The Only Way to Fly

(Proverbs 18:14 KJV)  The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Notice the priorities here.  A healthy “spirit” (7307) can “sustain" (endure NASB) (3557) physical “sickness” (4245b).  We see this all the time.  I have recently read a book, Reading Between the Lines, by Gene Edward Vieth.  He is examining literature, at this point comedy and tragedy.  He points out that people who believe that existence will end in despair (tragedy) are focused on immediate pleasures.  There is no reason to be concerned about the distant future.  Christians who focus on eternity and have a hope (comedy), are able to smile at the problems of life.  One of my favorite comments to lighten up these dark times is, “We have read the book and we know who wins.”  Of course that only works on those who are believers.  Our sanctified spirits can see us through shattering tragedy.

On the other hand, if our spirit is “broken” (5218b) we cannot “bear” (5375) much of anything.  We give up when perseverance would bring victory.  We slow down when we should push harder.  Think of an airplane strut that has at its core invisible metal fatigue.  It’s spirit is broken, just waiting for the sudden pressure that will shatter it.  On the other hand I remember watching an airplane land with its front wheel only partially lowered and the wheel facing sideways.  The concrete slowly ground the projecting metal down but it never broke.  The plane landed safely because that wheel support had an unbroken spirit.

So?  Trust.  Does that seem too simple?  Maybe, but it isn’t always easy.  This is why daily worship and immersion in the Word is so important.  Read, think, pray, trust.  It’s the only way to fly.