Christina Fox

Taking time to consider all the good we have in our lives is considered a healthy practice. But is that why Christians give thanks?

About six months ago, my publisher sent me an orchid. I opened the front door to find a tall box standing on the welcome mat. When I opened it, I was blown away by its beauty, with its raspberry-colored blooms and bright green leaves. I immediately thought, “Oh, no! There’s no way this will last under my care.” After all, I’ve killed every plant I’ve owned, even succulents—now that takes talent!

But life in a fallen world isn’t comfortable, is it? It’s complicated and messy, filled with awkward situations and difficult circumstances. The path of life is not smooth, but filled with potholes, bumps, and obstacles.

Hezekiah’s prayer of trust in the face of fear is a reminder for us to turn to the Lord with our own cares and fears.

Our children live in the same world and face the same upheaval to their lives as we do. They too feel overwhelmed and weary by it all.

In all these stories, I heard whispers of grace. I saw how the Lord was faithful.

My painting experience reminded me of how I often view my life—of how I see the picture God is painting. I often only see the trial and hardship I am in at the moment.

In our culture, happiness is the highest goal in life.

Do you have a favorite promise of God?

The Bible talks a lot about hearing and listening. It likens those who have spiritual life to those who hear.

This year has been a challenge for us all. In addition to the normal hardships of life in a fallen world, we also have a pandemic, lost jobs, division across the country, and severe weather. People are hurting. We are hurting.

This year has brought great fear to many of us. From a deadly pandemic to lost jobs to uncertainty about the future, fear has been the background noise of 2020–a constant in every thought, conversation, and plan. But we don’t have the monopoly on fear.