“In our life with Christ, we have been given instruments that will faithfully guide us in the way we should go.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 4, 2022
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4, ESV
I hate flying. And yet, I love to travel and experience the joy of new cultures and the warmth of visiting friends and family. Thus, much to my dismay, I find myself on airplanes far more often than I would prefer. Of course, my anxiety is entirely illogical, as I put myself behind the wheel of an infinitely riskier form of travel on a daily basis without even a second thought. However, something about being flung across the sky in a small metal cylinder 30,000 feet above ground leaves me unnerved, wondering if we humans have any business being in the skies at all? Perhaps we should leave it to the birds, yet I digress.
Recently I once again found myself in the skies, with the added “bonus” of a significant weather system moving in just as we were taking off. As such, roughly 30 minutes of our flight was spent entirely engulfed by clouds, unable to visually tell which way was up or down. We eventually found our way through to clearer skies, yet as we dipped and rocked our way through the storm, I had this thought: in this moment, these pilots are flying blind and are therefore entirely dependent upon their instruments.
Rough skies are not a problem for airplanes or their pilots. They are equipped with the necessary guides to safely see the vessel through the storm. Though a clear line of sight is of course a welcome gift, instruments such as an airspeed indicator, altimeter, and turn coordinator all help to ensure safe passage to the scheduled destination. I find this to be a remarkably helpful image for navigating this life with faith and devotion.
In our life with Christ, we have been given instruments that will faithfully guide us in the way we should go, and when we encounter turbulence or lose sight of the path, we must turn to these instruments and trust them if we are to stay the course and arrive safely. Scripture, sacrament, prayer, and service. It is to these that we must return day in and day out, most especially in times of confusion, fear, or great anxiety.
Do not be surprised, as James says, “when you meet trials of various kinds.” This is the unavoidable reality of life. Instead, give thanks that our Lord has given us all that we need to live an abundant life in him, no matter what may come our way!
Prayer
Father, help us to trust you and the gifts you have given, believing that you are at work in them, bringing us safely into the joy of your kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Are there any “navigational instruments” in your life that you have failed to consult or turn to for guidance in times of difficulty?
Related Reading
Proverbs 24:6; Isaiah 30:21; John 16:13
Worship Resource
Lauren Daigle: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
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