“Spatial disorientation” is a condition in which one’s perception of things doesn’t agree with reality. It is the inability to correctly determine one’s body position in space. This is especially true with aircraft pilots. Whether in poor visibility or attempting to fly at night, a pilot without a visible horizon or point of reference can become confused and disoriented, causing him or her to mistrust the plane’s instruments and rely totally on their senses. A plane’s instruments tell the pilot how high the plane is, how level it is flying, and whether or not it is gaining or losing altitude. Ignoring the instruments, what appears to be up is actually down and what feels to be level flight is actually a descent or an out of control spin. Pilots have flown their planes into the ground firmly believing they were pulling them higher into the air. Every year approximately forty percent of fatal aviation accidents are attributed to spatial disorientation. Experienced pilots know that you don’t always trust your senses – you have to trust the instruments.
The same could be said for life. Many people simply trust their senses and go by what seems or feels to be right. Much like the pilot not trusting the instruments, they never realize their life is in an out of control spin until it is too late. The best instrument for navigating life is the word of God.
Consider these gems from Psalm 119:
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.”
Psalm 119:104, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”
Psalm 119:138, “The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.”
Consider the wise advice from the writer of Proverbs:
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Consider the Apostle Paul’s advice to the young Timothy:
2Tim.3:16, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and
training in righteousness.”
The choice is really quite simple. In life, you can trust yourself and go by your senses. But be warned – you can quickly find yourself in an out of control spin that you can’t recover from. Or you can trust in God and his word and have the assurance you will arrive safely to your destination. Trust His word – it never fails!
To His Glory,
Pastor Bill