My family is reading this title and thinking, “Mom, how do you need a pilot when you won’t even get on a plane?!” But, I DO need a Pilot – a spiritual Pilot and the best One is Jesus. I’ve really been needing Him this week as my life has moved in and out of different “trials”. Oh, nothing so big as would be deemed a crisis but do we remember to ask Him to pilot us on all the little “stresses” of life? I love this song and wanted to share it.
Sometimes when my faith would falter
And no sunlight I can see
I just lift my eyes to Jesus
And I whisper, “Pilot me.”
I have had a few moments of no sunlight this week (and by that I mean in my soul). As much as I desire to CHOOSE JOY every day, some days, the devil spends his time trying to snatch it away. I was chagrined when one of my sweet younger daughters saw me troubled and said, “Momma, you just need to read your devotionals.” She WAS right. My books were the start of this writing journey TO help ME and if I could help others along the way than AMEN!
I had to whisper this week through much pain in my body, “Pilot me, dear Lord” and through soul pain, “Pilot me, dear Lord.” Sometimes, I have to pray like Paul in II Corinthians 12:7-9, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
This thought has crossed my mind many times over the years since I was diagnosed with hEDS – maybe, just maybe, God wants me to use this pain for HIS good and for HIS glory. I’ve sought Him to know how and I believe He has told me to choose joy even when in pain to show others that life doesn’t have to be all about self and pain but we can rise above and serve others. Guess what happens? He gives strength. Jesus gives help. He gives hope and yes He gives joy!! Jesus is my Pilot!
Often, when my soul is weary
And the days seem, oh, so long,
I just look up to my Pilot
And I hear this blessed song:
Isn’t it great to have music? When we get soul weary and we want to quit, we can sing and praise God. What should we sing about? I like to sing praise songs that bring out HOW God has blessed me in my life. There are so many ways to be thankful but singing seems to be my favorite. We can also just sit and list our blessings. We have a great life here in North America! Praising God makes the days seem not so long. Praising God makes my soul aches disappear. If Jesus is at the helm of my ship then I can sing blessings to Him and know that I’m safe. He is my Pilot.
When temptations ’round me gather
And I almost lose my way,
Somehow, in the raving tempest,
I can hear my Saviour say,
Temptations. We sin when we give into those temptations and live in the flesh. There are myriads of little ways we can be tempted daily. We can be tempted to gossip. We can be tempted to complain and talk bad about those around us, situations, even about leadership. Why? The devil is tempting us to dwell in the flesh. Don’t lose your way! Rise about the tempest and listen to the Savior. With all that is happening in our world right now, the devil wants to confuse and distract the churches so that the next generation doesn’t know or desire to follow God. Do we want to be petty enough to complain and be hypocritical in front of our children just to “air” out our feelings? I know I have been guilty of living in the flesh and falling to temptation. The best way to gain victory is to get back in fellowship with God and get right back on track spiritually. Thank God for forgiveness and love. He is my Pilot!
When I come to Jordan’s river
And its troubled waters see,
On the brink I’ll see my Saviour,
And I know He’ll pilot me.
Death. It’s the unknown. It isn’t something we can practice beforehand. We just have to trust the Savior that no matter which way He chooses us to walk over the Jordan that we will take His hand and trust Him to Pilot us. Death then becomes just something to not worry about because in reality our time is in His hands so we might as well not worry about it. God knows my last step. Whether it be tomorrow, next week, or down the road by years…..He is my Pilot.
As our Pilot, He has such rich things to say to us. He has helped weather the storm and bring our flesh under control. How? The chorus tells us how He does it.
As our Pilot, He has such rich things to say to us. He has helped weather the storm and bring our flesh under control. How? The chorus tells us how He does it.
“Fear thou not for I’ll be with thee,
I will still thy pilot be;
Never mind the tossing billows,
Take my hand and trust in Me.”
He assures us to not be fearful. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” We are promised that we are never left alone. Do we forget this during the storms? Sadly, I think we do and that’s when the fear takes over. So, remember there are several things we can do to not only alleviate the fears but also to see the Pilot we have.
a. Fear not (let go of the fear)
b. Remember Who your Pilot is
c. Forget the big waves in the storm (these too will pass)
d. Take His hand (He has it all in control)
e. Trust your Pilot (He is your Savior and your Guide)
When we can follow through on these steps, Psalm 23:2 makes a lot of sense and brings much comfort; “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” The waters are still. He is your Pilot.