What is "Normal?"

“For I the Lord do not change;” (Malachi 3:6)

Social distancing…

Flatten the curve…

Stay-at-home…

Quarantine…

Pandemic…

Self-isolation…

Wash your hands…

Wear a mask…

Lock down…

Stimulus…

Vaccine…

At risk… 

Some are concepts we have heard previously but are only used with varying degrees of frequency, others are new ideas.  Which ever category they fall into for you, I think it can be argued that it is a rare event which will so dramatically changes the language we use on a day-to-day basis.  And now, several weeks into the various reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a question that is becoming more and more common, “When are things going to return to normal?”

“Normal” is of course a fairly relative concept, and does vary some from person to person.  But, in general, when people are asking about things returning to normal, they are wanting to know when things will be like they were before the pandemic.  When most things were predictable to some degree. When you had your daily routines and habits that guided you through your day.  When life wasn’t turned upside down like it has been for so many people around the world.

In searching online for an idea of when things may return to normal, there really is no good answer.  Some “experts” say its close, others say it is months, if not years, away.  If there was one prevailing thought concerning a return to normal it was more along the lines a “new normal.”

Considering the idea of a “new normal” and how things may change got me to thinking about whether or not there is anything in our lives that does not change.  We see change in our lives every day, some minor, some more significant, and that is without taking into consideration the changes we have seen over the last several weeks.  But, is there anything that does not change?

There is only one thing I can think of that does not change –

God...

God does not change!  The world around us can be going completely crazy, and God is still the same.  The same as He has always been, and the same as He always will be.

God was there in the beginning and He will be there in the end:

-       “In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them and they will be discarded. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.”  (Psalm 102:25-27)

-       “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)

-       “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

God does not, will not, and cannot change:

-       “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

-       “For I the Lord do not change;” (Malachi 3:6)

God’s unchanging nature provides an anchor for our souls:

-       “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” (Hebrews 6:17-18)

God’s word does not change:

-       “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

-       “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89)

-       “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

God’s plans never change:

-       “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)

-       “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.  I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 6:9-10)

God’s promises never change:

-       “In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” (Titus 1:2)

God’s love is and everlasting, unchanging love:

-       “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

God is always with us:

-       “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is attributed with saying, “Change is the only constant in life.”  In saying this, he was acknowledging that there are so few things that remain unchanged in this world. This is even more true today than when Heraclitus said this thousands of years ago. Change is inevitable.

Lucky for us, we have an ace in the hole.  An unchanging God!

As you face change in your life, whether it is during our current times of uncertainty, or some other point in life, remember:  

God is always there and He DOES NOT CHANGE!  EVER!

Whatever the world's "new normal" turns out to be.  As Christians, we have no need for a "new normal," seeking and trusting our unchanging God should be our normal.