Friday, February 27
Read Psalm 61
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. (vv 2-3)
UNSCHEDULED STOPS
What an interesting psalm to reflect on during my 17-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. While I wouldn’t say I’m a nervous traveler, I have had more than one flight that required an unscheduled stop. If there is a problem, a flight is simply diverted to a nearby airport. When you are in the middle of the Pacific, where do you land if there is a problem?
And I have no control over the plane. I must put my complete trust in a flight crew I have never seen or met. I take for granted that the airlines have looked out for me and the other passengers and made sure that the people piloting my plane are experienced and well trained.
After landing in Sydney, I am relieved to be on solid ground. Driving around the city, I can’t help but notice the massive amounts of sandstone. Many of the older buildings are made of sandstone. They seem substantial, sturdy and safe. I feel comfortable with rock beneath my feet. I also have more control of my destination and travel routes. I can choose to go north or south or walk on the beach.
I like to think that I am in control of my life and can choose my destination. That doesn’t always work out. I have times when things don’t go the way I planned: My parents died far too early, my marriage didn’t work out and I actually have wrinkled and aged! The fact that I can’t control my life doesn’t keep me from trying to do it. I constantly try to manage my way through problems without considering to ask God for help.
It seems a little odd to me that I got back on a plane and allowed a crew to pick a route to take me home safely without any input from me. I landed back on solid ground.
Many things happen in life that I can’t control, and yet I float around trying to solve the problems myself. It doesn’t always work out well. Fortunately, I have a God I can lean on. Shouldn’t I trust him as much as I do the unseen flight crew?
When I do give in and put my faith in God, my life is so much better.
Susayn Brandes
[Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]