The problem the Pharisees and teachers of the law had is they did not practice what they were teaching. Their righteousness was only superficial. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr. 

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The problem the Pharisees and teachers of the law had is they did not practice what they were teaching. Their righteousness was only superficial. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr. 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

What Does Your Righteousness Look Like?

Whether it’s relationships, dreams, plans, or unanswered prayers, God invites His children not only to release control but to confidently trust His heart and His timing.

This devotional encourages Christians to stop living in fear over what God might do with their surrendered lives and instead rest in His faithfulness. God is not withholding good from His children. Even when doors close or circumstances disappoint, He is still working for His glory and our ultimate good. Trusting God means believing that His plans are better than our own and finding peace in His presence, even in uncertainty.

Highlights
Surrender is a daily choice, but trust must follow surrender.
Believers often struggle with taking back what they’ve already given to God.
Fear of losing control can make trusting God difficult.
God’s closed doors may actually be acts of protection and grace.
Philippians 4:19 reminds us God faithfully provides what we truly need.
Pain and uncertainty can deepen intimacy and dependence on God.
Psalm 37 calls believers to trust God, remain faithful, and delight in Him.

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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:

Trusting God with What You Have Already Surrendered

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:3-6 ESV)

Have you ever prayed, “Lord, help me to surrender?” We all have things we need to surrender daily to the Lord. Our hopes and dreams for the future, our plans, our calling, relationships, and the list goes on.

I’ve been in a season where my continual prayer has been one of surrender, which isn’t necessarily wrong. As I said, the prayer of surrender and the heart that gives everything to Jesus must be renewed day by day. Surrender is a daily choice to give it to Him.

A few months ago, I was walking around our yard after work, as I often do to clear my mind. I found the same words leaving my lips that I’ve prayed for months, maybe even the past year or two: “Lord, help me surrender.”

And then, I froze.

It was almost like God whispered to my spirit, “You have surrendered. Now do you trust Me with what You’ve surrendered?”

I stopped in my tracks. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

To be honest, I’d never thought of it that way before.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not implying that surrender is a one-and-done deal. It’s a process. I’m also not saying that surrender and trust don’t go hand-in-hand. They absolutely do.

But like little children asked to yield a favorite toy to an adult for reasons they don’t yet understand, once they have taken that leap of faith and placed it in their parent’s hand, the “act” is finished. Now, they must trust the parents’ hearts with what matters most to them. They have already surrendered, but now they must trust.

We’re like little children more than we realize.

What if once we release into the Father’s hand, we are called to stop reaching back for what we’ve let go of? I find that’s one of the hardest parts for me. I’ve admitted to myself that sometimes, I struggle to trust God and want to take it back into my own hands.

Why?

He hasn’t proven Himself untrustworthy. I know He isn’t going to fail me.

But if I’m honest, I think it’s because deep down, I want something so badly that I fear losing it. I fear God will ask me to give it up, that things won’t go my way, or I won’t get what I want.

God will always provide what I need, even if it’s not what I think I want. Philippians 4:19 (ESV) reminds us that “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” I’ve seen it in my lifetime and again. Why would I doubt Him now?

If He closes a door, then perhaps it’s protection. You ever heard the phrase “rejection is God’s protection”? Yep. So have I. And as much as I hate to admit it, it is often true.

When God closes a door we thought we were meant to walk through, we can be tempted to become angry at God. We can wonder why He did that. We can feel like we deserve [fill-in-the-blank]. But the truth is, every good thing comes from above and is a gift of grace we could never earn (James 1:17).

Yes, but God loves to give good gifts to His children. Not just good gifts but the best for us (Matthew 7:11). It may not look like the gifts He chooses to bless someone else with, but that’s okay. It doesn’t have to. It will be the best for us.

And you know something else?

God desires fellowship with us. I have found many times in my own life that God will allow things that will draw me to Him. Those things force me to rely on Him, to trust His plan, or to choose to worship Him even in a valley. He didn’t force us to Himself, but in those moments, He gives a choice: we can either allow the pain to pull us towards God or push Him away.

Intersecting Faith & Life

Recently, I wrestled with anger towards God. I knew I didn’t want to be angry, and I was angry at myself for even feeling that way.

I knew God had a plan, and I wanted to trust Him.

In the dark of night, I finally whispered to Him: “God, please write my story in the way that brings You the most glory.”

I can’t explain it, but after that night, I’ve had peace regarding that specific situation in my life.

I realized that Psalm 37:3-6 isn’t just about committing my way to the Lord. It was also about trusting Him once I did. We are called to trust in the Lord, do good, dwell where He has placed us, and be faithful in even the small things. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts, which is ultimately a relationship and fellowship with Him. It’s so hard sometimes, but there is such beauty and freedom in committing our ways to the Lord, trusting in Him, and watching Him write our stories in ways only He can.

And I know that no matter what happens, no matter what pain or unpleasant situations come up in my life, God will be there. And if He uses the pain to draw me to Him and to use in glorifying Himself and calling others to Him, then by His strength alone, I can say, “Bring it on.” If the pain is the path to His presence, then I count it all joy. It’s worth it.

Pray with me:

Dear Father, thank You for being patient with me, for being a loving Father whose heart I can trust even when I don’t understand Your plan. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to take back what I’ve already surrendered to You, and for the moments I’ve let what I want cloud my view of what You have for me. Today, I’m not just surrendering my plans. I choose to trust You with what is already in Your hands. Help me to leave my story in Your hands, knowing that if You are writing it, it will be for my ultimate good and Your greatest glory. I am Yours. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Whether it&rsquo;s relationships, dreams, plans, or unanswered prayers, God invites His children not only to release control but to confidently trust His heart and His timing.
This devotional encourages Christians to stop living in fear over what God might do with their surrendered lives and instead rest in His faithfulness. God is not withholding good from His children. Even when doors close or circumstances disappoint, He is still working for His glory and our ultimate good. Trusting God means believing that His plans are better than our own and finding peace in His presence, even in uncertainty.
Highlights
<ul data-start="987" data-end="1472">
<li data-section-id="1ik9sl6" data-start="987" data-end="1050">Surrender is a daily choice, but trust must follow surrender.</li>
<li data-section-id="1vqp6vt" data-start="1051" data-end="1129">Believers often struggle with taking back what they&rsquo;ve already given to God.</li>
<li data-section-id="1qwaeno" data-start="1130" data-end="1187">Fear of losing control can make trusting God difficult.</li>
<li data-section-id="1mpss08" data-start="1188" data-end="1254">God&rsquo;s closed doors may actually be acts of protection and grace.</li>
<li data-section-id="mbcobx" data-start="1255" data-end="1328">Philippians 4:19 reminds us God faithfully provides what we truly need.</li>
<li data-section-id="g8rvup" data-start="1329" data-end="1394">Pain and uncertainty can deepen intimacy and dependence on God.</li>
<li data-section-id="1nszyko" data-start="1395" data-end="1472">Psalm 37 calls believers to trust God, remain faithful, and delight in Him.</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Trusting God with What You Have Already Surrendered
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday&rdquo; (Psalm 37:3-6 ESV)
Have you ever prayed, &ldquo;Lord, help me to surrender?&rdquo; We all have things we need to surrender daily to the Lord. Our hopes and dreams for the future, our plans, our calling, relationships, and the list goes on.
I&rsquo;ve been in a season where my continual prayer has been one of surrender, which isn&rsquo;t necessarily wrong. As I said, the prayer of surrender and the heart that gives everything to Jesus must be renewed day by day. Surrender is a daily choice to give it to Him.
A few months ago, I was walking around our yard after work, as I often do to clear my mind. I found the same words leaving my lips that I&rsquo;ve prayed for months, maybe even the past year or two: &ldquo;Lord, help me surrender.&rdquo;
And then, I froze.
It was almost like God whispered to my spirit, &ldquo;You&nbsp;have&nbsp;surrendered. Now do you trust Me with what You&rsquo;ve surrendered?&rdquo;
I stopped in my tracks. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
To be honest, I&rsquo;d never thought of it that way before.
Now, don&rsquo;t get me wrong. I&rsquo;m not implying that surrender is a one-and-done deal. It&rsquo;s a process. I&rsquo;m also not saying that surrender and trust don&rsquo;t go hand-in-hand. They absolutely do.
But like little children asked to yield a favorite toy to an adult for reasons they don&rsquo;t yet understand, once they have taken that leap of faith and placed it in their parent&rsquo;s hand, the &ldquo;act&rdquo; is finished. Now, they must trust the parents&rsquo; hearts with what matters most to them. They have already surrendered, but now they must trust.
We&rsquo;re like little children more than we realize.
What if once we release into the Father&rsquo;s hand, we are called to stop reaching back for what we&rsquo;ve let go of? I find that&rsquo;s one of the hardest parts for me. I&rsquo;ve admitted to myself that sometimes, I struggle to trust God and want to take it back into my own hands.
Why?
He hasn&rsquo;t proven Himself untrustworthy. I know He isn&rsquo;t going to fail me.
But if I&rsquo;m honest, I think it&rsquo;s because deep down, I want something so badly that I fear losing it. I fear God will ask me to give it up, that things won&rsquo;t go my way, or I won&rsquo;t get what I want.
God will always provide what I need, even if it&rsquo;s not what I think I want. Philippians 4:19 (ESV) reminds us that &ldquo;And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.&rdquo; I&rsquo;ve seen it in my lifetime and again. Why would I doubt Him now?
If He closes a door, then perhaps it&rsquo;s protection. You ever heard the phrase &ldquo;rejection is God&rsquo;s protection&rdquo;? Yep. So have I. And as much as I hate to admit it, it is often true.
When God closes a door we thought we were meant to walk through, we can be tempted to become angry at God. We can wonder why He did that. We can feel like we deserve [fill-in-the-blank]. But the truth is, every good thing comes from above and is a gift of grace we could never earn (James 1:17).
Yes, but God loves to give good gifts to His children. Not just good gifts but the best for us (Matthew 7:11). It may not look like the gifts He chooses to bless someone else with, but that&rsquo;s okay. It doesn&rsquo;t have to. It will be the best for us.
And you know something else?
God desires fellowship with us. I have found many times in my own life that God will allow things that will draw me to Him. Those things force me to rely on Him, to trust His plan, or to choose to worship Him even in a valley. He didn&rsquo;t force us to Himself, but in those moments, He gives a choice: we can either allow the pain to pull us towards God or push Him away.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life
Recently, I wrestled with anger towards God. I knew I didn&rsquo;t want to be angry, and I was angry at myself for even feeling that way.
I knew God had a plan, and I wanted to trust Him.
In the dark of night, I finally whispered to Him: &ldquo;God, please write my story in the way that brings You the most glory.&rdquo;
I can&rsquo;t explain it, but after that night, I&rsquo;ve had peace regarding that specific situation in my life.
I realized that Psalm 37:3-6 isn&rsquo;t just about committing my way to the Lord. It was also about trusting Him once I did. We are called to trust in the Lord, do good, dwell where He has placed us, and be faithful in even the small things. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts, which is ultimately a relationship and fellowship with Him. It&rsquo;s so hard sometimes, but there is such beauty and freedom in committing our ways to the Lord, trusting in Him, and watching Him write our stories in ways only He can.
And I know that no matter what happens, no matter what pain or unpleasant situations come up in my life, God will be there. And if He uses the pain to draw me to Him and to use in glorifying Himself and calling others to Him, then by His strength alone, I can say, &ldquo;Bring it on.&rdquo; If the pain is the path to His presence, then I count it all joy. It&rsquo;s worth it.
Pray with me:
Dear Father, thank You for being patient with me, for being a loving Father whose heart I can trust even when I don&rsquo;t understand Your plan. Forgive me for the times I&rsquo;ve tried to take back what I&rsquo;ve already surrendered to You, and for the moments I&rsquo;ve let what I want cloud my view of what You have for me. Today, I&rsquo;m not just surrendering my plans. I choose to trust You with what is already in Your hands. Help me to leave my story in Your hands, knowing that if You are writing it, it will be for my ultimate good and Your greatest glory. I am Yours. In Jesus&rsquo;s Name, Amen.

Trusting God With What You’ve Already Surrendered

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e015332c-196b-49b4-a95a-b44b01024584/transcript

Proverbs 18:10 reminds believers that true security is found not in human strength or earthly protection, but in the presence and power of God. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on a frightening experience in Washington, D.C., where heightened police activity and danger created anxiety rather than peace. Yet in the middle of uncertainty, prayer shifted her focus from fear to God’s protection and brought a deep sense of peace.

This devotional encourages Christians to run to God first whenever fear, uncertainty, or danger arise. Like the fortified towers in biblical times, God’s presence provides refuge, strength, and safety for His people. While difficult circumstances may not immediately disappear, believers can trust that God remains sovereign, powerful, and near in every situation. Through prayer, we gain access to the only security that never fails.

Highlights
God is the ultimate source of safety and protection.
Earthly security often cannot provide lasting peace.
Prayer connects believers directly to God’s unlimited power.
Proverbs 18:10 compares God’s name to a fortified tower.
Running to God means trusting Him in fearful situations.
God’s peace can calm anxiety even when circumstances remain difficult.
Believers can confidently rely on God’s presence during uncertainty and danger.

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:

Run to God for Security

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10, NIV

While my husband Russ and I drove home from watching the musical “1776” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., we were surprised to see that many of the streets we had planned to take were blocked by a massive police presence. We found ourselves caught in a maze of detours trying to get around the White House. The more we drove, the more alarmed we became. Police officers were everywhere, racing by in cruisers with sirens blaring and red and blue lights flashing. They were also standing outside, with their guns in full view, talking urgently on radios. I checked the news on my phone while Russ drove, and discovered that a man armed with guns and knives had breached security at the Washington Hilton and opened fire during the White House correspondents’ dinner. That was the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan had been wounded in an act of violence decades before. Earlier in history, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in the same theater where we had just seen the show. Despite all the armed officers surrounding us, I didn’t feel protected. Instead, the abundance of weapons and the high-speed maneuvers made me feel insecure and unsafe. So, I prayed for protection – for us in our car, for all the officers and people at the correspondents’ dinner, and for everyone else in the area. Then I felt a strong sense of peace settle on me. I finally felt secure because I knew I could trust God for my ultimate safety, and I experienced God’s peace.

Proverbs 18:10 points out that calling on God’s name through prayer is a powerful way to find safety. It compares God to a fortified tower we can run to. In biblical times, fortified towers were at the core of a city’s defense. Those towers were built with thick stones and placed on the highest ground. When an enemy invaded, the people would abandon their vulnerable houses and run to the tower for protection.

The verse says the “name of the Lord” is like a strong tower. When we run to God by calling on his name through prayer, we’re connecting with the source of all power! There is no limit to God’s power. So, God is much stronger than any dangerous situation we’ll ever face in this fallen world.

You can run to God’s protection anytime and anywhere you need it, just by calling on God’s name when you pray. When you’re facing scary circumstances in your life – like an alarming health diagnosis or conflict in a relationship that’s important to you – you may feel trapped in a dangerous place, as I did in Washington, D.C. that night. But when you pray, you can run through the doors of God’s protection. Notice that the verse says “the righteous run to it and are safe.” That doesn’t mean that the danger around you will stop. But God, who is much more powerful than the danger, will be present with you right in the middle of danger. All you have to do is call on the name of the Lord, and God will answer your prayer by helping you.

God gives you the ultimate security. It doesn’t depend on how many police officers are in your neighborhood or how many locks are on your door. God’s security is based on the reality that God has unlimited power, so nothing can break through his protective barriers. Whenever you feel unsafe, run to God in prayer just like you would run to a strong tower for protection. Then you’ll find the security that only God can give you!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you consider why it’s important to run to God for security, reflect on these questions:
When you feel afraid or anxious, what’s the very first thing you usually do to try to feel safe? 
Why do you think human security (like money, locks, or even the police) sometimes fails to give us true peace of mind? 
What does it mean to you to run to God’s name in the middle of a challenging or dangerous situation? 
When has God answered your prayers for protection in the past? How did you experience God’s peace in those situations? 
What circumstances are you facing right now where you need God’s protection?

Further Reading:

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 61:3

Psalm 91:2

2 Samuel 22:3

Nahum 1:7

Proverbs 18:10 reminds believers that true security is found not in human strength or earthly protection, but in the presence and power of God. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on a frightening experience in Washington, D.C., where heightened police activity and danger created anxiety rather than peace. Yet in the middle of uncertainty, prayer shifted her focus from fear to God&rsquo;s protection and brought a deep sense of peace.
This devotional encourages Christians to run to God first whenever fear, uncertainty, or danger arise. Like the fortified towers in biblical times, God&rsquo;s presence provides refuge, strength, and safety for His people. While difficult circumstances may not immediately disappear, believers can trust that God remains sovereign, powerful, and near in every situation. Through prayer, we gain access to the only security that never fails.
Highlights
<ul data-start="905" data-end="1350">
<li data-section-id="1cwzrxs" data-start="905" data-end="959">God is the ultimate source of safety and protection.</li>
<li data-section-id="qs0xxn" data-start="960" data-end="1014">Earthly security often cannot provide lasting peace.</li>
<li data-section-id="16uin8m" data-start="1015" data-end="1077">Prayer connects believers directly to God&rsquo;s unlimited power.</li>
<li data-section-id="1rf8z05" data-start="1078" data-end="1136">Proverbs 18:10 compares God&rsquo;s name to a fortified tower.</li>
<li data-section-id="1uh3drb" data-start="1137" data-end="1195">Running to God means trusting Him in fearful situations.</li>
<li data-section-id="1xcv0jz" data-start="1196" data-end="1268">God&rsquo;s peace can calm anxiety even when circumstances remain difficult.</li>
<li data-section-id="ts0ukj" data-start="1269" data-end="1350">Believers can confidently rely on God&rsquo;s presence during uncertainty and danger.</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Run to God for Security
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.&rdquo; &ndash; Proverbs 18:10, NIV
While my husband Russ and I drove home from watching the musical &ldquo;1776&rdquo; at Ford&rsquo;s Theatre in Washington, D.C., we were surprised to see that many of the streets we had planned to take were blocked by a massive police presence. We found ourselves caught in a maze of detours trying to get around the White House. The more we drove, the more alarmed we became. Police officers were everywhere, racing by in cruisers with sirens blaring and red and blue lights flashing. They were also standing outside, with their guns in full view, talking urgently on radios. I checked the news on my phone while Russ drove, and discovered that a man armed with guns and knives had breached security at the Washington Hilton and opened fire during the White House correspondents&rsquo; dinner. That was the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan had been wounded in an act of violence decades before. Earlier in history, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in the same theater where we had just seen the show. Despite all the armed officers surrounding us, I didn&rsquo;t feel protected. Instead, the abundance of weapons and the high-speed maneuvers made me feel insecure and unsafe. So, I prayed for protection &ndash; for us in our car, for all the officers and people at the correspondents&rsquo; dinner, and for everyone else in the area. Then I felt a strong sense of peace settle on me. I finally felt secure because I knew I could trust God for my ultimate safety, and I experienced<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-find-and-share-gods-peace-in-a-violent-and-hurting-world.html"> God&rsquo;s peace</a>.
Proverbs 18:10 points out that calling on God&rsquo;s name through prayer is a powerful way to find safety. It compares God to a fortified tower we can run to. In biblical times, fortified towers were at the core of a city&rsquo;s defense. Those towers were built with thick stones and placed on the highest ground. When an enemy invaded, the people would abandon their vulnerable houses and run to the tower for protection.
The verse says the &ldquo;name of the Lord&rdquo; is like a strong tower. When we run to God by calling on his name through prayer, we&rsquo;re connecting with the source of all power! There is<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/gods-power-is-stronger-than-your-challenges-the-crosswalk-devotional.html"> no limit to God&rsquo;s power</a>. So, God is much stronger than any dangerous situation we&rsquo;ll ever face in this fallen world.
You can run to God&rsquo;s protection anytime and anywhere you need it, just by calling on God&rsquo;s name when you pray. When you&rsquo;re facing scary circumstances in your life &ndash; like an alarming health diagnosis or conflict in a relationship that&rsquo;s important to you &ndash; you may feel trapped in a dangerous place, as I did in Washington, D.C. that night. But when you pray, you can run through the doors of God&rsquo;s protection. Notice that the verse says &ldquo;the righteous run to it and are safe.&rdquo; That doesn&rsquo;t mean that the danger around you will stop. But God, who is much more powerful than the danger, will be present with you right in the middle of danger. All you have to do is call on the name of the Lord, and<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/does-prayer-really-work.html"> God will answer your prayer</a> by helping you.
God gives you the ultimate security. It doesn&rsquo;t depend on how many police officers are in your neighborhood or how many locks are on your door. God&rsquo;s security is based on the reality that God has unlimited power, so nothing can break through his protective barriers. Whenever you feel unsafe, run to God in prayer just like you would run to a strong tower for protection. Then you&rsquo;ll find the security that only God can give you!
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
As you consider why it&rsquo;s important to run to God for security, reflect on these questions:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">When you feel afraid or anxious, what&rsquo;s the very first thing you usually do to try to feel safe?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why do you think human security (like money, locks, or even the police) sometimes fails to give us true peace of mind?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">What does it mean to you to run to God&rsquo;s name in the middle of a challenging or dangerous situation?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">When has God answered your prayers for protection in the past? How did you experience God&rsquo;s peace in those situations?&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">What circumstances are you facing right now where you need God&rsquo;s protection?</li>
</ul>
Further Reading:
Psalm 46:1
Psalm 61:3
Psalm 91:2
2 Samuel 22:3
Nahum 1:7

Run to God for Security

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ce483021-32bf-4f36-928f-b44b01019ab4/transcript

Proverbs 14:29 teaches that patience reflects wisdom and understanding, while quick-tempered reactions often lead to regret and foolishness. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker shares her personal struggle with impatience, anxiety, and the desire for control, revealing how God helped her gradually cultivate patience through growth, flexibility, prayer, and dependence on Him.

This devotional reminds believers that patience is not developed overnight but is part of spiritual maturity and the fruit of the Spirit. Through prayer, intentional thinking, and trusting God in frustrating moments, Christians can learn to respond with peace rather than anger. Whether facing delays, unmet expectations, or everyday inconveniences, God faithfully helps His children grow in patience as they rely on His strength and guidance.

Highlights
Patience often develops through difficult and frustrating seasons.
Anxiety and the desire for control can contribute to impatience.
God strengthens believers when they turn to Him during stressful moments.
Filling waiting seasons with productive or meaningful activities can help cultivate patience.
Proverbs 14:29 connects patience with wisdom and understanding.
Quick-tempered reactions often damage our witness and relationships.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that grows over time through dependence on God.

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Full Transcript Below:

Cultivating Patience
By: Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). 

Patience is something most of us have struggled with at various times in our lives. As a teen, I remember struggling immensely with patience as I was obsessed with routines. If something didn’t go as planned, I would get stressed. I now know this was due to an underlying anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But back then, I had no idea. 

My lack of patience and desire for order made life challenging for my entire family. My mom was worried about my behavior and spoke with me about my concerning behaviors. She told me that I needed to learn to be flexible because life is not set in stone. We cannot expect everything to happen exactly as it did yesterday. My mom wanted to ensure I understood that patience was required to be flexible, and it was something I was going to have to work on.

While I continued to struggle with patience and flexibility as a teen, I have now cultivated these skills as an adult. Although my mom never saw all her wise words and hard work come to fruition in my life, I am eternally grateful for her help. I am now able to be patient, flexible, and roll with the punches. While some things can still bother me, such as being stuck in traffic or waiting in a lengthy line, most things don’t anymore. I can fill my time with other things while I wait, and I can talk with the Lord in prayer when I’m struggling. 

In truth, we can easily snuff out impatience by talking with the Lord. He will give us guidance and strengthen our minds when we are at our wits' end. Moreover, it also helps to fill our time with other things. For example, if we are waiting for a doctor’s appointment, we can bring a book or an assignment we need to work on. 

Think about a book you want to read, a hobby you want to pick up, or a friend you’ve meant to call. Most things take time, but if we fill our time with fun and productive activities, patience will not feel as draining anymore. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible tells us, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29). This shows the importance of being patient. Cultivating patience will take time; however, God will help us. As we lean more into Him, apply His teachings in our lives, and rely on Him for strength, we will develop patience each day. 

Sometimes we might struggle, but this is normal. None of us will master patience overnight, and we will fall short at times. As long as we are trying our best, we are doing right. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, which tells us it will take time to perfect (Galatians 5:22-23). 

If we are quick-tempered, we are displaying folly. Think about when you saw someone lose their temper. Were they red in the face? What was the tone of their voice? Did they look Christ-like? Addressing these questions will help us avoid future mistakes in our own lives. 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). As believers, we need to continue to walk the way of patience and refrain from anger (Psalm 37:8). Those who seek patience will cultivate life, and those who seek anger will find folly. Carefully pray over the matter, talk with Him, and allow Him to direct your path.

Why do you think so many of us struggle with patience? By understanding the difference between patience and folly, how will it impact your future actions and behaviors? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 37:7-11

Romans 12:12

Proverbs 15:18

Proverbs 14:29 teaches that patience reflects wisdom and understanding, while quick-tempered reactions often lead to regret and foolishness. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker shares her personal struggle with impatience, anxiety, and the desire for control, revealing how God helped her gradually cultivate patience through growth, flexibility, prayer, and dependence on Him.
This devotional reminds believers that patience is not developed overnight but is part of spiritual maturity and the fruit of the Spirit. Through prayer, intentional thinking, and trusting God in frustrating moments, Christians can learn to respond with peace rather than anger. Whether facing delays, unmet expectations, or everyday inconveniences, God faithfully helps His children grow in patience as they rely on His strength and guidance.
Highlights
<ul data-start="851" data-end="1379">
<li data-section-id="1vfvmsu" data-start="851" data-end="919">Patience often develops through difficult and frustrating seasons.</li>
<li data-section-id="958h57" data-start="920" data-end="986">Anxiety and the desire for control can contribute to impatience.</li>
<li data-section-id="15fabwz" data-start="987" data-end="1062">God strengthens believers when they turn to Him during stressful moments.</li>
<li data-section-id="14fcsl0" data-start="1063" data-end="1158">Filling waiting seasons with productive or meaningful activities can help cultivate patience.</li>
<li data-section-id="z2sl39" data-start="1159" data-end="1224">Proverbs 14:29 connects patience with wisdom and understanding.</li>
<li data-section-id="v565ja" data-start="1225" data-end="1295">Quick-tempered reactions often damage our witness and relationships.</li>
<li data-section-id="4hvng" data-start="1296" data-end="1379">Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that grows over time through dependence on God.</li>
</ul>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Cultivating Patience By: Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly&rdquo; (Proverbs 14:29).&nbsp;
Patience is something most of us have struggled with at various times in our lives. As a teen, I remember struggling immensely with patience as I was obsessed with routines. If something didn&rsquo;t go as planned, I would get stressed. I now know this was due to an underlying anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But back then, I had no idea.&nbsp;
My lack of patience and desire for order made life challenging for my entire family. My mom was worried about my behavior and spoke with me about my concerning behaviors. She told me that I needed to learn to be flexible because life is not set in stone. We cannot expect everything to happen exactly as it did yesterday. My mom wanted to ensure I understood that patience was required to be flexible, and it was something I was going to have to work on.
While I continued to struggle with patience and flexibility as a teen, I have now cultivated these skills as an adult. Although my mom never saw all her wise words and hard work come to fruition in my life, I am eternally grateful for her help. I am now able to be patient, flexible, and roll with the punches. While some things can still bother me, such as being stuck in traffic or waiting in a lengthy line, most things don&rsquo;t anymore. I can fill my time with other things while I wait, and I can talk with the Lord in prayer when I&rsquo;m struggling.&nbsp;
In truth, we can easily snuff out impatience by talking with the Lord. He will give us guidance and strengthen our minds when we are at our wits' end. Moreover, it also helps to fill our time with other things. For example, if we are waiting for a doctor&rsquo;s appointment, we can bring a book or an assignment we need to work on.&nbsp;
Think about a book you want to read, a hobby you want to pick up, or a friend you&rsquo;ve meant to call. Most things take time, but if we fill our time with fun and productive activities, patience will not feel as draining anymore.&nbsp;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
The Bible tells us, &ldquo;Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly&rdquo; (Proverbs 14:29). This shows the importance of being patient. Cultivating patience will take time; however, God will help us. As we lean more into Him, apply His teachings in our lives, and rely on Him for strength, we will develop patience each day.&nbsp;
Sometimes we might struggle, but this is normal. None of us will master patience overnight, and we will fall short at times. As long as we are trying our best, we are doing right. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, which tells us it will take time to perfect (Galatians 5:22-23).&nbsp;
If we are quick-tempered, we are displaying folly. Think about when you saw someone lose their temper. Were they red in the face? What was the tone of their voice? Did they look Christ-like? Addressing these questions will help us avoid future mistakes in our own lives.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up&rdquo; (Galatians 6:9). As believers, we need to continue to walk the way of patience and refrain from anger (Psalm 37:8). Those who seek patience will cultivate life, and those who seek anger will find folly. Carefully pray over the matter, talk with Him, and allow Him to direct your path.
Why do you think so many of us struggle with patience? By understanding the difference between patience and folly, how will it impact your future actions and behaviors?&nbsp;
Further Reading:
Psalm 37:7-11
Romans 12:12
Proverbs 15:18

Cultivating Patience

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/7dd3837c-d5a6-43f7-bfa7-b44b010121cd/transcript

What Does Your Righteousness Look Like?

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