Today, we commonly hear and often repeat phrases like “Do what makes you happy” or “Live your best life.” The words may change a bit, but the message is the same. On the surface, this sounds good, right? Who wouldn’t want to live every moment satisfying their desires?
You don’t have to be a genius to know our world doesn’t work this way. Still, we often get caught up imagining a life of ease and happiness. The trouble with this is that it is tough to fully appreciate God’s blessings without pain and hardship. In a way, our past relationships and circumstances, good and bad, set the stage for measuring any current and future experiences.
Okay, so maybe it’s not alllll about making me happy. What happens when our lives take a turn for the worse, and we struggle to function? Perhaps we no longer have any desire to get out of bed, or we simply do not enjoy the things that used to make us light up. Maybe we see danger or doom around every corner. Suddenly, the thought of leaving the safety of our home is too much.
If any of this resonates with you, you might be praying for “normal.” You simply want to be able to hold a job, pay your bills, go to church, and take care of your family. This change in your ability to do basic adult activities has shifted your standards. Instead of “Do what makes you happy,” you now want what seems easy for so many people.
Now, around every corner is something that flips a switch in your brain. The most minor thing can set you off or trigger sudden panic. Your life has been turned upside down, and you long for the life you once had. You can no longer trust your emotions and now admire what friends and family take for granted.
So what changed here? How did we go from wanting to “Live our best life” to begging God for our “normal” life back?
The short answer is perspective.
I have seen that when something drastic happens, like sudden health changes or circumstances, most people trade their desire for happiness for the allure of “normal.”
We get stuck romanticizing about a time or place in our past. Many begin praying for God to restore a life we once had.
So how about you? Do you find yourself praying for “normal”? Are you stuck in the past?
Do you doubt the goodness of God when He doesn’t restore your life to the way things were?
Please understand that I don’t blame you if you pray these prayers. I have prayed these prayers.
Rather than asking God to wave his hand and go back in time, try asking one question.
God, what do you want to accomplish through my pain and circumstances?
Get curious and pay attention to where God is working. Open up God’s Word and put your ear to the ground. Start a conversation with God. You see, sometimes, God doesn’t magically heal us or return things to how they were because He is working. Sometimes, God heals us when we step out in faith to help someone else.
How do I know? I am living it. Overflow was born by asking God, “What do you want to accomplish through my pain and circumstances?”
If you find yourself praying for “normal” or wondering what God is up to, I challenge you to ask God, “What do you want to accomplish through my pain and circumstances?”
Have a story to tell? I would love to hear it! Simply hit “reply” and share your insights.
