The Greatest Instrument Gauge
“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”
John 14:27
We live in a culture and society today that has everything – except “Peace.” Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older every year. People with anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. It’s not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
One of my good friends, Gary Dickinson is a pilot and flight simulator instructor for Delta Airlines. I asked Gary the following question: “What avionics instrument would be the worst to lose and go out during the flight?” His answer was the “Artificial Horizon Indicator.” Gary said: “Without it we would be unable to keep our wings level if we entered weather—clouds or anything which obscured the horizon.” You see, the Artificial Horizon Indicator is an extremely important cockpit instrument gauge. It gives you an instant, truthful indication as to whether your aircraft is turning, climbing or descending, and should be trusted over all other senses if you are disorientated or lost. When this instrument is working properly, it provides a great sense of “Peace” to the pilot flying through poor visibility or disorientation.
In a similar way, the “Peace of God” that only He can give is the instrument gauge that will navigate you through the storms of life when you can’t seem to find your way. Without it, our lives become disoriented. We are instead controlled by anxiety, depression, troubles, worry, doubt and fear, which inevitably will lead us to crash. However, Jesus reminds us in the verse above about the “Peace” that only He can provide. It transcends all earthly understanding. Read it again closely . . .
“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be anxious, troubled, or fearful.”
The “Peace” that Jesus gives is the very instrument gauge that will guide you through the loss of a job, parents, child or spouse. It is the instrument gauge that will guide you through overwhelming challenges, difficulties and the storms of life. Because it’s not a matter of if, but when you’ll encounter the deep valleys of life—and it is then that you must rely on the greatest spiritual instrument gauge:
“The Peace of God.”
Love God, Love People, Live Sent!
Be Worth Being,
Kevin
Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.