Though I have flown on numerous airlines, I still get a little uneasy when taking off and landing. However, I can feel much worse when we are flying in clouds or fog where there is zero visibility. There’s something unnerving about flying at 400 miles per hour and not being able to see where you are going, especially when your plane is trying to land. I can honestly say that these unsettling situations remind me of the importance of prayer.
At times like these, we have little choice but to put ourselves in the hands of the pilot. We have to trust that our pilot has been trained in how to fly the plane in adverse weather; that the plane’s electronic navigation equipment is functioning well; and that the air traffic controller, who is in contact with the pilot, knows exactly how to guide him through “the soup” and away from obstacles, such as other planes.
Receiving guidance from God is similar to that. Like the pilot, we need to prepare ourselves in advance for adverse situations. That means, we must study our operations manual (the Bible) so we have a working knowledge of it. We must trust our instruments to work properly (prayer). And, we must listen closely to our air traffic controller (the Holy Spirit) for instructions. The important thing to remember is that we will receive guidance from the Lord when we read and think about His word each day. Like the psalmist wrote, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV) Over time, His word can become part of our lives.
Here’s what King David thought about the laws and statutes that God revealed in His word: The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous…. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:9 & 11 NIV)
When we read the Bible regularly, we are reminded that God loves us; God is in charge of our lives; God wants us to follow the right path in life; God protects us; and God’s Kingdom will stand forever. All of these ideas are part of the Biblical worldview that shapes our thinking. It is very important for us to develop this kind of understanding. It helps guide our choices.
You see, the Bible is God’s message for mankind. Its purpose is to unite us with God and transform our lives to be more like Him. In its original form, it is inspired, inerrant, and infallible. We can depend on it. In fact, we can stake our lives on it.
For those reasons, let’s develop the attitude of enthusiastic learners and let’s humble our hearts so that God’s word has good soil in which to grow in our lives. Then, let’s develop the habit of daily Bible reading, thinking about what God is teaching us. Having done that over time, we will be prepared to fly through “the soup” of life.
Remember, God loves you and so do I.
Phil
Copyright © 2010 Philip Walter