Adjusting to a New Normal

By Jill Krueger Wagner

I once read, “Make a friend of change, it’s the only constant in life.” I didn’t agree. I thought to myself, “Jesus is also a constant in my life.” However, I’ve never forgotten the sentiment. Applying it isn’t easy for me. Not liking change doesn’t negate the fact that adjustments must be made when your circumstances are upended. I find comfort in routine so when it’s disrupted, I often flounder.

Since I’m adjusting to one of the biggest changes in my life, I’ve learned a few things.

First, focus is everything. I must choose what I focus on. If I focus on the difficulty of adjusting to a new circumstance, life is hard, hard, hard. If I focus on finding God’s good plan for my new circumstances, I can find peace.  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Second, I need to recognize that I don’t have all the wisdom I need - a friend might be able to help me. Pride might tell me not to share with others so that I appear knowledgeable & in control but that just robs me of wisdom found in the collective of many minds. “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisors, they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 ESV

Third, sometimes I just need to take a break from trying to solve an issue. I need to rest with God.  “Be still and know I am God!” Psalm 46:10 NIV

Fourth, when I need to adjust to a situation, I have a tendency to fold into self-pity but the quickest way to pull myself out of that temptation is to praise. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness.” 1 Peter 2:8

So, I must focus on God, seek wisdom in counsel, rest in His Presence & praise Him. 

Lord, build Your Kingdom in me in the midst of my distress. Amen