In 2005 Mary and I moved to Denver to be a part of the mission of Youth For Christ. In the 19 years since that move, I have flown on many, many flights into and out of Denver International Airport.
What I’ve learned is that there is a common refrain that is communicated on nearly every flight coming in, and going out of DIA. That refrain, often spoken from the cockpit, goes something like this.
“I’ve asked the flight attendants to stay in their seats because of the turbulence along the front range. Once we find some smooth air, they will provide their outstanding service.” Or…
“I’ve asked the flight attendants to clean up the cabin a little early since we expect turbulence as we descend into Denver.”
Turbulence. It’s inevitable. Especially when the prevailing winds meet the front range of the Rocky Mountains. But for good pilots, the plan is that it’s temporary. A short duration on the way to smoother air. Pilots do their best to find the most comfortable air, likely above 30,000 feet.
Never have I heard a pilot say, “I’d like to leave you uncomfortable and frightened, so I’m going to cruise in this turbulence for as long as I can.” Yet I can’t help but believe that in many ways, our lives are subjected to this kind of persistent turbulence on a daily basis.
In fact, Jesus anticipated this, without the accelerating factors of social media. He said this…
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b, ESV)
Tribulation. Turbulence.
Unsettled air that disrupts peace, that preoccupies our minds, that suffocates our soul.
But Jesus doesn’t leave us there. Just like a good pilot doesn’t. The smooth air is what Jesus calls a “Kingdom perspective”.
Jesus, at the height of the most intense turbulence in His life said to Pilate, “But my kingdom is not from the world.”
The Kingdom of God was Jesus’s number one theme. It is referenced over 100 times in the Gospels. It is what fuels the peace, patience and hope of the Christian. And it’s something we should pray for on earth, even as we anticipate it in heaven.
Jesus
put it plainly in His most renowned sermon… “But seek first
the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will
be added to you.”
Our
culture markets turbulence.
It sells. It trends. It entertains. And yes, it consumes.
Jesus didn’t ignore the turbulence, and He doesn’t instruct us to pretend it
doesn’t exist. What He does, consistently, is remind us that there is smooth
air, but it can only be found by living with a Kingdom perspective.
“Peace
I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to
you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)
Then,
and only then, do I have the freedom to truly move about the world I live in.
Feeling anxious? Are you living inside the turbulence? Are you feeding this
turbulence by what you watch, listen to, or read? Is your hope and confidence
in something or someone who promises less turbulence?
The Kingdom of God. Above the turbulence. Smooth air in spite of the chaos. A
Christ shaped view of the world.
Lord forgive me. Lord help us. And yes, may I reflect your Kingdom confidence
and perspective. Especially now.
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