How God Uses Friction to Shape Us

“God employs friction to shape us into his Son’s likeness. Scripture reflects on this in various places. One that provides us with important first principles is Romans 5:3–4: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Gratitude Multiples When We Return It to God

“Our thankfulness glorifies God and makes Him happy: “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me” (Psalm 50:23). Puritan John Boys echoed the sentiment of the psalmist: “As the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, so likewise a cheerful thanksgiver.” But God isn’t the only one affected when we give thanks.”

Trauma, Grace, and Resilience

“Trauma” is a trendy word these days. A generation ago, only a few specialized people used it, but today, it’s everywhere. I recently heard a talk in which someone described the experience of school children going back to school after Covid lockdowns as “traumatic.” It’s a hot topic on social media as people explain trauma responses and warn others of potential triggers. People lightheartedly throw “trauma” around in casual conversation to describe any experience that makes them feel uncomfortable.”