The other day I found myself with a severe case of spacial disorientation… a.k.a.…IN THE FOG! I was out early one morning before sunrise and drove into bank of fog that went on for miles. I was amazed how the road, which I have traveled dozens of times, became a strange path with every turn almost catching me by surprise. As I walked into the woods, the fog made the trees look unfamiliar. The fog was so dense that the sunrise seemed to make little difference. Even the familiar sounds of the woods were different and unusual. I was sure the sun would burn off the fog and my day of hunting would be in full swing…but it never did...the fog was in and thick!
The Federal Aviation Administration describes the effects of fog this way: “Any differences or discrepancies between visual, vestibular (inner ear), and pro-prioceptive (muscular/skin/feeling) sensory inputs result in a “sensory mismatch” that can produce illusions and lead to spacial disorientation”. In other words…fog messes with your senses. The FAA offers this helpful insight when pilots encounter a fog induced disorientation: “If you experience a visual illusion during flight (most pilots do at one time or another), have confidence in your instruments and ignore all conflicting signals your body gives you.” The fog had caused me to experience a spatial disorientation without the usual references and senses I was so use to trusting. The longer I was in the fog…the less I trusted what I saw and felt.
I realized this is a great picture of our faith journey. We spend much of our faith journey traveling familiar paths that offer a sense of security. For years we have attend the same church, at the same time and even sit in the same seat…or we have part of the same bible study, small group, or committee… everything is familiar and regular…it just looks and feels right. Then a time comes when we find ourselves with everything that was familiar and comfortable is now lost. Some may call this “desert time”, being “in the valley”, or when “God goes silent”. The FAA advice for combating this “illusion” is valid for us believers as well…trust your instruments and beware of your feelings...they may be misleading you.
God offers us holy instruments to help navigate our faith journey…especially during our "fog" time: The Holy Spirit is our Guide (John 16:13, Rom. 8:27), God’s Word is trustworthy (John 1: 1-2, Titus 1:9), and Prayer is our direct connection to God (Mark 11:24, Eph 6:18). As I travel this road to obedience, I recognize as I approach the fog…I do not have to suffer while I am disoriented... I can have confidence in remaining obedient through the holy instruments of Spirit, Word and Prayer to guide me through and dispel the “illusions” of the world and my own sinful nature. 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…AND HELP ME IN MY SPACIAL DISORIENTATION!!!
Obedience verse for the week:
Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:10
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