Biblical Answer

Finding Your New Normal: A Reflection on Virtue, Knowledge, and the Fear of the Lord

#### The Foundation of Faith

The concept of "normal" is essential in the context of character development and a fruitful life. As we navigate through life's challenges, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation, which is our faith. The Bible encourages us to add virtue to our faith (2 Peter 1:5), implying that our faith should be the starting point for growth and development. Virtue is the quality of being morally good, and it's essential to cultivate this trait as we seek to deepen our relationship with God.

#### The Importance of Knowledge

Beyond virtue, we're encouraged to add knowledge to our faith (2 Peter 1:5). This doesn't mean that we should focus solely on acquiring knowledge for its own sake. Rather, it's about understanding God's character, His ways, and His plans for us. As we gain knowledge, we should be reminded of the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). This fear is not a sense of dread or anxiety but rather a deep reverence for God's majesty and power. When we remember who God is and what He has done, we're more likely to live a life that's pleasing to Him.

#### Normalizing Our Relationship with God

In the midst of life's uncertainties, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. The story of Job reminds us that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we must normalize our relationship with God. This involves remembering God's character, His promises, and His plans for us. As we reflect on these things, we're encouraged to find the rightness of our relationship with God. This is not about feeling a certain way or experiencing a particular emotion but rather about living a life that's consistent with God's Word. By normalizing our relationship with God, we're able to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and peace, knowing that we're walking in His will. The new normal, then, is not about finding a new way of living but rather about embracing the way God has designed for us to live – a life of virtue, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.