Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~Psalm 119:105

Over a decade ago, in the aftermath of John Kennedy Jr.'s death, we heard through the media about the difficulties involved with flying a plane by instruments alone - a necessary skill if you want to be able to fly at night or in fog.  One such article by an amateur pilot noted, "I flew the headings and turns as instructed, but even with 10 hours of instrument flying experience already in my logbook, I was amazed at how quickly the plane slid into a banking turn if I diverted my attention for just a few moments.  The first time it happened, a pang of panic shot through me, a momentary fear that made it even more difficult to comprehend what the plane was doing."  But when he heard his instructor next to him calmly say, "Watch your bank," he quickly leveled the plane.

If we are honest with ourselves, we often feel that panic rising up.  Where am I?  Where am I going?  What do I need to do next?  How will that work out?  How will I be able to afford it?  Just like the pilot, it's hard to get our bearings when we can't see the horizon and get the perspective necessary to stay level.

At these times, it is even more important that we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and His Word (our ever-present instrument panel) and pay attention to his calming guidance.

   But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign
    LORD; in you I take refuge. ~Psalm 141:8a

We may not be able to see the whole plan.  Trust God for that...

    I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned
     out—plans to take care of you, not abandon
     you, plans to give you the future you hope
     for.                      ~Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

    We know that God is always at work for the
      good of everyone who loves him.
                                    ~Romans 8:28a (CEV)

We are only responsible for being attentive to Him. 

   Therefore, since we are surrounded by such
     a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
     everything that hinders and the sin that so
     easily entangles, and let us run with
     perseverance the race marked out for us.
     Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
     perfecter of our faith.  ~Hebrews 12:1-2a

Learning Together to Fly by the Instrument Panel...