We all have a new normal now due to the threat of Covid-19. How are you adjusting? For some of us it is easy, but some might struggle quite a bit. What could we do to ease anxiety as we are adjusting to the new normal?

The first thing is to remember even if the world and life is changing fast, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And we can count on him in everything.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8, NRSV,*)

The second thing that helps you in adjusting to the new normal is to remember you are the same person than two weeks ago. Sure, these times might change you in the long run but your value has not changed and won’t change. You are God’s beloved and that’s non-negotiable.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35,37-39, NRSV,*)

The third thing to remember is that you are not meant to carry your burdens. Jesus did that already on the cross. So give him all that bothers you, big and small. And keep doing that all day long. Cast your burdens to Jesus, he will give you peace in exchange.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7, NLT,*)

Adjusting to the new normal

The fourth thing to remember as you’re adjusting to the new normal: there is nothing to be afraid when you are in Jesus. You’re covered. When you’re afraid, put your faith in God. He watches over you.

When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.
(Ps. 56:3, NRSV,*)

The fifth thing to remember at times like this is God is almighty. We don’t know the future but we know who holds the future. Normal is not our god, Jesus is. So let’s let go of the old normal and welcome the new normal. Because any time with Jesus is the best of times.

When we surrender ourselves, our troubles and our dreams and plans to God as we are adjusting to the new normal, we can be certain God will create something beautiful out of the ashes of our old normal. When our hope is in Jesus, the best times are ahead of us.

Gracious God,
Thank you for being our endless hope.
We need you, Lord, help us.
Our lives are in chaos, create something beautiful out of it.
May your will happen, Lord.
Bring healing to the world,
give us a miraculous breakthrough in creating a vaccine against the Coronavirus.
We turn to you and cast all our burdens to you.
Help us as we are adjusting to the new normal.
Guide, inspire, lead, empower and use us for your glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How are you adjusting to the new normal?

Blessings to you, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace Jesus in everything!

Adjusting Linking up today with Five-minute Friday. Photo by Allen Taylor on Unsplash.