The Black Box

Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

       In recent news we learned of yet another tragic plane crash where there are no survivors.  Rescue and salvage workers searched desperately for clues and any hints of why the plane filled with more than one hundred passengers met such an untimely end.  One of the key pieces they look for in the wreckage is the flight recorder or “black box”.  This device, which seems to be made of indestructible material, is designed to record all of the pertinent data associated with the airplane-the mechanics, flight pattern, audio and digital messages and various other pieces of information related to the entire course of the plane’s mission.  One of the favorite monologues of many comedians in order to bring levity to such a tragic situation is to offer one seemingly off-beat but plausible suggestion. Why not make the entire plane out of the material they use to construct the ‘black box’?  If that little device can withstand midair collisions, mile-high plummets to the ground, undersea pressures, subzero and Saharan temperatures, then surely that should be the material of choice.  I definitely want to be able to rely upon the fact that the vessel I am in will not only stand up against the ravages of outside forces, but keep me safe and sound on the inside.

       However we know that we cannot put our total trust in armored vehicles, memory bumpers, seatbelts or airbags. There are few things in this world that we can rely upon 100%; even so-called ‘sure things’ have no guarantees. The smartest and most innovative engineers can design the best possible items to protect us but in the long run we must know that our only defense against any and everything in this world is our trust and belief in the protective and loving power of Jesus Christ.  Scripture tells us that there is power in the name of JESUS.

       The very name of our Lord is a strong tower, a place of refuge, a stronghold, a fortress. When things around you are chaotic and spiraling out of control; and it seems like all that you have ‘up’ is coming ‘down’ – call on the name of JESUS and run into his safety.  Don’t sweat the small stuff (and to our BIG GOD, everything is small stuff).  Call on the Lord Most High, trust, believe and receive the gift of peace. 

       Whatever is going on this week, know that God has a rescue tower with the light blinking brightly –JESUS, JESUS, JESUS! And all are welcome.  Notice that the scripture text says that the righteous RUN in and are safe.  Don’t hesitate; don’t be ashamed or second-guessing.  Break free from whatever is trying to frustrate you by attempting to steal or kill your dream or destroy your livelihood.  Throw down anything (or anyone) that might weigh you down and run and don’t look back.  Jesus waits with open arms.  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  2015 is the Year of Manifestation!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn