Biblical Answer

Discovering Your New Normal

In a world where circumstances are constantly changing, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that "normal" is something that can be defined by our surroundings or experiences. However, as the Bible teaches us, normal is actually a spiritual concept that is rooted in our relationship with God. According to 2 Peter 1:5-7, the normal is not something we find in the world, but rather it is a foundation of character that is established through our faith in God. The passage encourages us to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to our faith, so that we may be effective and fruitful in our lives.

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it's essential to remember that our new normal is not defined by our circumstances, but by our relationship with God. Just as Job's experiences in Job 1:1-5 were not the norm, but rather a test of his faith, we too must find ways to normalize our relationship with God in the midst of chaos. This means remembering what God says about himself and about us, and affirming our trust in him, even when things don't make sense. As Job says in 1:21 and 2:10, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." This kind of faith is not just a reaction to circumstances, but a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God.

So, what does this mean for our new normal? It means that we must intentionally prioritize our relationship with God, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart. It means that we must seek to understand and apply God's Word to our lives, so that we can develop the character and virtues that are essential for a fruitful life. And it means that we must learn to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand what's happening. As we do this, we will begin to experience a new normal, one that is rooted in our faith in God and guided by his Word. This new normal will be marked by peace, joy, and contentment, even in the midst of uncertainty and change.