Editor's Note: This post was inspired by the article "4 Things To Celebrate As We Move Into A New Normal" written by Janet Perez Eckles
Like it or not the events of the last four months have caused changes in the way we go about our lives. Some of them are good changes like; having to stay at home has made us slow down, we've had to spend more time with our families, we've been forced to check in with relatives who need help, we've been forced to take a hard look at racism and its effects on our lives. and some of us have even spent more time with God.
Once the COVID-19 is under control (whenever that happens), and changes are made to begin to address the effects of racism (that may take much longer but it will happen), we'll find that some of the changes have become permanent. There will not be a return to what we considered normal. We will enter into what is sometimes called a "new normal"
Although we wish we had the “old” life back—secure with jobs, freedom to travel, safe from contagious, potentially fatal diseases and ignoring racial injustice. Those days are gone forever.
That’s why we need to change. We need to welcome new ways to face tomorrow with a brand-new kind of thinking.
We can start by answering these questions:
Where do we find hope and strength?
For many, the old habits included putting their hope and looking for strength in what the world offers. As a result, they ended up dragging their burdens, they become exhausted and discouraged.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
What will bring us prosperity?
Sadly, we were deceived in thinking our jobs and careers would bring satisfaction and prosperity. We had conformed to the world’s whims in order to fill our needs and quench our desires. But even when seated on the chair of disappointment, we can lean forward and receive God’s instruction:
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2,
Jobs may be gone, freedom might be compromised and our security may be shaky, but God’s will, pure and perfect remains the same.
Like it or not the events of the last four months have caused changes in the way we go about our lives. Some of them are good changes like; having to stay at home has made us slow down, we've had to spend more time with our families, we've been forced to check in with relatives who need help, we've been forced to take a hard look at racism and its effects on our lives. and some of us have even spent more time with God.
Once the COVID-19 is under control (whenever that happens), and changes are made to begin to address the effects of racism (that may take much longer but it will happen), we'll find that some of the changes have become permanent. There will not be a return to what we considered normal. We will enter into what is sometimes called a "new normal"
Although we wish we had the “old” life back—secure with jobs, freedom to travel, safe from contagious, potentially fatal diseases and ignoring racial injustice. Those days are gone forever.
That’s why we need to change. We need to welcome new ways to face tomorrow with a brand-new kind of thinking.
We can start by answering these questions:
Where do we find hope and strength?
For many, the old habits included putting their hope and looking for strength in what the world offers. As a result, they ended up dragging their burdens, they become exhausted and discouraged.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
What will bring us prosperity?
Sadly, we were deceived in thinking our jobs and careers would bring satisfaction and prosperity. We had conformed to the world’s whims in order to fill our needs and quench our desires. But even when seated on the chair of disappointment, we can lean forward and receive God’s instruction:
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2,
Jobs may be gone, freedom might be compromised and our security may be shaky, but God’s will, pure and perfect remains the same.
Where should our focus be?
God’s will includes wisdom to make a drastic change, take our eyes off the circumstances and boldly declare: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth," (Psalm 121:1-2).
The Creator will create a new path for today, a promise for tomorrow and give us reasons to celebrate the new.
How can life be better?
Life will be different as often happens after a major setback. But also, life can be better if we rekindle our faith. And while many give up, lose their faith, we declare: “as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me," (Micah 7:7).
The tomorrows enter will not only be new, but exciting. And covered by God’s grace, we boldly celebrate because even if the pandemic lingers, our paychecks are gone, and the fight for racial justice continues, God’s still present.
He hears our cries. He loves us. He shows His power and He, and only He will lift us to higher heights.
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