THE NEW NORMAL

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before
thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail
thee, neither forsake thee:
fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

In the above verse, Moses was speaking to Joshua. Because disobedience, Moses was not going to be allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses' right hand man was chosen by God to continue the journey with His people. What had been normal for Joshua up to this point in his life was never again going to be normal. For Joshua, big changes were coming. One important change was going to be the loss of one of the dearest friends on earth to him, Moses. He now wasn't going to be in a subordinate , but he was going to be the “boss.” He would have to lead the people militarily and in every other way. There would be adjustments in his life he never dreamed he would have to face. God spoke to him through Moses to assure him that with all the changes, God would always be the Presence in his life. Joshua would never have to wonder where God was. He had no reason for fear or discouragement as God would be Joshua's success.

The term “new normal” has come to my attention in the last few months. Wish I had learned of it many years ago. It would certainly have explained a lot of things to me as I faced various circumstances. Somehow, we think when our lives seem in an uproar, it would seem things will never be the same again. Well, they won't be the same, so we establish with God's direction, a new normal, a normal in our lives we will live...until the next major change.

I have some friends right now who are leaving their church that has been home for them for years. They know because of some corruptible influences that they must leave and go elsewhere. It seems so unfair and folks are left in a quandary in dealing with their church situation and the seeking of a new church home. Nothing right now feels normal for those for whom the church has been such a major part of their lives. Nothing feels normal right now. I use the term “limbo”...just hanging in mental space for a time. Church changes in our day are not unusual. Many churches are changing drastically and not necessarily for the better. Some situations have all but forced church members to seek churches that are more conservative and even more worshipful.

My family and some friends would attest to the fact that I don't like change in any way. Our family has made several moves. I don't like all the adjustments needed in new places, but they eventually come and a new normal sets in. There are major events in our lives that come to us sometimes through our own doing. There are other events that come almost like a semi truck, slamming into our emotions. These are things of life that occur often with great surprise. For instance, death of a friend or relative leaves a mark on us for some time. Like it or not, we face a new normal where that person will not be alive in our world...only in memory.

What do we know about “new normal?”:

*It will come because of a drastic often emotional changes in our lives.
*A new normal may be rejected or embraced. ''you choose
*Embracing the new norm can lead to a fruitful life.
*The new normal is a provision for healing.
*God stands ready to guide, comfort and be present in one's entire situation.

So how do we arrive at *our new norm when the necessity requires it? Some will try to find their new normal in money, things, drugs, entertainment and all other things that really don't satisfy or heal. Joshua's life at the time of hearing of Moses' not leading anymore and that he was the new leader, Moses, through God's direction gave him the answers for his new norm. Moses was very clear with Joshua some things that would usher him into his new norm:

*God had already gone before Joshua. Remember when we set out to follow the Lord to a certain place or situation, He is already there.
*God is present 24/7. Don't take that in a casual way. It is a rock-bottom truth.
*God won't fail us. He's not in the business of failure. Our God isn't a failure in any sense.
*God won't forsake us. He won't run off and leave us under any circumstances.
*Lastly and very important is a familiar command to not be fearful. Have you noticed how many of the things we fear or worry about, rarely come to pass?

Call it healing or adjustment, but the “new normal” will come to each of us at some time. May we embrace those times. Our Father is totally engaged in the new process that presents itself to us. In this area, much depends on how we view the “is-ness of God”, how we view His reality our lives.

Thank You Father for Your presence in every situation I face. Thank you that as I look ahead, You are already there. You have shown Yourself so present in my life and I thank You for that. Thank you for the “new normal” You have orchestrated in my life. May I be found faithful in every moment You send my way. In Jesus' precious name...Amen