God is always with us. In this episode, we reflect on the powerful promise that God’s presence is not bound by time, space, or circumstance. Whether you're on a mountaintop or walking through a valley, God is right there with you.

We’ll explore stories from Scripture, like the journey of Jacob, who encountered God in the wilderness (Genesis 28:15), and how God reassured His people in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you.”

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear how praising God has helped you in your own challenges. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—Can you think of a time when you felt God's presence in a place or situation where you least expected it?

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/

God is always with us. In this episode, we reflect on the powerful promise that God’s presence is not bound by time, space, or circumstance. Whether you're on a mountaintop or walking through a valley, God is right there with you.
We’ll explore stories from Scripture, like the journey of Jacob, who encountered God in the wilderness (Genesis 28:15), and how God reassured His people in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
<hr>
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how praising God has helped you in your own challenges. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—Can you think of a time when you felt God's presence in a place or situation where you least expected it?
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

Wherever You Are, There the Lord Will Also Be

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the true meaning of giving and how the greatest gifts we receive are often the ones we give to others. While Christmas is a season filled with presents, festivities, and family, it also serves as a reminder of the ultimate gift God gave to the world—His Son, Jesus Christ. His life and message challenge us to live a life of generosity, kindness, and love toward others.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on the power of giving and how it shapes your Christmas experience. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you prioritize giving during the holiday season? What have been some of the most meaningful gifts you’ve given or received, and how have they impacted your life?

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/

Full Transcript Below:

The Greatest Gifts You'll Get are the Ones You Give

By Keri Eichberger

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35) Have you ever felt a tender sweet feeling well and stir up deep in the pit of your core? That with rich smooth waves swells through your soul, and sneaks all the way up as a soft lump in your throat. Then attempting to squeeze tears to the brim of your sight. And not because you’re sad or scared or anything bad at all. But for the sake of pure joy. 

I’ve cried several happy tears, and they are always a divine treat. Moments I see God’s blessings of compassion so clearly. And I had one of those encounters last week.

My Thursday morning bible study had just wrapped another session of leaning in to learn more about Jesus together. My favorite few hours of the week by the way. We had been discussing an opportunity to do something special to kick off the holiday season, when Michelle suggested we adopt a specific family to bless and shower with gifts. It was the beginning of such a beautiful conversation. One that enveloped every single one of us in the room with smiles and obvious excitement. You could hear and see the joy unfold and unleash as we went from talking over which few items we would fulfill on the list for the foster family of twelve, to asserting our uncontainable eagerness to cover every single want and need they’d referenced. 

We couldn’t hold back. The ideas and generous hearts swirling around the room became contagious and overflowing. Emily, sitting right beside me and with a large grin, stated what we were all deeply feeling: how great of a blessing this big gesture would surely be to them.

And all of a sudden it struck me. I honestly had no idea how any of the receivers would react, or the impact our gifts would have. But I knew one thing for sure. This opportunity was changing me. Yes, we were all beaming with joy to bless, but the truer truth was: we were the ones undeniably being blessed.

What a joy. Something I bet you long for now and always too. Right?

I know the holidays can sometimes present a struggle to find the joy we hope for in the sweet season of supposed peace and good tidings. Because—whether we are entering this Christmas without a loved one for the first time, with a new shift in family dynamics, or experiencing some other form of suffering stealing our hope and joy—expectations can run high, and in typical fashion the world fails to measure up making joy difficult to muster up. I know this struggle. I’ve been navigating my own hard season. But in that moment, in a room filled with hearts looking outward in love to serve, I was profoundly reminded of the absolute joy found in giving. The remarkable blessing in the act of blessing.

Yes, we are responding in obedience when we love on, serve, and share our resources with others. And these are pleasing gifts to God. But make no mistake, he is ever so delighted to share back with you and me the sweet gift and blessing of joy too. An infectious fulfilling joy you’ll find when you offer generous blessings to his beloved children.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

In what ways are you giving and serving this season? Would it bless you to experience some increased doses of joy? It always does, friend. 

Today or tomorrow, consider blessing someone. It can be a small token, a simple act, a community effort, or an anonymous encouragement. Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ And what better time of year to honor the Lord and give than Christmas time. When Christians all around the world come together to celebrate Jesus, our Savior. The greatest gift we were so generously given. The time of year—when in our overflow of praise to the Father for sending his son and every blessing he brings—we have the opportunity to reflect the light and hope many are longing and praying for. This precious time we have the honor of offering the light of hope we have in him. And find the privilege in return of refreshing our hope, light, and joy in him.

Let’s join him in being a gift and light to others. Allowing the light and joy to well up within our souls–just like it did for me last week–and thus begin to reflect, multiply, and magnify light all around us. And all throughout the world. For the sake of Jesus—the light and hope of all the world.

 

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the true meaning of giving and how the greatest gifts we receive are often the ones we give to others. While Christmas is a season filled with presents, festivities, and family, it also serves as a reminder of the ultimate gift God gave to the world&mdash;His Son, Jesus Christ. His life and message challenge us to live a life of generosity, kindness, and love toward others.
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on the power of giving and how it shapes your Christmas experience. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you prioritize giving during the holiday season? What have been some of the most meaningful gifts you&rsquo;ve given or received, and how have they impacted your life?
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>
Full Transcript Below:
The Greatest Gifts You'll Get are the Ones You Give
By Keri Eichberger
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: &lsquo;It is more blessed to give than to receive.&rsquo; (Acts 20:35) Have you ever felt a tender sweet feeling well and stir up deep in the pit of your core? That with rich smooth waves swells through your soul, and sneaks all the way up as a soft lump in your throat. Then attempting to squeeze tears to the brim of your sight. And not because you&rsquo;re sad or scared or anything bad at all. But for the sake of pure joy.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve cried several happy tears, and they are always a divine treat. Moments I see God&rsquo;s blessings of compassion so clearly. And I had one of those encounters last week.
My Thursday morning bible study had just wrapped another session of leaning in to learn more about Jesus together. My favorite few hours of the week by the way. We had been discussing an opportunity to do something special to kick off the holiday season, when Michelle suggested we adopt a specific family to bless and shower with gifts. It was the beginning of such a beautiful conversation. One that enveloped every single one of us in the room with smiles and obvious excitement. You could hear and see the joy unfold and unleash as we went from talking over which few items we would fulfill on the list for the foster family of twelve, to asserting our uncontainable eagerness to cover every single want and need they&rsquo;d referenced.&nbsp;
We couldn&rsquo;t hold back. The ideas and generous hearts swirling around the room became contagious and overflowing. Emily, sitting right beside me and with a large grin, stated what we were all deeply feeling: how great of a blessing this big gesture would surely be to them.
And all of a sudden it struck me. I honestly had no idea how any of the receivers would react, or the impact our gifts would have. But I knew one thing for sure. This opportunity was changing me. Yes, we were all beaming with joy to bless, but the truer truth was: we were the ones undeniably being blessed.
What a joy. Something I bet you long for now and always too. Right?
I know the holidays can sometimes present a struggle to find the joy we hope for in the sweet season of supposed peace and good tidings. Because&mdash;whether we are entering this Christmas without a loved one for the first time, with a new shift in family dynamics, or experiencing some other form of suffering stealing our hope and joy&mdash;expectations can run high, and in typical fashion the world fails to measure up making joy difficult to muster up. I know this struggle. I&rsquo;ve been navigating my own hard season. But in that moment, in a room filled with hearts looking outward in love to serve, I was profoundly reminded of the absolute joy found in giving. The remarkable blessing in the act of blessing.
Yes, we are responding in obedience when we love on, serve, and share our resources with others. And these are pleasing gifts to God. But make no mistake, he is ever so delighted to share back with you and me the sweet gift and blessing of joy too. An infectious fulfilling joy you&rsquo;ll find when you offer generous blessings to his beloved children.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
In what ways are you giving and serving this season? Would it bless you to experience some increased doses of joy? It always does, friend.&nbsp;
Today or tomorrow, consider blessing someone. It can be a small token, a simple act, a community effort, or an anonymous encouragement. Jesus himself said: &lsquo;It is more blessed to give than to receive.&rsquo; And what better time of year to honor the Lord and give than Christmas time. When Christians all around the world come together to celebrate Jesus, our Savior. The greatest gift we were so generously given. The time of year&mdash;when in our overflow of praise to the Father for sending his son and every blessing he brings&mdash;we have the opportunity to reflect the light and hope many are longing and praying for. This precious time we have the honor of offering the light of hope we have in him. And find the privilege in return of refreshing our hope, light, and joy in him.
Let&rsquo;s join him in being a gift and light to others. Allowing the light and joy to well up within our souls&ndash;just like it did for me last week&ndash;and thus begin to reflect, multiply, and magnify light all around us. And all throughout the world. For the sake of Jesus&mdash;the light and hope of all the world.
&nbsp;

The Greatest Gifts You'll Get Are the Ones You Give

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the deeper significance of Christ’s birth and the message He came to preach. Christmas is often associated with joy, gifts, and family celebrations, but at its heart, the season points to the life-changing message that Jesus brought to the world. Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby, and why does His preaching matter to us today?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas and how Christ’s message impacts your life. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations? What part of His message do you find most meaningful during the holiday season?

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/

Full Transcript Below:

Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most

By Lynette Kittle

“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice”-- Philippians 1:18

We may not like or approve of certain ways some Christian leaders, groups, organizations, and churches are proclaiming the Christmas story this year, yet we may want to take a step back and look at the whole picture.

Although it’s difficult to observe, as often we can see how some seem to have ulterior motives rather than being motivated by the beauty of God’s message. Yet, still, they may be reaching out to those who may not have heard it before. Even if we don’t like their tactics and methods, we want to recognize that God is able to save those who hear His truth despite how it is being presented to them.

It’s hard, too, for those of us who seek to handle God’s word with reverent fear and trembling and who understand the call and importance of handling it correctly to see others seeming to deal carelessly with it. Like 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Understanding God holds us accountable for the words we speak, write, and present to the world; we know He will also hold those responsible who are not so concerned in how they handle it. Like Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, we are to be cautious. “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Praising God in the Midst of People’s Carelessness

Still, despite their careless handling of His word, God is able to save through it, and for this we want to be thankful and praise God—not for the people who are doing so with little regard for how they present His truth, but for how He is able to reach out in remarkable ways through the most haphazardly ways His truth is presented. 

We want to keep in mind that the most important thing is that Christ is preached at Christmas, and that involves a broad spectrum of how it is accomplished. Like the Apostle Paul explained in Romans 10:14, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

In the grand scheme of life, isn’t it better for those to hear Christ than not to hear at all, even if it’s not done in a way or method we would present it?

God Has His Ways

Because God has His ways of speaking to individuals’ hearts, we don’t know how He might move a person’s heart in the most unexpected time and place when it seems like nothing good could come from the situation.

As a hospice chaplain, my husband shared what happened while he was leading a grief support group, and some of the members began saying why they don’t celebrate Christmas.

Still, in their argument, they quoted Scripture and actually told the Christmas story to the group while trying to make a point against it.

Thankfully, instead of attempting to shut the discussion down, God gave him insight and wisdom to recognize that in their attempt to discredit the story of God’s Christmas gift, they were actually spreading the truth of it to those in the group who may never have heard it before. 

Although the disgruntled group members didn’t realize it that evening, they were preaching Christ and possibly unknowingly through it, God was stirring hearts with the Good News of His Christmas gift of Salvation. 

Isaiah 55:8 describes how, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.”

Intersecting Faith & Life: If troubled by how the Christmas story is being presented and represented in your community and the world at large, pray for God to reach through the carelessness and move individuals’ hearts to receive Him.

Further Reading: At Christmas and Always God’s Word Never Fails

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/at-christmas-and-always-gods-word-never-fails.html

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the deeper significance of Christ&rsquo;s birth and the message He came to preach. Christmas is often associated with joy, gifts, and family celebrations, but at its heart, the season points to the life-changing message that Jesus brought to the world. Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby, and why does His preaching matter to us today?
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas and how Christ&rsquo;s message impacts your life. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations? What part of His message do you find most meaningful during the holiday season?
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>
Full Transcript Below:
Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most
By Lynette Kittle
&ldquo;But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice&rdquo;-- Philippians 1:18
We may not like or approve of certain ways some Christian leaders, groups, organizations, and churches are proclaiming the Christmas story this year, yet we may want to take a step back and look at the whole picture.
Although it&rsquo;s difficult to observe, as often we can see how some seem to have ulterior motives rather than being motivated by the beauty of God&rsquo;s message. Yet, still, they may be reaching out to those who may not have heard it before. Even if we don&rsquo;t like their tactics and methods, we want to recognize that God is able to save those who hear His truth despite how it is being presented to them.
It&rsquo;s hard, too, for those of us who seek to handle God&rsquo;s word with reverent fear and trembling and who understand the call and importance of handling it correctly to see others seeming to deal carelessly with it. Like 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, &ldquo;Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.&rdquo;
Understanding God holds us accountable for the words we speak, write, and present to the world; we know He will also hold those responsible who are not so concerned in how they handle it. Like Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, we are to be cautious. &ldquo;But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.&rdquo;
Praising God in the Midst of People&rsquo;s Carelessness
Still, despite their careless handling of His word, God is able to save through it, and for this we want to be thankful and praise God&mdash;not for the people who are doing so with little regard for how they present His truth, but for how He is able to reach out in remarkable ways through the most haphazardly ways His truth is presented.&nbsp;
We want to keep in mind that the most important thing is that Christ is preached at Christmas, and that involves a broad spectrum of how it is accomplished. Like the Apostle Paul explained in Romans 10:14, &ldquo;How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?&rdquo;
In the grand scheme of life, isn&rsquo;t it better for those to hear Christ than not to hear at all, even if it&rsquo;s not done in a way or method we would present it?
God Has His Ways
Because God has His ways of speaking to individuals&rsquo; hearts, we don&rsquo;t know how He might move a person&rsquo;s heart in the most unexpected time and place when it seems like nothing good could come from the situation.
As a hospice chaplain, my husband shared what happened while he was leading a grief support group, and some of the members began saying why they don&rsquo;t celebrate Christmas.
Still, in their argument, they quoted Scripture and actually told the Christmas story to the group while trying to make a point against it.
Thankfully, instead of attempting to shut the discussion down, God gave him insight and wisdom to recognize that in their attempt to discredit the story of God&rsquo;s Christmas gift, they were actually spreading the truth of it to those in the group who may never have heard it before.&nbsp;
Although the disgruntled group members didn&rsquo;t realize it that evening, they were preaching Christ and possibly unknowingly through it, God was stirring hearts with the Good News of His Christmas gift of Salvation.&nbsp;
Isaiah 55:8 describes how, &ldquo;&rsquo;For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,&rsquo; declares the Lord.&rdquo;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life: If troubled by how the Christmas story is being presented and represented in your community and the world at large, pray for God to reach through the carelessness and move individuals&rsquo; hearts to receive Him.
Further Reading: At Christmas and Always God&rsquo;s Word Never Fails
https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/at-christmas-and-always-gods-word-never-fails.html

Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful truth that God’s peace is not just a feeling—it’s a ruling force that can govern our hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to let God’s peace guard us, especially in times of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. But how do we allow His peace to rule our hearts when life is filled with stress and chaos?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how God’s peace has ruled in your heart during difficult times. Share your stories with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you make room for God’s peace in your life? What Scriptures or practices help you to surrender your anxieties and trust in His peace?

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/

Full Transcript Below:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:12-16

As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I’m intrigued by the phrasing of verse 15. I find it interesting that Scripture doesn’t say, “gain” or “discover” the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace. 

Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We’re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit’s work in us is, among other things, peace.

When I combine these truths with the Bible’s directive to “let” God’s peace reign, I’m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges, that can cause us to worry and feel afraid. I don’t want to diminish that. Yet, God has also shown me, often during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart. I can’t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge, harboring bitterness, or strategizing how to get even with someone who wronged me. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst. 

I “let” Christ’s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today’s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today’s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to “put to death” or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these “urges” lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret. 

Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God’s child. Remembering that I’m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I’m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts. 

Intersecting Life and Faith

To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we “let” the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don’t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don’t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses. 

Imagine the freedom we’d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another—with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving. 

Further Reading:

Philippians 4:4-9

Galatians 5:16-24

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful truth that God&rsquo;s peace is not just a feeling&mdash;it&rsquo;s a ruling force that can govern our hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to let God&rsquo;s peace guard us, especially in times of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. But how do we allow His peace to rule our hearts when life is filled with stress and chaos?
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear how God&rsquo;s peace has ruled in your heart during difficult times. Share your stories with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you make room for God&rsquo;s peace in your life? What Scriptures or practices help you to surrender your anxieties and trust in His peace?
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>
Full Transcript Below:
Therefore, as God&rsquo;s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves&nbsp;with compassion, kindness, humility,&nbsp;gentleness and patience.&nbsp;13&nbsp;Bear with each other&nbsp;and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.&nbsp;14&nbsp;And over all these virtues put on love,&nbsp;which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:12-16
As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I&rsquo;m intrigued by the phrasing of verse 15. I find it interesting that Scripture doesn&rsquo;t say, &ldquo;gain&rdquo; or &ldquo;discover&rdquo; the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace.&nbsp;
Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We&rsquo;re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit&rsquo;s work in us is, among other things, peace.
When I combine these truths with the Bible&rsquo;s directive to &ldquo;let&rdquo; God&rsquo;s peace reign, I&rsquo;m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges, that can cause us to worry and feel afraid. I don&rsquo;t want to diminish that. Yet, God has also shown me, often during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart. I can&rsquo;t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge, harboring bitterness, or strategizing how to get even with someone who wronged me. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst.&nbsp;
I &ldquo;let&rdquo; Christ&rsquo;s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today&rsquo;s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today&rsquo;s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to &ldquo;put to death&rdquo; or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these &ldquo;urges&rdquo; lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret.&nbsp;
Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God&rsquo;s child. Remembering that I&rsquo;m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I&rsquo;m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts.&nbsp;
Intersecting Life and Faith
To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we &ldquo;let&rdquo; the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don&rsquo;t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don&rsquo;t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses.&nbsp;
Imagine the freedom we&rsquo;d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another&mdash;with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving.&nbsp;
Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A4-9&amp;version=NIV">Philippians 4:4-9</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205%3A16-24&amp;version=NIV">Galatians 5:16-24</a>

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