The Beacon
August, 2021
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1
Have you ever talked with someone about ‘the new normal’? It may have been an accident or an illness that led to life-changes. A different lifestyle may have been ushered in to one’s household. It was not possible to continue on like it was before!
Major events evoke ‘new normal’ conversations. People talk about how ‘things’ changed after 9-11. Security certainly took on a new face. In our midst, we are often bombarded with news related to George Floyd or COVID. Will there be ‘new normal’-related issues for years to come as a result?
Do you think Joshua dealt with some of this kind of mindset as he approached the Promised Land? Joshua 1 begins with a summary of how Moses had died and now Joshua was being directed to get the people ready to cross the Jordan River. This was a new time. Much needed to be done. New leadership was at the helm, but Joshua could move forward with this promise from the LORD: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)
I think those words may have been very helpful as Joshua ventured into unchartered territory. He was encouraged to ‘be strong and courageous.’ And if that was not enough, the LORD said, “Be strong and very courageous.” (Joshua 1:7)
And as a part of this ‘new normal,’ Joshua was to “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left…Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.’ (Joshua 1:7-8)
What important principles, truths, or solid-rock stances are you holding onto, or planning to move forward with?
I like the idea of a ‘new normal’ that would take into account teachings from verses like these:
- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
- “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)
- “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it.” (II Timothy 4:14)
- “But the LORD is in his holy temple, let all the earth be silent before him.” (Habakkuk 2:2)
What will your ‘new normal’ look like in the days ahead? Will it include God and His Word?