Keeping Your Eye On The Instruments

My son, Zachary, is crazy about anything having to do with planes. It all started this past April when our family took a trip to Chicago to visit some friends. Since then, he has consumed numerous books about planes, regularly collects any airport paraphernalia he can get his hands on, and loves to visit the lookout at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

The other day, we were talking about planes and what pilots have to do when it's cloudy or dark. Obviously, pilots can't look out the window to see where they are at. It's in these times that they learn to rely on radar and other instruments like GPS that help them navigate their way to their destination. I must admit, even though I know this, I still feel better about flying on sunny days! There's just something a little freaky to me about flying through the clouds! Talk to a pilot, however, and they have no problem using the instruments of the airplane. Why? Not only do they know how to interpret the data, they trust the instruments.

My discussion with Zachary reminded me that there are times in our lives when clouds and darkness roll in. Maybe it's a sickness or a job loss. It could be a divorce or financial hardship. Whatever it is, it's in these times that we need to learn how to use and trust the instruments.

What instruments? I'm glad you asked! God's Word is the only instrument that can help us as believers navigate through the tough times of our lives. Don't get me wrong. God will surround us with encouraging people and he will provide the resources we need. He even gives us joy in the midst of heartache. But when it all comes down to it, we need to see that, although our circumstances may indicate otherwise, our life is headed in God's direction. This can only come from God's Word.

Perhaps you find yourselves wondering how you will get through a tough circumstance in your life. Here are some of the scriptures that I have been dwelling on over the past year. I've provided links to them so you can read them and meditate on them. Let God renew your mind as you read them. Remember, no matter what your circumstance, God's Word will navigate you through it and you will know his will for your life.

Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Psalms 37:3-8, Genesis 50:19-21, Isaiah 55:6-11, Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 1, 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Perhaps you have a scripture that you look to in hard times. If so, I encourage you to post it so that others can benefit from it.

Enjoy your flight and make sure to keep your eye on the instruments!