A New Kind of Normal

I think that most of us are beginning to realize that we have to find ways to adjust to a new normal for more than just the next week... and I know it's hard when it feels like so much has been taken from us. In a country that never hears the word "No"- to a people that cling to personal freedom like it's the air that we breathe, to a culture that has grown accustomed to instant access to every luxury and comfort that we can afford, delivered within 24 hours- the panic that we are feeling isn't just because of the virus. It's because of schools with indefinite closure notices, it's the companies that we count on, with their doors closed. It's because of paychecks that will be delayed, or worse. It's because when we order something on Amazon, it isn't delivered the next day. When we go to the store, things that we have become dependent on, are not on the shelves. Items that are manufactured in other parts of the world that are shut down will not be coming anytime soon. Even our state of the art, expensive, prepared, well educated American medical system, the jewel in the crown of America, is overwhelmed with patients and under provided with supplies. 

However, in the midst of this chaotic and exhausting week, which has indeed felt like an entire year, I am choosing to cling to God's Word. I am taking every thought captive to Christ. In practice, it means deleting facebook off of my phone. It means turning off the news. It means spending time in the Word of God, and diligently praying throughout the day. It means when a fearful, anxious thought comes to mind, I physically move out of the space that I am in, and begin a new task. In practice it means choosing to do things that bring me joy, like painting a wall a really outrageous color, and getting back to writing, which helps me process the feelings swirling around.

God has seen worse than this. He has loved through worse than this. He has worked Good through worse than this. It's hard to imagine, because we are 21st century Americans, and we have not. 

"In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13

We have never been able to understand the context in which those words were written. Paul, who was a wealthy, respected Jewish leader, born to the right family, passionate about life, a Roman citizen- He gave it all up voluntarily. He gave it up for a life dedicated to the gospel, to be beaten, to be imprisoned, to be persecuted, to be stricken with poverty, physical ailments, and God did not change his circumstances. He changed his heart.

I can, and will, continue to pray that God changes our circumstances, and I will continue to be hopeful that through proactive measures taken, the tide will change and by fall, this will just be a small bump in the road, a seed of a life lived and changed for the better, and lessons learned. 

But if He doesn't, I am confident that He will change our hearts.