The Crosswalk Devotional

Imagine how much impact we would have in the culture if we embraced the good found in aging and taught our children the amazing plan the Lord has for us to grow in godliness, wisdom, and righteousness as we live in the here and now, with eyes and hearts also fixed on eternity with the Lord.

Do you believe God so much so that it’s evident in your life? If not, ask God to help you believe Him, to believe the truth of His word, so that your life changes.

God doesn’t want us to wait until we lose our blessings to start appreciating them. He wants us to live with gratitude right now. All we have to do to stop taking our blessings for granted is to stay focused on our generous God from day to day, and expect the best from God because he loves us!

When you start seeing that more of your life involves medical visits than vacations, some may feel that aging is something to avoid at all costs. But I believe it is an earned reward, rich in the kind of contentment that deeply satisfies. Here are just three reasons for parents to embrace growing old.

We may find it hard to believe when we’re folding another load of laundry or washing dishes, but remember Noah probably couldn’t fully imagine the importance of each part as he built the ark, one piece of wood, one layer of pitch and tar at a time.

Next time you’re feeling worn down by life, go to God. Even if you cannot pray for a long time, simply saying “Jesus, help me” will suffice. And if you cannot even say those words silently or aloud, trust that God already heard the cry of your heart, and He will meet you in your time of need.

I easily forget that the God of the mountains is the God of the valley, and no matter my circumstances, He hears my cries. Just as with David, there will be times when I feel alone, but God never forsakes His children. He is always working for my good and His glory.

Witness the powerful divergence of two young men who once shared a profound spiritual journey, as a former youth pastor reflects on why one returned to faith while the other strayed.

What is your life reflecting about your heart? If you don't like what’s being reflected, ask God to help you see clearly and to lead you with His word and godly principles, so that others are drawn to Him, through what they’re seeing in you.

When we approach each day asking God to teach us something new that day, we can become quicker to listen, slower to judge, and much more adaptable to life’s changes than we would be otherwise.

When you’re feeling alone, remember that you’re never alone because Jesus is always with you. Turn your pain into prayers and ask Him to help you be friends with Him first, and others, second. Ask God for the community you crave and trust Him to send the right people into your 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?

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.

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!

You don't have to be stressed by all the change around you when you remember that the Holy Spirit lives inside you.