I first started hearing the term “the new normal” back in 2008-2009 during the financial crisis and recession. Newscasters used the term “the new normal” to describe a period in which our country would see slow economic growth, high unemployment, and stock market volatility.

Today, however, this term has come to mean something much larger than economic challenges. The “new normal” now means that the cultural, social, economic, and religious landscape of our country has changed to the point that what was “normal” is no longer the norm. It's like the line in an old movie, The Green Pastures: “Everything that is nailed down is coming loose.”

Here are some examples. We are experiencing a shift from print media to digital or electronic media. Hardcover books you once held in your hands are now read on electronic readers such as a Kindle or Nook.

Consider what has happened to the U.S. Postal Service. So many people now send emails and text messages that the post office folks are facing shortfalls of billions of dollars. Actually taking the time to write a letter is no longer the norm.

Americans love their smartphones from which you can take photos, send emails, surf the Internet, call up YouTube videos, tweet, communicate on Facebook, and use your phone as a GPS. Are you aware that for two years in a row smartphones have outsold personal computers? Your smartphone is much easier to carry around than a desktop computer. Welcome to the new normal.

But the new normal is affecting us in shocking ways as well. People want to redefine the biblical definition of marriage. Hardly a week goes by that the issue of same-sex marriage isn't in the news.

In today's families normal is not a mother, father, and 2.5 kids living in the same house. Today's families include previously divorced parents, single parents, step parents, adopted kids, gay and lesbian parents, multiethnic families, foster parents, egg donors, and more.

When I attended college alarming student loan debt was not the norm. Today, the typical student graduates from college owing an average of $25,000 in student loan debt. Paying back huge student loans for years to come is now the new normal.

The new normal has not been good to America's young adults. A recent Newsweek article revealed that the unemployment rate for people ages 18 to 29 is 12 percent. Whereas it once was normal for young adults to leave home, now it's normal for them to return home. A quarter of young adults have moved back into their parents' homes. Today's young adults are accepting the reality that low-paying jobs are the norm.

How should we respond to the overwhelming changes in our society? How do you survive in the new normal?

First, learn to think biblically. Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, gave this warning: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). Amid all the moral and social changes we should be asking, What does the Bible say? Only in God's Word will you find truth that you can build your life on.

Second, live within your means. These are some tough economic times in which we live. You don't need the added pressure of mountains of credit card and consumer debt.

Third, push back against the undue influence of the media. Not every television program, movie, song, book is wholesome entertainment.

Last, redefine success. Is success only the accumulation of more stuff? What about the legacy you are leaving? Have you done God's will?

Yes, things are changing. Some change is exciting, and other changes are not so good. Learn to sort the good from the bad.