AUGUST 27, 2012
The
New Normal
Read: Hebrews 4:9-16
For we do
not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in
all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews
4:15
A pastor, who was
trained in trauma and grief counseling, commented
that the greatest challenge
for people who are hurting is often not the
immediate heartache of the loss.
Instead, the biggest problem is
adjusting to the different kind of life that
follows. What once was normal
may never be normal again. So the challenge for
those offering help is to
assist the sufferers as they establish the “new
normal.” It may be a new
normal that no longer includes robust health, a
treasured relationship, or
a satisfying job. Or it may be living without a
loved one who has been
taken in death. The gravity of such losses forces us to
live a different kind
of life—no matter how unwelcome it may be.
When our “new normal”
comes, it’s easy to think no one understands
how we feel. But that isn’t true.
Part of the reason Jesus came was to
experience life among us, resulting in His
present ministry: “For we do
not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with
our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb.
4:15).
Our Savior lived a
perfect life, yet He also knew the pains of a broken
world. He endured sorrow;
He suffered agony. And He stands ready to
encourage us when the dark moments of
life force us to embrace a new
normal.
Father, thank You that in the darkest seasons of life, You
will never abandon us. Guide us with Your never-failing
presence through both the welcome and unwelcome changes
of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
In our desert of grief, Jesus can provide an
oasis of hope.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
