Sometimes we wake up, expecting a day just like any other. And, with no warning life gets complicated. Then what happens?
I was flying home to Orlando from Chicago. Seated beside me in the plane was a little girl. I turned toward her. “Are you traveling by yourself?”
“Uh huh.”
“What a brave girl,” I said. “You’re not scared to fly by yourself, are you?”
“A little. I have never flown before,” she said, chewing her gum with vigor.
“Flying is fun,” I said. “You’ll see how fast we’ll get to Orlando.”
I figured if I talked to her, she would be distracted and forget about being scared.
During the two-hour flight, I asked her questions and she opened up. We chatted over details about her friends, her pets and her excitement about visiting Disney World.
“Flight attendants,” the announcement sounded, “please take your seats; the seatbelt light is on during this turbulence.”
I leaned toward and whispered, “Do you know what turbulence is?”
“Nope.”
“Turbulence is a mini roller coaster and we don’t have to pay extra for it.”
The plane shook and dipped. Then it stopped.
“It’s over,” she said, disappointment in her voice.
I laughed. “You don’t get much for free.”
The plane landed. “Have fun at Disney,” I said. “When people ask you about your first airplane ride, what will you tell them?”
She stopped chewing her gum. “I’ll tell them it was awesome.”
My plan worked. As long as she was hearing my voice and was focused on what I said, she forgot about her fear.
Jesus wants the same for you and me. His voice is constant. His words continue to echo. His promises are repeated over and over again.
But are we listening? When life gets complicated with sudden emotional turbulence, what do our ears hear and what does our heart feel?
During that shaking, it’s His voice we need to hear. It’s His promises we must believe. And it’s in His protection that we must find refuge.
If turbulence has complicated your life, God is speaking. He’s addressing you by name. And He’s calling you to the security of his flock.
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
When you hear His voice, you silence the whispers of terror. When you allow Him to know you, He’ll provide what you need. And when you follow Him, the path is secure and the journey is simple and uncomplicated.
Father, how often I fall into panic when life gets too complicated. I trust that you can do what I cannot do for myself. And you will bring order to my life and simplify the complications. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What is complicating your life right now?
Janet Eckles
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