sense of accomplishment as they are fulfilled. Perhaps you spent years researching, studying, preparing, praying, and planning for your future. Then the day finally arrived! All your patience and hard work paid off. You received the diploma, started the new job, married the mate of your dreams, or filled that final seat at the family dining room table. What an incredible feeling! You planned, you pursued, you sacrificed, you worked, you waited… and the desires of your heart became reality. Like the last puzzle piece fitting perfectly into place, the framework you designed produced your anticipated outcome.

Sounds incredible, right? But how many of us can say our picture-perfect ideas have become reality? If your life has been anything like mine, I would speculate that things haven’t always worked out as planned. Maybe you prearranged, pursued, worked, and then overworked, struggled, dug deep, fell down, and then pulled yourself back up by your bootstraps, adamantly refusing to give up on the vision you saw for your future. Yet despite your passionate efforts, it simply was not to be. Unmet expectations or unfulfilled longings can be disappointing, frustrating, and for some, even devastating. Where then can we find comfort or gain understanding when our dreams are dashed?

Today’s scripture comes to us from the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is believed to be written by King Solomon, David’s son, who succeeded him as the next ruler. Solomon was known worldwide for his sage wisdom. In the opening chapter of Proverbs, the writer shares the purpose of his communication.

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young…” - Prov. 1:1-4 (NIV)

Solomon clearly communicates that the purpose of these writings is to help others gain insight and knowledge. He is not trying to boast or grandstand; his goal is to teach. Solomon concludes his introduction with a powerful reminder that the true origin of all wisdom is the Lord when he states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” (Prov. 1:7, NIV). If we truly long for insight and understanding, God is the only source. He is not only the founder of all knowledge, but He sees what we don’t see. He understands what we fail to comprehend.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” (Isa. 5:8-9, NIV).

Our vision for our own lives is limited, at times, maybe even flawed. We are mortal beings. We reside in a framework designed by the Creator of the Universe. With such limited human understanding, it is impossible for us to accurately measure our lives and their meanings. As such, the plans and pursuits we select for ourselves may not be what God would choose. Like the potter who looks at a lump of clay and sees the masterpiece it will become, our Lord recognizes the vessel He is creating in each of us. He crafted us in our mother’s womb, uniquely different and for His good pleasure (Ps. 139:13). We can trust that His design for us is good. He has a prevailing purpose for each and every one of us. 

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” - Prov. 19:21 (NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you felt like the plans you had for your own life were thwarted? If so, did your unmet expectations prompt disappointment and heartache, or were you able to recognize God was working for good on your behalf? 

Take some time today to look back upon your life and identify the times when you clearly thought your life was going to go one way, yet the Lord diverted your path. How does recognizing His direction in past circumstances help you to trust in His will for your future?

Further Reading:
Isaiah 5:8-13
Psalm 139:13-18

We all make plans for our lives. We dream about the career we&rsquo;ll have, the relationships we&rsquo;ll build, the family we&rsquo;ll create, and the goals we&rsquo;ll accomplish. And when those plans fall apart despite our best efforts, the disappointment can be profound. Unanswered prayers, unexpected detours, and unfulfilled dreams can leave us wondering whether we missed God&rsquo;s plan or whether He is doing something we simply cannot see yet. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is ultimately the Lord&rsquo;s purpose that prevails.
That truth can be both challenging and comforting. Our perspective is limited, but God sees the entire picture. A path that feels like a setback may actually be His redirection, and a dream that doesn&rsquo;t come to pass may make room for something He knows is better. When our plans don't unfold the way we imagined, we can look back at God's faithfulness, surrender our expectations, and trust that His purpose is still at work.
Highlights
<ul data-start="991" data-end="1563" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-section-id="8zku6w" data-start="991" data-end="1069">Why unmet expectations and unfulfilled dreams can be so difficult to process</li>
<li data-section-id="11kzsp6" data-start="1070" data-end="1136">What Proverbs 19:21 teaches about our plans versus God&rsquo;s purpose</li>
<li data-section-id="xqdt38" data-start="1137" data-end="1215">Why our limited perspective makes it difficult to understand God&rsquo;s direction</li>
<li data-section-id="1yrfdg" data-start="1216" data-end="1290">How unexpected detours can become opportunities to trust God more deeply</li>
<li data-section-id="h8fef0" data-start="1291" data-end="1371">The importance of looking back at how God has redirected your path in the past</li>
<li data-section-id="fgjov8" data-start="1372" data-end="1448">How surrendering our plans can help us embrace God&rsquo;s purpose for our lives</li>
<li data-section-id="42swl2" data-start="1449" data-end="1563" data-is-last-node="">Encouragement to trust that God&rsquo;s design for your life is good, even when the path looks different than expected</li>
</ul>
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">The Good Word,</a> LifeAudio&rsquo;s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">LifeAudio.com/thegoodword</a>
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:
Prevailing Purpose By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Many are the plans in a person&rsquo;s heart, but it is the LORD&rsquo;s purpose that prevails.&rdquo; - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
I don&rsquo;t know about you, but I love a good plan. There is something so satisfying about witnessing dreams or goals become reality.&nbsp; Even better when you feel a sense of accomplishment as they are fulfilled. Perhaps you spent years researching, studying, preparing, praying, and planning for your future. Then the day finally arrived! All your patience and hard work paid off. You received the diploma, started the new job, married the mate of your dreams, or filled that final seat at the family dining room table. What an incredible feeling! You planned, you pursued, you sacrificed, you worked, you waited&hellip; and the desires of your heart became reality. Like the last puzzle piece fitting perfectly into place, the framework you designed produced your anticipated outcome.
Sounds incredible, right? But how many of us can say our picture-perfect ideas have become reality? If your life has been anything like mine, I would speculate that things haven&rsquo;t always worked out as planned. Maybe you prearranged, pursued, worked, and then overworked, struggled, dug deep, fell down, and then pulled yourself back up by your bootstraps, adamantly refusing to give up on the vision you saw for your future. Yet despite your passionate efforts, it simply was not to be. Unmet expectations or unfulfilled longings can be disappointing, frustrating, and for some, even devastating. Where then can we find comfort or gain understanding when our dreams are dashed?
Today&rsquo;s scripture comes to us from the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is believed to be written by King Solomon, David&rsquo;s son, who succeeded him as the next ruler. Solomon was known worldwide for his sage wisdom. In the opening chapter of Proverbs, the writer shares the purpose of his communication.
&ldquo;The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple,&nbsp;knowledge and discretion to the young&hellip;&rdquo; - Prov. 1:1-4 (NIV)
Solomon clearly communicates that the purpose of these writings is to help others gain insight and knowledge. He is not trying to boast or grandstand; his goal is to teach. Solomon concludes his introduction with a powerful reminder that the true origin of all wisdom is the Lord when he states, &ldquo;The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge&hellip;&rdquo; (Prov. 1:7, NIV). If we truly long for insight and understanding, God is the only source. He is not only the founder of all knowledge, but He sees what we don&rsquo;t see. He understands what we fail to comprehend.
&ldquo;For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,&rsquo; declares the LORD. &lsquo;As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,&rdquo; (Isa. 5:8-9, NIV).
Our vision for our own lives is limited, at times, maybe even flawed. We are mortal beings. We reside in a framework designed by the Creator of the Universe. With such limited human understanding, it is impossible for us to accurately measure our lives and their meanings. As such, the plans and pursuits we select for ourselves may not be what God would choose. Like the potter who looks at a lump of clay and sees the masterpiece it will become, our Lord recognizes the vessel He is creating in each of us. He crafted us in our mother&rsquo;s womb, uniquely different and for His good pleasure (Ps. 139:13). We can trust that His design for us is good. He has a prevailing purpose for each and every one of us.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Many are the plans in a person&rsquo;s heart, but it is the LORD&rsquo;s purpose that prevails.&rdquo; - Prov. 19:21 (NIV)
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Have you felt like the plans you had for your own life were thwarted? If so, did your unmet expectations prompt disappointment and heartache, or were you able to recognize God was working for good on your behalf?&nbsp;
Take some time today to look back upon your life and identify the times when you clearly thought your life was going to go one way, yet the Lord diverted your path. How does recognizing His direction in past circumstances help you to trust in His will for your future?
Further Reading: Isaiah 5:8-13 Psalm 139:13-18

Prevailing Purpose

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ce325c6c-1074-41db-8176-b4b700cd4298/transcript

Disappointment can shake us, especially when we’ve prayed, trusted God, and genuinely believed a particular door would open. An unexpected “no,” a financial setback, a missed opportunity, or circumstances that don’t make sense can leave us wondering where God is in the middle of it all. But disappointment doesn't mean God has changed. When our circumstances challenge what we expected, they can reveal whether our hope is rooted in what God does—or in who God is.

Psalm 25:5 gives us a different way to respond: “For You I wait all the day.” Waiting on God doesn’t mean pretending disappointment doesn’t hurt. It means bringing our questions and grief to Him while choosing to trust His character, timing, and wisdom. Even when we don't understand why a door closed, we can remain confident that God is faithful and that our hope is safest in Him.

Highlights
Why disappointment can reveal where we have placed our hope
How unexpected circumstances can test and strengthen our faith
Why God’s character remains trustworthy even when His answers don’t make sense
The difference between trusting God and trusting what we hope God will do
How closed doors and unanswered prayers can deepen our dependence on God
What Psalm 25:5 teaches us about waiting on God with hope
Encouragement to remain faithful to God through both blessings and disappointments

Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword

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:

Hope During Disappointment

By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day (Psalm 25:5 NASB). 


Wouldn't it be nice if life consisted only of pleasant surprises, not the disappointing ones? And yet when we meet disappointment head-on, it is a true test of the strength of our faith. 

I remember receiving news that was gravely disappointing. I wasn't prepared for it in the least. It was shocking, really. God had been on a roll with blessings in my life. I guess I'd grown a little comfortable. And this disappointing news couldn't have come at a worse time...a week before Christmas, just days after celebrating my daughter's college graduation, and just a week prior to my husband's transition into a new season of life that carried with it a lot of financial uncertainty. 

My family was daily looking for the little assurances that God had our backs, and we were constantly praising Him for all the times He came through for us. And now, it looked like the door to my golden opportunity and financial stability had slammed shut. My first reaction, spoken aloud, was "God, this is so out of character for You." 

And then I suddenly realized something: God doesn't do anything out of character. 
If God's response to my request appeared out of character for Him, then it is my understanding of the situation that is in question, not His character.
 If God's timing appears to be wrong, then it is my perception of His timing that I will doubt, not His ability to coordinate all things perfectly.
  If God's love appears to be in question—because of how He has responded to my situation—then it is my trust that is in question, not God's love. 

It was then that I understood. It wasn't God's character that was being put to the test in my disappointing circumstances. It was mine. Would my faith stand an unexpected turn? Would I take only blessings from God and not the disappointments too? Or will I trust Him, wholeheartedly, that He knows exactly what He's doing, and perhaps this closed door means an even better one will soon be opening? 

My disappointing circumstance helped me to remember three things: 
Disappointment is a very real part of life.
Disappointment is something God can use to grow me into someone who is more like His Son. 
Disappointment is the measuring stick for how strong my faith is. 

In Psalm 25:5, in the New Living Translation, the psalmist declared where his faith and hope were when he said: “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.”

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

I realized, through my reaction to this disappointment, that I had put my hope in my circumstances, not in God. I had grown comfortable and secure in my abilities, my work, and my finances, and I was now suddenly desperate for God. Desperate for Him. And that's exactly where He wanted me to be. 

I want my response to God in the disappointments of life to be just as pleasing to Him as my praise during the blessings of life. Can God trust me to be faithful to Him regardless of my circumstances, regardless of when He chooses to bless and when He chooses to withhold? Can my hope remain in Him constantly? 

Job once said, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). I haven't been "slayed"—not in the least. I've just been disappointed. Therefore, I long for the song of my heart to be, "Though I don't understand why He allowed this, still I will trust Him." 

Have you been gravely disappointed in your circumstances? Are you wondering why God has allowed—or not allowed—something in your life? It's possible He wants you to be desperate for Him, too. When you and I can say our hope is in Him, not in what He will do, then we get a little clearer picture of what it means to follow Him faithfully. 

Disappointment or not, let’s desire a faith that is strong and a heart that is pleasing to Him. 

Further Reading:
Isaiah 43:2 

To grow a heart that hopes in God alone, see Cindi’s newest book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

Disappointment can shake us, especially when we&rsquo;ve prayed, trusted God, and genuinely believed a particular door would open. An unexpected &ldquo;no,&rdquo; a financial setback, a missed opportunity, or circumstances that don&rsquo;t make sense can leave us wondering where God is in the middle of it all. But disappointment doesn't mean God has changed. When our circumstances challenge what we expected, they can reveal whether our hope is rooted in what God does&mdash;or in who God is.
Psalm 25:5 gives us a different way to respond: &ldquo;For You I wait all the day.&rdquo; Waiting on God doesn&rsquo;t mean pretending disappointment doesn&rsquo;t hurt. It means bringing our questions and grief to Him while choosing to trust His character, timing, and wisdom. Even when we don't understand why a door closed, we can remain confident that God is faithful and that our hope is safest in Him.
Highlights
<ul data-start="876" data-end="1379" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-section-id="10f4s0q" data-start="876" data-end="937">Why disappointment can reveal where we have placed our hope</li>
<li data-section-id="apzq6e" data-start="938" data-end="1002">How unexpected circumstances can test and strengthen our faith</li>
<li data-section-id="1f9ubkg" data-start="1003" data-end="1083">Why God&rsquo;s character remains trustworthy even when His answers don&rsquo;t make sense</li>
<li data-section-id="1ndo3o8" data-start="1084" data-end="1159">The difference between trusting God and trusting what we hope God will do</li>
<li data-section-id="qr9ud5" data-start="1160" data-end="1234">How closed doors and unanswered prayers can deepen our dependence on God</li>
<li data-section-id="s7121" data-start="1235" data-end="1294">What Psalm 25:5 teaches us about waiting on God with hope</li>
<li data-section-id="j3m533" data-start="1295" data-end="1379" data-is-last-node="">Encouragement to remain faithful to God through both blessings and disappointments</li>
</ul>
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">The Good Word,</a> LifeAudio&rsquo;s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">LifeAudio.com/thegoodword</a>
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:
Hope During Disappointment
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading: Lead me in&nbsp;Your truth and teach me, For You are the&nbsp;God of my salvation; For You I&nbsp;wait all the day (Psalm 25:5 NASB).&nbsp;
 Wouldn't it be nice if life consisted only of pleasant surprises, not the disappointing ones? And yet when we meet disappointment head-on, it is a true test of the strength of our faith.&nbsp;
I remember receiving news that was gravely disappointing. I wasn't prepared for it in the least. It was shocking, really. God had been on a roll with blessings in my life. I guess I'd grown a little comfortable. And this disappointing news couldn't have come at a worse time...a week before Christmas, just days after celebrating my daughter's college graduation, and just a week prior to my husband's transition into a new season of life that carried with it a lot of financial uncertainty.&nbsp;
My family was daily looking for the little assurances that God had our backs, and we were constantly praising Him for all the times He came through for us. And now, it looked like the door to my golden opportunity and financial stability had slammed shut. My first reaction, spoken aloud, was "God, this is so out of character for You."&nbsp;
And then I suddenly realized something: God doesn't do anything out of character.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If God's response to my request appeared out of character for Him, then it is my understanding of the situation that is in question, not His character.</li>
<li aria-level="1">&nbsp;If God's timing appears to be wrong, then it is my perception of His timing that I will doubt, not His ability to coordinate all things perfectly.</li>
<li aria-level="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;If God's love appears to be in question&mdash;because of how He has responded to my situation&mdash;then it is my trust that is in question, not God's love.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
It was then that I understood. It wasn't God's character that was being put to the test in my disappointing circumstances. It was mine. Would my faith stand an unexpected turn? Would I take only blessings from God and not the disappointments too? Or will I trust Him, wholeheartedly, that He knows exactly what He's doing, and perhaps this closed door means an even better one will soon be opening?&nbsp;
My disappointing circumstance helped me to remember three things:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Disappointment is a very real part of life.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Disappointment is something God can use to grow me into someone who is more like His Son.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Disappointment is the measuring stick for how strong my faith is.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
In Psalm 25:5, in the New Living Translation, the psalmist declared where his faith and hope were when he said: &ldquo;Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long, I put my hope in you.&rdquo;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:&nbsp;
I realized, through my reaction to this disappointment, that I had put my hope in my circumstances, not in God. I had grown comfortable and secure in my abilities, my work, and my finances, and I was now suddenly desperate for God. Desperate for Him. And that's exactly where He wanted me to be.&nbsp;
I want my response to God in the disappointments of life to be just as pleasing to Him as my praise during the blessings of life. Can God trust me to be faithful to Him regardless of my circumstances, regardless of when He chooses to bless and when He chooses to withhold? Can my hope remain in Him constantly?&nbsp;
Job once said, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). I haven't been "slayed"&mdash;not in the least. I've just been disappointed. Therefore, I long for the song of my heart to be, "Though I don't understand why He allowed this, still I will trust Him."&nbsp;
Have you been gravely disappointed in your circumstances? Are you wondering why God has allowed&mdash;or not allowed&mdash;something in your life? It's possible He wants you to be desperate for Him, too. When you and I can say our hope is in Him, not in what He will do, then we get a little clearer picture of what it means to follow Him faithfully.&nbsp;
Disappointment or not, let&rsquo;s desire a faith that is strong and a heart that is pleasing to Him.&nbsp;
Further Reading: Isaiah 43:2&nbsp;
To grow a heart that hopes in God alone, see Cindi&rsquo;s newest book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Loneliness-Devotional-Closer-Connection/dp/0736989250/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S9YRHB4MSKZR&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TmMnSOVvCMTwhHlx85y3XjGXf3_3YngV6Aac9qHg--TC22sSLZWj6K5tsD_Nn8bGKOq6RQ9vX9-WoB69FeJrtS4-v-oYNbRh8WrQ2Fy1ZoQcfajvANjvlhX">The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God</a>.

Hope During Disappointment

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/445b0264-66b6-45f3-a2d1-b4b700cd3ed3/transcript

It’s easy to lose track of time without realizing where it went. A few minutes on social media becomes an hour, notifications interrupt meaningful conversations, and endless content competes for our attention. Technology can be a helpful tool, but when our phones, screens, and constant stream of information begin controlling our attention, they can quietly pull us away from God, our families, and the people and purposes He has placed in front of us. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time.

Redeeming our time doesn't necessarily mean eliminating technology—it means becoming intentional about what receives our attention. When we create space to pray, read Scripture, invest in relationships, and serve others, we begin using our time for something greater than simply staying busy or entertained. God has given us the gift of time, and we can ask Him for the wisdom and self-control to spend it in ways that honor Him and help us live faithfully.

Highlights
Why smartphones, social media, and constant information can quietly steal our time and attention
What Ephesians 5:15-16 means when it calls us to make the best use of our time
How technology can become a distraction from God, family, and meaningful relationships
Practical ways to develop healthier screen-time habits and greater self-control
Why intentional time with God should be protected from digital distractions
How fasting from technology can help reset our attention and priorities
Encouragement to redeem the time God has given us for His glory and the work He has called us to

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Full Transcript Below:

Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).

As a millennial, I find myself reflecting upon a time before the technological boom we seem to be facing, specifically before AI, smartphones, and social media. I remember taking a walk or riding my bike after school without the anxiety of accidentally leaving my phone at home. I remember the excitement of turning in my disposable camera from the school dance and then looking through my friends’ photo albums when I was hanging out at their house. I remember soaking up the most mundane moments without feeling the need to document them. Some of that could very well be what it was like to be younger, but I cannot ignore how much the simplicity of life has become more complicated and distracted with these portable devices that seem to control us and steal our time. 

About six months ago, I started to feel convicted about the lack of self-control regarding my screen time with my phone, so I purchased a little device that literally turns your phone into a brick when your phone hovers over it, depending on how much you want to limit its functionality. You can customize specific functions and apps that you want to limit, and for me, it was quite simply shutting down my social media usage. After six months of using this limiting device, I can see how it has helped me create healthier habits that have helped me prioritize my time more wisely. Instead of my phone controlling me, I have been able to start controlling it and using it as the tool that it is. My prayer to the Lord is “I want to be found faithful.” I have asked Him very frequently how I can use my time to glorify Him and be a fruitful disciple of Jesus. 

The Apostle Paul lovingly warns the church at Ephesus:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).

Intersecting Life & Faith:

If the days were evil during Paul’s day, they most assuredly are evil today! 

Although our cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc are not evil, I do believe we need to be cautious as to how much time we are devoting to them. We need to be aware of where we are directing our focus. We need to be attentive to what is capturing our attention that may be causing us to make unwise choices. For me, the distraction from my phone was keeping me from intentional time with my sons and causing me to become captured by covetousness and discontentment with the swath of influencers pushing product after product. 

As we live in the great information age, we are bombarded with opportunities to fill our time and our minds with so many things that can so easily replace our time of fellowship with the Lord, as well as distract us from the very thing He has called us to do: make disciples! 

Perhaps you may not have an issue with technology distracting you from the Lord- praise God! Stay strong and be an accountability partner for those around you who are easily pulled away from the things of God because of the ever-increasing information age and the age of social media influencers promoting materialism and vanity.  

But if you are like me (a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom) and you are finding yourself with limited time to spend with Jesus in prayer and the Word, I challenge you to ask the Lord if there is something you can arrange in your schedule to allow better time management. Also, ask Him if He would like for you to fast (technology, that is), something that could be causing division between you and Him.

Devote specific time every day to spend some quiet time in fellowship with God and reading your Bible, without your cellphone or iPad within reach- turn them off during that time and perhaps put a timer on the most-used apps that you access throughout your day. You might just need extra help with self-control, like me!

Be thankful for the benefits of the tools and global connections that technology brings us, but don’t allow technology to rob you of your connection to Jesus or distract you from all the blessings He has put right in front of you. We have been given the precious gift of time here on this earth; let’s not waste our time but redeem it all for God’s glory!

Further Reading:

Matthew 6:33

Hebrews 12:1-2

It&rsquo;s easy to lose track of time without realizing where it went. A few minutes on social media becomes an hour, notifications interrupt meaningful conversations, and endless content competes for our attention. Technology can be a helpful tool, but when our phones, screens, and constant stream of information begin controlling our attention, they can quietly pull us away from God, our families, and the people and purposes He has placed in front of us. Ephesians 5:15-16 calls us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time.
Redeeming our time doesn't necessarily mean eliminating technology&mdash;it means becoming intentional about what receives our attention. When we create space to pray, read Scripture, invest in relationships, and serve others, we begin using our time for something greater than simply staying busy or entertained. God has given us the gift of time, and we can ask Him for the wisdom and self-control to spend it in ways that honor Him and help us live faithfully.
Highlights
<ul data-start="1015" data-end="1619" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-section-id="wahkxg" data-start="1015" data-end="1113">Why smartphones, social media, and constant information can quietly steal our time and attention</li>
<li data-section-id="1vyc45c" data-start="1114" data-end="1194">What Ephesians 5:15-16 means when it calls us to make the best use of our time</li>
<li data-section-id="1yxgf1a" data-start="1195" data-end="1283">How technology can become a distraction from God, family, and meaningful relationships</li>
<li data-section-id="18gkzr5" data-start="1284" data-end="1365">Practical ways to develop healthier screen-time habits and greater self-control</li>
<li data-section-id="duf675" data-start="1366" data-end="1443">Why intentional time with God should be protected from digital distractions</li>
<li data-section-id="1qk3d41" data-start="1444" data-end="1517">How fasting from technology can help reset our attention and priorities</li>
<li data-section-id="1jjhmuc" data-start="1518" data-end="1619" data-is-last-node="">Encouragement to redeem the time God has given us for His glory and the work He has called us to</li>
</ul>
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">The Good Word,</a> LifeAudio&rsquo;s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">LifeAudio.com/thegoodword</a>
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:
Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil&rdquo; (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).
As a millennial, I find myself reflecting upon a time before the technological boom we seem to be facing, specifically before AI, smartphones, and social media. I remember taking a walk or riding my bike after school without the anxiety of accidentally leaving my phone at home. I remember the excitement of turning in my disposable camera from the school dance and then looking through my friends&rsquo; photo albums when I was hanging out at their house. I remember soaking up the most mundane moments without feeling the need to document them. Some of that could very well be what it was like to be younger, but I cannot ignore how much the simplicity of life has become more complicated and distracted with these portable devices that seem to control us and steal our time.&nbsp;
About six months ago, I started to feel convicted about the lack of self-control regarding my screen time with my phone, so I purchased a little device that literally turns your phone into a brick when your phone hovers over it, depending on how much you want to limit its functionality. You can customize specific functions and apps that you want to limit, and for me, it was quite simply shutting down my social media usage. After six months of using this limiting device, I can see how it has helped me create healthier habits that have helped me prioritize my time more wisely. Instead of my phone controlling me, I have been able to start controlling it and using it as the tool that it is. My prayer to the Lord is &ldquo;I want to be found faithful.&rdquo; I have asked Him very frequently how I can use my time to glorify Him and be a fruitful disciple of Jesus.&nbsp;
The Apostle Paul lovingly warns the church at Ephesus:
&ldquo;Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil&rdquo; (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).
Intersecting Life &amp; Faith:
If the days were evil during Paul&rsquo;s day, they most assuredly are evil today!&nbsp;
Although our cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc are not evil, I do believe we need to be cautious as to how much time we are devoting to them. We need to be aware of where we are directing our focus. We need to be attentive to what is capturing our attention that may be causing us to make unwise choices. For me, the distraction from my phone was keeping me from intentional time with my sons and causing me to become captured by covetousness and discontentment with the swath of influencers pushing product after product.&nbsp;
As we live in the great information age, we are bombarded with opportunities to fill our time and our minds with so many things that can so easily replace our time of fellowship with the Lord, as well as distract us from the very thing He has called us to do: make disciples!&nbsp;
Perhaps you may not have an issue with technology distracting you from the Lord- praise God! Stay strong and be an accountability partner for those around you who are easily pulled away from the things of God because of the ever-increasing information age and the age of social media influencers promoting materialism and vanity.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But if you are like me (a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom) and you are finding yourself with limited time to spend with Jesus in prayer and the Word, I challenge you to ask the Lord if there is something you can arrange in your schedule to allow better time management. Also, ask Him if He would like for you to fast (technology, that is), something that could be causing division between you and Him.
Devote specific time every day to spend some quiet time in fellowship with God and reading your Bible, without your cellphone or iPad within reach- turn them off during that time and perhaps put a timer on the most-used apps that you access throughout your day. You might just need extra help with self-control, like me!
Be thankful for the benefits of the tools and global connections that technology brings us, but don&rsquo;t allow technology to rob you of your connection to Jesus or distract you from all the blessings He has put right in front of you. We have been given the precious gift of time here on this earth; let&rsquo;s not waste our time but redeem it all for God&rsquo;s glory!
Further Reading:
Matthew 6:33
Hebrews 12:1-2

Redeeming, Not Wasting, Our Time

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