If you have done much flying, chances are you have experienced turbulence. It can be mild, moderate, or in rare cases, severe. When the plane you are flying on suddenly shakes and dips while cruising at 35,000 feet, it can make you anxious. Indeed, in studies of people with a fear of flying, more than half list turbulence as the number one reason they are unwilling to fly.
Kayla Reyes never had a fear of flying, but after her experience traveling to Hawaii for Christmas, she might change her perspective. According to a December 19, 2022, story in the New York Post, Reyes was flying with her mother on a flight from Phoenix to Honolulu when the airplane experienced severe turbulence. She said, “The plane shook and then went into a sudden drop, kind of how you would if you were on a rollercoaster.” Reyes added, “My mom wasn’t buckled, and she flew up and hit her head on the ceiling.” Ouch!
As a frequent flier, I have experienced more than my share of airplane turbulence. Usually, it is mild and does not cause me to give it much thought. I remember one occasion, however, when I started to get worried. My hands gripped the armrests more tightly, and I could feel my heartrate accelerating. After several jolts and shakes, the pilot came on the PA system, and in a calm and relaxed voice he announced, “Ladies and gentlemen… I apologize for the bumpy ride. We seem to have hit a rough patch. I am going to move to a higher altitude to see if we can find a smoother ride.”
Something about his voice eased my anxiety. It was comforting to know that he was not worried. It seemed routine to him, almost like he was taking a slight detour to avoid interstate congestion. Thinking back on that experience, it occurs to me that as long as my mind was on the turbulence, I was growing uneasy… even scared. But when my focus was on the captain, my fears subsided. I knew we were in good, capable hands.
These are turbulent times in America and throughout the world. As you read this, events are unfolding that have many people worried about the future. Rising inflation, global conflicts, reduced freedoms, political corruption, immorality, the cancel culture, a growing economic crisis, and more all signal darker times ahead.
Everywhere we turn geo-political tensions are on the rise. A budding alliance between Russia and China is particularly unsettling. Many of our allies are making behind the scenes deals with other nations because they fear the collapse of the U.S. economy is imminent. China is saber-rattling and threatening Taiwan. Russia has all but conquered Ukraine and is advancing westward. Many experts warn we are spiraling toward World War III.
Add to that the threat of isolated attacks throughout the world by smaller terrorist groups seeking to advance their cause. Or rogue dictators using military force for ethnic cleansing. We see regular news reports of mass shootings at schools, churches, and malls. Innocent civilians die every day at the hands of evil people. There are plenty of things happening that might make our hearts race and our palms sweat if we focus on the turbulence in this rapidly unraveling world.
I am reminded of a time when the disciples were facing turbulence at sea. The wind was blowing wildly, the waves were crashing over the bow, and they feared the worst. Where was Jesus during this storm? He was sleeping soundly down below deck! He was not the least bit worried. Jesus rebuked the disciples, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith” (Matthew 8:26)?
Turbulent times call for a steady faith. Faith is the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Christians know how this story ends, and we are eagerly awaiting the blessed hope of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13; Philippians 3:20). If we fix our eyes on Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith,” the turbulence will not seem as unsettling (Hebrews 12:2).
God’s Word reminds us, “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:25–26).
