High Above The Clouds | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

High Above The Clouds

Biblical promises to remember during trying, troubling times.

18
High Above The Clouds
architecture n design

A couple hours ago I purchased an airplane ticket to fly to Los Angeles this weekend for a family reunion. One of the most important things to consider when booking a flight (besides finding a good deal on Expedia) is where to sit during your plane trip. Should I pick a window seat or an aisle seat? And (if you have more money than I do) should I be in coach, business, or first class?

After weighing pros and cons, I usually choose a window seat so I can easily daydream about the lives of the people in the cities miles below me. Looking out the window at the sunlight-tinted clouds and bright blue skies around me, I'm also reminded of one of God's greatest promises to me and all Christians-the guarantee that we will spend eternity in heaven with Him. During stressful times at school or work, in daily life, or in the midst of our country's political unrest, it is important to not only remember this source of hope but also four other key promises God has made to us in the Bible.

God has made it clear in his Word that he will always be with us and will “never leave or forsake us” even in tough times (Hebrews 13:5). Our relationships with others may fade or wane, but the Lord is a “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). He is someone you can turn to whenever you need help, encouragement, or advice. The Lord lives within us in the form of the Holy Spirit “who dwells within our hearts” (Ephesians 3:17).

Just like a genuine friend who is loyal and honest, God always wants what is best for us. Sometimes what we believe is right for us is different than what God thinks is good for us. We can try to pursue our goals and make decisions but things often do not go as we intended. When we fail or get frustrated we need to remember that the Lord has "plans to prosper us and not to harm us" and that his vision for our lives is immeasurably greater than we could ever imagine (Jeremiah 29:11). God works every difficult situation, heartbreak, mistake, and "all things together for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

One of the reasons why God wants us to succeed and experience growth is because he loves us unconditionally. He has "loved us with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3) and his "steadfast love is better than life" (Psalm 63:6). He showed his affection towards us when he sent his son, Jesus, to the world. Jesus "laid down his life for us while we were still sinners" so we might have eternal life (1 John 3:16). As Christians we are called to show similar grace and kindness towards all those around us.

Since we have been forgiven of our sins, we not only have the guarantee we will spend eternity in heaven but also the hope that the highs and lows of our daily lives will be more bearable with God close by. Jesus died on the cross so that “we may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Contrary to the message of certain television evangelists, just because we have placed our faith in Christ does not mean our lives will always be wonderful. We will still encounter failure, struggles, and conflict, but it easier to go through those things with God by our side than by ourselves. Even though the Lord is with us, sometimes we feel hopeless and lost because of difficult circumstances. When this happens we need to remember that we will eventually spend forever with the Lord in heaven. In that glorious place there will be “no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” but only peace and joy (Revelation 21:4).

Whether you are flying high above the clouds and staring out the window of an airplane or going through your daily routine, I hope you will never forget this promise of eternal life and all the other wonderful blessings God bestows on those who love him.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

184574
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10995
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455104
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24864
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments