“The New Normal”: Shaken, Not Settled

 
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Over the last 2 months, we have heard and used many buzzwords such as Circuit Breaker, WFH, and HBL. Recently, the Singapore Government introduced a term: The New Normal. 

Essentially, we are encouraged to embrace a new way of living, stay home if we can, practice social distancing, and wear a mask. If this is what it takes to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore, I believe that we should do our part. However, I can’t help but consider what a new normal looks like for us as Christians going forward. Here are a couple of my thoughts as we prepare to exit this phase:

 

Let’s not forget what we learnt during Circuit Breaker

 

In the Old Testament, the Israelites built memorial stones to remind themselves of significant events and as a testament for the next generation. We live in a very busy society and unless we purpose in our hearts to remember, our tendency is to forget what God is trying to tell us through this pandemic.

 

I remember early on, while many of us were pondering about what God was saying or doing through the Pandemic, I had a personal revelation one morning looking at a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar. The fineprint on the label read: Shake Well Before Using. 

Upon closer examination, I saw sediment at the base of the bottle. In that moment, I felt God say that prior to the pandemic, we had ‘settled’ into our comfort zones, into our ministry circles, and behind denominational lines. We had also ‘settled’ in our busy schedules putting up impressive programmes. God was therefore shaking us up so we could once again be effective for Him.

 

… but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also heaven,” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:26b-27

Incredible what a bottle of vinegar can teach you!

While WFH, it has been wonderful to see God revealing the unshakable, the eternal - our time with Him in the secret place, our relationships with one another, unity in the Body, and a newfound compassion for the marginalised in our society. This is now what we build on. Let us not forget.

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Let’s not get too comfortable with the new normal

 

Even with anything new, the danger is that the new normal will soon become (gasp!) normal and we adapt our way into a new state of comfort and once again, settle. If we are not careful, we can begin to build virtual walls of division and fall back on self-reliance. We can happily zoom from meeting to meeting and miss the one who needs a listening ear. We can easily put on masks that hide our feelings and avoid having real, authentic conversations.

 

May I suggest an antidote for ‘settling’: cultivating a heart that is tender towards the Lord, sensitive to what He is saying and doing, and ready to act on His go. When we steward a posture of thankfulness and surrender, we won’t settle for convenience and comfort but pursue the things that move and please Him. So as we prepare to exit our Circuit breaker, may this be our new normal.

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Blog, Worship, Identity, Revival, PastoralTrisha KhooComment
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