What Is Normal?

All of us have a standard of expectation in our lives. This reveals what we hope for and what we believe we can do. This is where we dream of getting to the desired destination and what we will do once we get there. Have you ever done this? I’m positive you have because in all of us is a dream which fuels our expectation and causes us to step out and see what happens next.

But intertwined with those expectations is the definition of normal as we have experienced. This is BIG because all of us have a story, and all of us have been through a lot in our lives. Our family tree, our personal challenges and our family dynamics are enough to shape what we think is normal; therefore, what we think is normal will determine our expectations.

The definition of the word normal is, “conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.”

Notice, what we think is normal, is what we conform to as our standard. So if I’ve seen abuse all my life, that’s normal. If I’ve seen lying and manipulation all my life, that’s normal. If I’ve seen a double life in my family, that’s normal. When our normal is set, then our expectations are set to expect these patterns to continue and guess what, they do.

However, we can change everything by asking God, what is normal? 

This is huge because He defines what normal is, which then expands what our expectations are. It’s my belief God reveals His normal to us through His word. It’s here where we see His promises, His will and His desire for our lives. It’s here where we see what He can do today in and through our lives. This is where our faith comes alive and the definition of normal is based of what God says.

2 Corinthians 1:20 says this,

“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.”

2 Corinthians 1:20

Notice, ALL of God’s promises are yes and amen to us and for us. Meaning, what He said, He will do and what He promised, He will fulfill. Our challenge is to believe, that this is the normal we can have for our lives. But this takes time and intentionality as we exchange our definition for His of what normal is. This comes with prayer, reading the Bible and letting His normal shape what we expect and what we believe can happen.

So for example, His normal defines my marriage, my parenting, my health, my finances, my actions, my attitude, my goals, my routines, my focus, my priorities and more. Notice, everything is to be through HIS definition of what normal is.

So for me, I go to Psalms 128, 112, 121 and 125 as normal expectations I can have for my life. These are a few passages I read regarding this but there’s so much more. The key is, each of us getting verses and promises that speak to our heart that we can begin to redefine what normal is.

The reason why this is so important is this, what we think is normal is going to repeat itself for better or for worse. This is one cause of why patterns repeat themselves over and over again because, somewhere in our heart, we expect and then except as normal. But many times it’s not.

Things like lying, cheating, abuse, manipulation, power and control issues, fighting, chaos, stealing, division, broken families, broken hearts, peace-keeping, neglecting tuff conversations, selfishness, strife and more are NOT normal to God.

This is not His plan, it’s not His heart and it’s not what He intended for us. Therefore, wherever we come from and whatever we have been through, it’s up to us to get in His word and allow Jesus to redefine what normal is.

Please don’t let your past, news media, Hollywood, friends and more define what you expect for your life. We live once; therefore, we must do our best to receive all He has for our lives.

So, what is normal to you?

Whatever your definition, take it to God and let Him redefine it and begin to reach for what He wants for you and what He can do through you!

I believe in you and I believe the best is yet to come!

Have a great week in your new normal,

PD