Human life is as short-lived as grass. It blossoms like a flower in the field.
(Psalm 103:5 GW)
You don’t give us a spirit of fear, right, God?
No. My Spirit within you gives peace. Read that verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 in the Amplified version.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
No timidity, no cowardice, no fear. None of those come from me. I give you my Spirit’s power, my love, sound judgement, and personal discipline. I give you a calm and well-balanced mind. I give you self control.
Ok. So I guess I need to ask for more of your Spirit.
That’s always a good idea. I’ll gladly give you more. But I don’t think that’s what’s on your mind is it?
Probably not. I have two sisters-in-law who are in Hawaii right now, and they’ll need to fly home. A friend of mine is also leaving for a vacation today and will be traveling by plane. I’m supposed to take a trip by airplane in about a month, and I’m really looking forward to it — the time away and all the plans we have. But after those two plane crashes last week, I’m feeling a little spooked, even worried about myself and the people I love. The “what ifs” are really starting to get to me.
What kind of “what ifs”? What if all goes smoothly and you have a good vacation?
Well, that’s a good point; I hadn’t been thinking in that direction. I know that flying is statistically the safest way to travel. But there are very few survivors of plane crashes. I’ve been struggling more with the “what if all doesn’t go well and the plane blows up or falls down.”
Why do you immediately allow yourself to go into fear?
I’m sorry, God. Bad habits, I guess.
Yes. You are a new creation – my precious child – and I do NOT want you living in fear. Why does the possibility of a plane crash frighten you? You are MY child, precious in my eyes and I love you. You were formed for such a time as this, and your life has a purpose and a plan. If what you think of as “the worst” happens, you will be with me for eternity in paradise. So why do you let this frighten you?
Ugh, sorry, God. I guess the unknowns frighten me. And the things that are undone. I still have things I want to do and finish in this lifetime. I don’t want it to be cut short. And I don’t want to leave my loved ones.
I have plans and purposes for your life. I have things I want you to finish, too, but if something happens to change those things, I can still get my plans done. I will use anyone whose heart is set on me.
I know, Lord, that I am replaceable.
In the grand scheme of things, your life is brief, but during your time on Earth, I want you to thrive — to experience my love and share that beauty with others. You are irreplaceable to those around you, for that is by my design. You are precious to me, to them, and they are precious to you. This is my good design. And that’s why you fear separation.
But heaven would be better by far, wouldn’t it?
Oh, so much better. To be with me for eternity is something for you to look forward to.
I do. Would you tell me if I weren’t supposed to get on one of those airplanes?
Would you listen to me?
I hope so. If your Holy Spirit tells me not to get on a flight I want to be able to hear THAT.
Do you trust me for your life and that of the beloved ones around you?
I trust you. Help my un-trust.
Do you trust that I want the best for you? I even want you to go on this trip and have fun!! You have good plans for a good week. I say, again, “it is good” because I AM in it. Besides, have you thought that maybe I have someone(s) I want you to witness or minister to on this trip?
I guess I hadn’t thought of that yet. Ok, Lord. Would you help me remember to stay in your Peace?
Yes, Child. I AM your Peace.
Yes, Lord.
Jehovah Shalom,
Today, we pray for all those who are traveling, especially by airplane. In Jesus’ name, we ask for safe and uncomplicated flights. We pray for clarity, wisdom, and knowledge to guide flight crews, air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, and everyone involved in ensuring safe and easy travel. We pray against any terrorist attacks against flights. We also pray against any fear that might prevent us from enjoying the things you’ve called us to do or from ministering to others.
We ask that you use our vacations for rest, recovery, recalibration, and renewal. Help us to tune into your Spirit before, during, and after our travels so that we are always journeying with you.
Bless us and protect us, make your face shine upon us, be gracious to us, and grant us your peace. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:22-24 NIV)
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)