We just returned from a fabulous vacation in Fort Myers, FL. On our return flight, as always, we requested a window seat for me. I feel much better when I’m flying if I can look out of the window.
As we boarded the plane, however, we realized that not only was I not in a window seat, we were in the very back of the plane with no windows whatsoever. I was quickly losing my cool. I envisioned myself stuffed in this little corner seat going through turbulence, freaking out!
I turned to my husband with pleading eyes and words. He turned to the stewardess asking if there were any window seats available. She informed us that it was a full flight and we’d have to ask if anyone would be willing to trade seats.
All I could do was wait while the plane finished filling up. In the meantime, I had calmed down and tried the aisle seat in our row. I discovered that I could see out of the windows in front of me from an angle. Realizing it was much easier in this instance to change my attitude rather than the situation, I decided to trust God to help me keep my cool during the flight.
In short, God did just that. We had a very smooth ride and, seeing the window even from a few seats back was enough to help me feel much more stable 30,000 feet up in the air.
God is good all the time. The neat part of this story though is that He not only helped me remain calm as I put my trust in Him for a safe flight, but He also gave me insight into how my need for a window seat is much like my need for scripture.
You see, for me, looking out of the window allows me to see that even when my equilibrium feels off during flight, truthfully very little is happening outside of the plane. I can see when turbulence is simply being in the midst of clouds. I can see that even though the plane feels like it’s bouncing around a lot, it’s really remaining quite steady. Looking out of the window gives me perspective.
God’s word does the same thing for my life. When I’m in need I can remember Matthew 6:25-34 and know that God will meet every need, and I have no reason to worry. When I am feeling unworthy of God’s love, I can remember Psalm 103:11-12 and Romans 5:6-8 and know that He allowed Christ to die for me and make a way for me when I was completely unworthy.
When I’m feeling unloved, I can remember Psalm 139:13-14 and know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. When I’m feeling overwhelmed by life, I can remember Romans 8:37-39 and know that there is nothing in this world that can separate me from God’s love when I remain in Him. When I’m experiencing troubles, I can remember John 16:33 and know that I can go through trials while experiencing His peace, knowing that ultimately He has overcome the world. That’s good news!
One other way I gain perspective on a flight is by watching the stewardesses. Once, on a particularly bumpy flight, as I was getting incredibly nervous, I noticed that the stewardesses weren’t nervous at all and were sitting in the front chatting casually. Their calmness in the midst of the turbulence reassured me since they fly every day and would know if there was cause for worry. Those of us who have experienced life trusting God and His word, knowing His truth and gaining peace from it, can serve as witnesses to those who have not. We can go through trials with a calmness and a peace that others will notice and gain strength from.
So, dig into God’s word. Learn His promises and know His truth. Gain wisdom and perspective from the stories of the men and women in the Bible from times gone by. Get to know the God who wants to be your peace and stability in this uncertain world. He loves you, His creation (Genesis 1:27), His redeemed one (2 Corinthians 5:17,21), His child (Ephesians 1:5).
