Rise Above The Turbulence

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday in 2023, my family and I visited my parents in Texas. On the plane ride there, I experienced some of the worst fear and anxiety. During the initial ascent and descent, my soul feared and loathed every bump and drop the turbulence brought. If you have ever flown in a plane, turbulence is common. It can be jolting. Momentarily, it may feel like you are falling out of the sky. In reality, I wasn’t going to drop out of the sky, but my mind fabricated images of destruction. I had thoughts that we were going to be thrown through the air and crash. It was dramatic. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I did my best to take comfort and solace in God. 

I cried out to God while reminding myself of what He says. The Bible talks about this in 2 Corinthians 10...Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.  During the horrific thoughts, I quoted God’s Word, but the feelings didn’t go away initially. Headphones covered my ears with worship music. I brought each thought captive. I kept casting down the thoughts that were against the knowledge of God. However, I still felt the intensity of the thoughts. Relief hit hard when the tires bounced on the tarmac as we landed. 

To be transparent, I felt I had failed because the anxiety didn’t immediately depart. God showed me something new: I only fail if I give up. God used this to help me rise above and gain new strength like it talks about in Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. 

One of the most encouraging things about this verse is those who trust will find new strength. It’s new strength! It’s not a previous fortitude of strength that I draw from. It’s new strength that I draw from God.    

They will rise above the turbulence. I felt like I was failing during the turbulence. However, God gave me new strength to withstand and combat the wiles of fear and anxiety. I reminded myself of what the Bible says starting with nothing can separate me from His love, or He gives His angels charge over me or He keeps in perfect peace all who trust in Him. While the anxiety was trying to grip me, I reminded myself of what God says. I also talked to God about the fear and anxiety. Before I knew it, the fear started to lose its grip. 

By the time we flew back, the fear and anxiety weren’t prevalent. God gave me the strength to withstand and shatter the lies and strongholds of fear and anxiety. The trip back was more peaceful in my mind. When the thoughts came, they didn’t have the same power. They were weak, and I was strong. 

I encourage you to draw from God. He has more than enough love and strength… new strength. He loves you!

You're Loved, Cherished & Redeemed,

Devyn