Nothing’s Normal Now!

July 2, 2020

Nothing’s Normal Now!

I hear a lot of people talking about adjusting to the “new normal.”  Some refer to the “new normal” with a healthy dose of humor while others address the subject with great dread.  Still others speak of the “new normal” with cynicism while some broach the subject with deep sadness.

I have asked a lot of people about the “new normal” and concluded that no one knows what the “new normal” is going to be.  Scientists, politicians, and educators do not know.  Business leaders, artists, and pastors do not know.  Railroad workers, those who are not working, and those who are working for equality for all people do not know.     

Is the new normal mask or no mask?  Is the new normal social distance or embrace?  Is the new normal large gatherings or no gatherings at all?  What is the “new normal” at home, at work, at school, at church, at Dairy Queen, or at a Husker football game? 

Although we may not yet know what normal is going to be, there is something we do know; Jesus is sending the help we need to navigate through whatever changes come our way.  We know that changes are all around us and will continue to come.

When everything is changing around us, we need assurance there is some help coming.  Here are a few of God’s promises for uncertain times;

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?  My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 121:1-2)

“In your (the Lord God) righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.  Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”  (Psalm 71:2-3)

“For he (the Lord God) will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”  (Psalm 91:11-12)

No matter what the “new normal” may or may not be, we can be assured that Jesus is our help, our rock, and our place of safety.  We can be confident that Jesus will save us, guard us, and hold us up no matter what changes come our way.

Even now it seems like there is a little more light in the midst of all the changes going on around us.  In John 8:12, Jesus offers a promise; “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

When we walk in “the light” there will be joy and peace and love even when things are changing.  When we walk in “the light” there will be gentleness, humility, and self-control even when things are uncertain.  When we walk in “the light” there will be generosity, strength, and courage even when we feel things are out of control.  When we walk in “the light” who is Jesus our hearts will be filled with delight.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug