4 Things We Can Learn From Our New Normal

​​The word background can be defined as:

“The area of scenery behind the MAIN object of contemplation, especially when perceived as a framework for it.”

​“The circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular event.”

Both of these definitions hold relevance to the current path we all find ourselves walking.

Our days continually mirror the day before. What, just days ago, was our “main thing” has been placed in the “behind the scenes” of our lives, and not by our choosing.

Today, let's explore four things we can learn from being forced to bring all we once minimized to the maximum “front seat” position in our new normal routine.

1. Our backgrounds have been filled with a tremendous amount of noise in our lives. Bringing those distractions to the forefront can provide us with an enormous privilege to turn down the volume and even silence those sounds that are so draining. 
   
   Until now, there was limited time to address the static that was on repeat. Realizing how much TV, Netflix, news, Twitter and similar voices have monopolized our existence is a healthy and freeing exercise. As I write this, I am resting in a hammock in our front yard. My ears are soaking in the refreshing sounds of chirping birds, cool breezes, and children playing. These amazing sounds have been drowned out for far too long!
   
   
2. The background in our lives should, in reality, play a major role in defining who we are. Sadly, our selfie society has corrupted this fact. Scrolling through Facebook or Instagram has taken on a striking contrast from what met my eyes previously.
   
   ​Now, as I slide my finger up, I see church services, prayer requests, devotional thoughts, and sentiments of praise for health, family, and God. Just weeks ago, this same feed focused on the external. Those of us who know and serve a risen Savior should have claimed this framework long ago. The eternal is the ‘MAIN” thing as Christ reminds us in Matthew. 
   
   “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” ​​Matthew 6:33
   
   We have been reminded that today is all we may have for laying up treasures that will not pass away, and tomorrow is never a guarantee.
   
   
3. We are beginning to realize that our background has been the keeper of our greatest gifts. Before this time in our society, our homes, our Bibles, our families, and our health were things that had been pushed increasingly to the peripheral. Now, these things are all we have in our “shelter in place” way of life.
   
   These things have the space they needed to capture our focus. Home improvement projects, family hikes, and Bible reading with our morning coffee are the events on our schedule that sustain our escape from the mundane. They keep our days moving and give us a sense of purpose. 
   
   These things have needed our attention, but were crowded out by the “norm” we knew. Psalm 118:24 sums it up: “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 
   
   We can rejoice in this day. It has been given as a gift, just as the days before. Now we can open this day with a brand new attitude and perspective.
   
   
4. The current world backdrop is filled with uncertainty and insecurity. As mentioned in the second point above, this framework is not a respecter of persons. Across the globe, every nation and culture is being smothered by the weight of the unknown. Circumstances, such as loss of jobs and incomes, sick loved ones, being responsible for the education children, or the scarcity of needed supplies can grip people’s hearts with fear. When this perilous pause we are living allows our life to hit play again, there is no point of reference for what our new “normal” will look like.

Thankfully, this is only a glimpse of our world’s backdrop and not at all the full reality. Taking our lense and widening our scope we will see a landscape so different and filled with hope.

“God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:8

This truth changes the scenery dramatically! God’s viewpoint, perspective, power, dominion, and eternal character has always been and will remain the same. This truth that we know, but rarely put “front and center” in our daily living, must now be our “MAIN” stay.

​Reflecting and anchoring ourselves on Scripture: Psalm 91:1 and Psalm 103:19, can not only be a center, right for our own hearts, but for our neighbors and a lost world as well. 

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;” Psalm 91:1
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“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules overall.” Psalm 103:19

Our backgrounds are getting the attention they have desperately needed. No one knows for sure when this current status will be updated and we will be able to check-in at our favorite places again. For now, we can give praise to the fact that our backgrounds are getting the attention they have desperately needed.

The reality that God still reigns and nothing will ever change that can be put on the pedestal of our hearts and minds where it should have been and should remain.

• Our houses will be cleaner.
• Our bodies will be rested and mobile.
• Our social media feeds will be refreshed and hopeful.
• Our ears will be tuned into the sweet sounds of nature and loved ones.

Most importantly though, we can take comfort in this fact: Being forced to push our backgrounds to the forefront will produce fruit that only eternity can measure. To God be the glory and praise!

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One More Small Book

In this small format, eight-page, hardback book, When Trouble Comes, Jim Berg presents four truths for believers who are facing a crisis of life. These truths act as “spiritual CPR” to stabilize Christians, or those they are helping, in the event of sudden calamity. These truths are the spiritual anchors for those whose minds are spinning and perhaps numb from unexpected tragedy and suffering. ​

The book is especially helpful when believers are trying to minister to unbelieving loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors who need to hear the gospel presented in a compassionate and hopeful manner during their crisis.

Hospital, military, and first-responder chaplains have distributed this book widely in their ministries to those in their care. Churches have given the book to first-responders in their communities at annual church services honoring those in the community who serve them.

The book is dedicated to those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and written so readers will understand that God through His Word has provided the comfort and direction needed in times of crisis. 

The separate fifty-page When Trouble Comes Study Guide guides the reader through a four-week Bible study applying the four truths for times of trouble contained in the book. This is an excellent evangelistic Bible study when ministering to the lost who are facing trouble.

Listen to the audio version here.

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What have you learned from your "New Normal?"