Adapting to New Habits, Making Peace with a New Lifestyle

Adapting to new habits, or what was once known as new normal, is a new way of life to prevent the risk of transmission of COVID-19. This pandemic has changed our lifestyle on a massive scale, from systems of working from home or in shifts, online schooling, to worshiping virtually.

Perhaps some of these new habits leave you confused, uncomfortable, or even upset. Not only are you facing a personal financial crisis, you also have to remember and follow a number of health protocols. Among them are washing your hands regularly, keeping your distance in social interactions, wearing a mask, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and eating balanced nutritious food.

As Christians, we are expected to set an example of obedience to government regulations, and discipline in practicing these new habits. Why? Because, besides helping reduce the spread of coronavirus, we need to strive to become like the character of Christ. A character that does not give up and remains productive even in difficult times. 

So then, what can we do to make peace with this new way of life?

Start with the Right Mindset

The way we see and respond to problems is an expression of loving God. With proper understanding, we can see problems not as difficulties, but as challenges. A change in mindset will help us live out this new way of life with the right response according to God's word. 

To begin with, let us evaluate ourselves. Do we have a living faith or a faith that relies on ourselves? Do we believe in God or blame God? Do challenges draw us closer to God or make us rely on ourselves? Do difficult situations make us care more for others or the opposite? 

While waiting for a vaccine for COVID-19, we need to learn to make peace with the situation. And we can start with ourselves, by applying these DAMAI tips:

1. D - Prayer in the New Habit Era

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

Indirectly, the challenges God allows teach us that human wealth, strength, and power are only temporary. Life's difficulties help us draw closer to God. Our part is to present our prayer requests in greater detail, with full hope and confidence in Him. 

Whatever plans or requests you express to God, present them with the right understanding that He is the only One who is able to help  you. This is not an easy time of transition. But believe that God is able to work through prayer, love, and the support of the people around you.

2. A - Action in the New Habit Era

But someone may say: "You have faith and I have works," I will answer him: "Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works." – James 2:18

Besides praying, we must also strive diligently, and both need to be done consistently. Follow the health protocols recommended by the government willingly and with the awareness that you are doing it for your own good and for the good of the people you love. 

Carry out your plans or ideas in the new-habit style that you have arranged and prayed over. If you have to work from home while caring for a baby or accompanying your child in study, discuss scheduling arrangements with your spouse and family. Live out this new kind of busyness while reminding and encouraging your fellow believers. That way, you have companions to share with and do not feel alone in going through all this.

Do not hesitate or feel ashamed to change professions if necessary during this transition. You may need to do upskilling (improving your job skills) and reskilling (starting a new career path). Perhaps decreased income or income that suddenly disappears “forces” you to earn extra income, such as selling health products, changing your business line, creating onlinecontent, and so on. Whatever it is, do it with purity of heart and the right motivation. 

When carrying out plans, there is always the possibility that obstacles will arise, whether external or internal. Yet what God wants from us is not a faith that quickly gives up or simply resigns itself. Not a belief without action, or one that only waits to be helped. God wants us to have faith accompanied by works, which means we make an effort to support that faith .

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by works, is in fact dead. – James 2:17

3. MAI - Relying on God with Faith

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

Even though we have planned and prayed, things beyond human control can still happen, especially in this uncertain time of transition. Therefore, it is important for us to surrender ourselves completely to God, especially in all things we cannot predict. 

Do you often rely more on your own way, without caring about anything beyond your own interests and comfort? If so, it means you are only focused on yourself and dependent on a human point of view, not surrendered to God. 

Surrendering is not the same as giving up. Giving up means losing hope. The response of someone who has given up is to surrender easily, do nothing, think negatively, and be pessimistic. Surrendering means placing your hope in God, obeying His will, and trusting His plan and guidance. The response of someone who is surrendering is to think positively, be optimistic, and still have a strong zest for life.

God invites us to grow a faith that is not merely “just believing,” but rather faith accompanied by a willingness to work and make peace with the situation. May the three tips above encourage you to live DAMAI with these new habits. Live wisely so that the name of the Lord may be glorified even more!

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References:
promkes.kemkes.go.id/menuju-adaptasi-kebiasaan-baru

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