New normal

If you're anything at all like me, you might be getting a little tired of this term - the 'new normal'.

Since the world was turned upside down by Covid, preceded and followed here in Australia by fires, floods and then yet more floods, it seems like this term is being used as a strange kind of justification for a whole lot of things that have gone quite pear shaped.

Let me give you a few examples:

House prices have exploded well beyond the reach of many average people, while at the same time, rental availability is at an all-time low, but the cost of rentals is at an all-time high – welcome to the 'new normal'.

Grocery prices (fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy etc.) have risen to a point where some people are forced to skip meals, or substitute with much more basic items – welcome to the 'new normal'.

Fuel prices are so high that there are many who can no longer afford to fill their vehicle in one go – welcome to the 'new normal'.

Power costs have reached a point where people are using candles to save money – welcome to the 'new normal'.

Plane tickets at various times have been so expensive that you might as well start walking – welcome to the 'new normal'.

I may be cynical, but it seems like the slogan 'we're all in this together' has been long forgotten and now it's everyone for themselves to see who can profit the most! The divide between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' is very quickly becoming a big one.

There are of course long winded and complex explanations to many of these issues – but the bleak outlook remains.

But what if the 'new normal' wasn't a seemingly endless downward spiral with no end in sight?

The Bible points towards a brighter future in the book of Revelation:

"I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'" (Revelation 21:3-4, NLT)

If the prospect of a future like this is of interest, then the Bible is worth a look!