Trust Over Turbulence

Matthew 6

Six weeks ago, I was on a flight to Dallas, TX, when it encountered severe turbulence over Alabama. Passengers screamed, coffee flew, and laptops scattered. Yet the pilot’s calm voice came over the intercom: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing turbulence, but the aircraft is not in danger. Please remain seated, and we will be through this shortly.” The turbulence was real, but the pilot’s calm assurance settled our hearts. Ironically, as this was happening, the song playing in my ears on my phone was “Everything I Need, My Father Has It.”

Life’s turbulence—anxiety, stress, and worry—can cause panic. Yet, just as our good pilot, Jesus, calls us to trust Him (Matthew 6).

In Matthew 6, Jesus calls us to live free from anxiety by replacing fear with faith, worry with worship, and panic with prayer. Using T.R.U.S.T., we can apply five biblical principles to help us live with trust over turbulence.

T – Take Your Burdens to God in Prayer

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret…” (Matthew 6:6)

Jesus calls us to pray rather than panic. Prayer transfers burdens from our shoulders to God’s.

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” – Corrie Ten Boom

A practice I have adopted over the years is to take a three-minute prayer pause whenever anxiety strikes—at my desk, in my car, or while walking—verbally telling God what is troubling me.

R – Remember God’s Faithfulness

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap… yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.” (Matthew 6:26)

Jesus points us to the birds. They do not have barns, budgets, or to-do lists, yet God faithfully feeds them. You are of more value than many sparrows.“God’s past faithfulness demands our present trust.” – Elisabeth Elliot

Keep a “God’s Faithfulness” journal. Every time God answers a prayer or provides, write it down. Review it when worry comes.

U – Understand Your Value to God

“Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

Anxiety often comes from feeling unseen or uncared for, but Jesus reminds us of our value to God. You are His child—loved and known. “Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” – Corrie Ten Boom

When anxiety whispers, “You are alone,” respond aloud, “God cares for me,” claiming 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

S – Seek First the Kingdom of God

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Worry often grows when we prioritize lesser things over what is most important. Jesus calls us to prioritize Him, promising to provide what we need. When worry rises, re-evaluate your priorities. Are you seeking God’s purposes first, or your preferences?

T – Trust God for Tomorrow

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow…” (Matthew 6:34)

Worry drags tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine. Jesus calls us to live in daily dependence, trusting Him for tomorrow’s needs.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom When anxiety tempts you to “live in tomorrow,” pause and thank God for at least three blessings you have today.

We all have different pressures, deadlines, needs, and concerns that can cause turbulence in our lives. Remember to TRUST when these arise! Worry is the interest paid on trouble before it falls due.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” Life’s turbulence is real, but Jesus’ presence and promises are even more real. Let us walk in trust over turbulence, choosing faith over fear, confidence over chaos, and trust over turmoil, knowing that our Father knows what we need before we even ask Him.