“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
The Normal Life God Wants for Us
We often seek a life that feels normal, one that feels comfortable and steady. The Bible shows us that God desires for us to experience a normal life that is rooted in His love and purpose. This normal life isn’t just about the absence of troubles, but about recognizing God’s hand in our everyday realities. It’s about understanding that He is with us in our ups and downs, and knowing that, through faith, we can find joy in the mundane and peace in the chaos. As we engage with scripture, we learn that God’s plans for our lives are good and meant for our growth, no matter our circumstances. When we center our lives around God, our normal becomes a space for His love and grace to shine through.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Finding Joy in Everyday Life
As we navigate through our regular routines, it is essential for us to intentionally find joy in the little things. Life often seems mundane or normal, and we can forget to appreciate the small blessings that surround us each day. The Bible encourages us to celebrate these mundane moments and see them as gifts from God. Whether it is the laughter of a friend, the warmth of a sunrise, or the comfort of home-cooked meals, there is joy to be found. When we actively pursue joy, we begin to realize that what is normal can also be extraordinary. Embracing this perspective creates a sense of gratitude and awareness that changes our interactions with the world around us.
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Building Normal Relationships
The relationships we maintain in our daily lives contribute to what feels normal for us. In the Bible, we are encouraged to foster genuine connections with one another. These bonds enrich our lives and help us navigate through the ups and downs of existence. Loving and supporting one another is key to building a healthy community, and it is something that we should endeavor to prioritize. The relationships we build should reflect the love and grace that God has shown us. Building normal relationships isn’t always easy, but it is gratifying when we actively choose to extend kindness and understanding in our interactions.
1 John 4:21
“And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” – 1 John 4:21
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
The Normal Struggles of Life
Life is filled with struggles, and they can often feel overwhelming. However, the Bible reassures us that challenges are a normal part of our human experience. We are not alone in our difficulties; in fact, it is through these hardships that we grow more resilient. As a community, we lean on each other for support, and we grow together in faith. When we face regular struggles, our hope lies in the understanding that God is with us through it all. He offers strength, comfort, and peace, even in the hardest moments. We can learn to embrace these tough times, knowing they contribute to our growth.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Embracing Our Unique Normal
We each have our own version of what normal looks like. Often, we may compare ourselves with others and feel that our lives fall short. However, the unique paths we tread are a vital part of how God uses us. Each one of us has strengths, struggles, and stories that make us who we are. In the Bible, we are reminded to celebrate our uniqueness and understand that God’s plan for us is tailored perfectly to our lives. By embracing our normal, we find contentment and purpose, allowing us to shine in our communities and share the love of Christ.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Living Out Our Faith in Normal Ways
Living faithfully in our daily lives is crucial to embodying what it means to be Christians. We often think that our actions must be extraordinary for them to make a difference, but the Bible shows us that even ordinary acts can carry great significance. We can express our faith in all that we do, from simple acts of kindness to everyday conversations about our beliefs. When we live authentically and allow our lives to shine with God’s love, we are participating in the normal mission He calls us to. Our faith expressed through normal activities can beautifully impact those around us.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Final Thoughts
The concept of normal may vary from person to person, but as we look at it through Scripture, we recognize that God’s plan is always good. Living out our normal lives, we can find joy in the small things, build meaningful relationships, and embrace our unique journeys. Struggles may come, but they help us grow and lean on God’s strength. Let us take heart in realizing that our normal is significant in God’s eyes. By living out our faith every day, we shine His light into the world.
There are so many topics in the Bible that can encourage and uplift us. If you are looking for meaningful guidance, I invite you to explore more on friendship, faith, and love. It’s amazing how much we can grow together!
We can deepen our understanding of God’s word as we venture through different topics. Let’s keep our hearts open to His wisdom as we discuss, share, and grow in community.