Living by Instruments
By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
© God’s Breath Publications

 

My dad told me a story once of when he traveled to Alaska to be an instructor in a basketball camp. He flew most of the way by Jet but had to use a small commuter plane to finish the trip to his destination. He described his experience with the pilot of having to make a landing using only instruments due to dense fog.

 

Flying above the clouds had been quite an experience but it paled in comparison to diving into the thick white cotton clouds to attempt to land. My dad said he did a little praying as he watched the pilot concentrate on his instruments as they plummeted downward surrounded by what appeared to be nothing more than mashed potatoes for scenery. Visibility was zero as they continued their descent hopefully to the security of the landing strip. The pilot told my dad that they should break through the blanket of clouds any minute and sure enough his words were true. They landed safely much to the comfort of my dad.

 

Pilots are trained to trust their instruments above their emotions and personal observations. Many times the sensations and judgments while flying blind will betray you and can cause deathly results. Flying by instruments requires you to trust something beyond yourself. It demands that you put your feelings and judgments aside and place your life in the hands of the mechanics of the instrument panel.

 

Believe it or not, sometimes life requires us to fly by instruments as well. There are times when our emotions are overwhelmed by the news of a medical report, the unknown of a future surgery, the betrayal of a spouse, the death of a loved one, or the rebellion of a child. During those times when life seems to hit us hard with the realities of life, we often flounder in the sea of emotions. Life doesn’t make sense during these tense moments. We strive to cope and deal with the situation as best we can. Living by instruments at such times requires us to rely something other than our own understanding and resources. It requires us to live by the instruments God provides for His followers. These instruments of comfort come from His Word, His Spirit and His Children.

 

Scripture can battle against our loss of sanity at times as it penetrates our heart, mind and soul with comfort from God. It can be the rock we cling to as life attempts to drag us under the surface of a torrential flood of emotions. God’s word can light the paths we take, it can keep us from sin, and it can give us joy in the midst of horror. God’s word is living and brings peace to those who meditate on it. When our directions are off course, God’s word, like a lighthouse, will steer us back in the way we should go.

 

God’s Spirit is given to all those who accept Christ as their Savior. He seals us as possessions of our Heavenly Father. He comforts us in times of trouble and distress. The Holy Spirit’s quiet voice whispers to us of God’s love for us. He speaks of God’s goodness and trustworthiness. He brings scripture to our minds and seeks to lead us when we have no clue as to the direction we should take. The Holy Spirit loves us and desires to keep us secure in the faith that guides us in the paths of righteousness.

 

Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ also provide comfort and direction when we lose our bearing in life. Those who believe in our Savior are “Christ in the flesh.” They minister to us in our times of need by holding our hands, praying for us, crying with us and giving advice and support of a spiritual nature. Nothing is more precious than to have a loving Brother or Sister in Christ come alongside and help us navigate the course of life. God never intended us to face the struggles of that face us alone. It is one of the reasons He established His church and His Kingdom on the earth. Comforting Christian counsel in times of misdirection will calm the hurting soul and troubled mind in moments of confusion.

 

Are you flying off course in your life? Does it seem like thick clouds of doubt, depression and death surround you? Are you concerned that there isn’t direction in your life and that any moment you might crash upon the rocks of despair? I would suggest you seek God in His Word, in His children and the Holy Spirit. Don’t let pride keep you from seeking to live life by the instruments God has provided for you to guide your life by.

 

Psalms 119:114
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”

 

John 14:26 27
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

 

John 13:35
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”