What is Normal?
The time of Covid-19 has now lasted many weeks. There are many reactions to this forced time of social distancing and isolation. Many are sick of this and want things to get back to normal, while others try to find peace and solace knowing they are trying to do their part to flatten the curve, and to love their neighbors. No matter the reaction there are many who grapple with the question, what is normal? Or at the very least what will normal look like as things open up?
As I wrestle with the concept of normal in my own life, I have been reflecting on the concept of Biblical peace. The idea of Biblical peace centers on the concept of wholeness or completeness. Recently I was in a discussion with someone about the concept of happiness. What I am wrestling with is if getting back to normal makes me happy. Why do I want to get back together with everyone, or get back to normal? Is it in pursuit of happiness, not being lonely, or stubborn resolve? If it is any one of those reasons, or any other reason that a person can think of, I am not convinced going back to normal will bring me peace, at least as it is described in the Bible.
My hope and prayer for all us that we don’t forget our savior Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who promises in John 14:27 (NIV), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” This promise comes in light of Jesus’ promises that a helper, the Holy Spirit would be with us and guide us in this life. It is a peace where our hearts do not need to be troubled and we do not have to be afraid. The type of peace we are offered doesn’t just mean an absence of conflict or difficulty. Rather this is a peace of reconciliation through Jesus’ blood as we see in Colossians 1:19-20. I am reminded more than ever during this time how broken our world is and our need of peace in Jesus. So may we take the time to remember that through Jesus we are offered true peace that calls us to take what is broken and restore it to wholeness. Going back to normal won’t bring us peace, rather may we remain and abide in Jesus the one who offers us peace by his death on the cross.
