As in life, when traveling the skyways, we always hope for a smooth journey. We prepare as best we can, present our credentials, complete the security screening and board the aircraft. After receiving clearance from the tower, we take off and are glad to be on our way. But sometimes it seems that the moment we reach a comfortable cruising altitude, we run into turbulence – various forms of conflict or confusion that causes unsteady movement. Any number of life situations can take us by surprise and result in us experiencing unexpected rough air. When you find yourself thrown for a loop by life experiences, it may help to remind yourself that:

1. You are not alone – in the chaos that occurs with life’s turbulence, the enemy tries to isolate us. It is far more difficult to manage turbulent times in life without the wise counsel of godly friends who want to see you soar like an eagle. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” God can supply your every need – either by strengthening you to withstand the turbulent conditions or changing the air around your circumstances. Philippians 4:19 says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
2. You have a built-in seat belt – when you are cooperative in wearing the necessary restraint, you can prevent many of the injuries that would otherwise accompany a turbulent situation. People feel lifted during turbulence when, in fact, the opposite is true. In turbulence, the plane drops. Wearing the seat belt keeps you from accidentally suffering a concussion. In life, when you use built-in restraint provided by God’s Holy Spirit, it protects you from further injury. Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Your oxygen is still flowing, even if the mask doesn’t inflate – although it may not always look or feel like it, God is constantly at work in our lives. Exodus 15:13 says “You will lead the people You have redeemed with Your faithful love; You will guide [them] to Your holy dwelling with Your strength.” We get nervous when we don’t see immediate evidence, but we need only trust that God is working things out for our good. Romans 8:28 says that “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Thanks be to God, no matter how much turbulence we experience in life, through Jesus Christ we can look forward to a smooth landing.