Panic

Panic.

It’s setting in. The financial strain is beginning to erode my sense of purpose.

What happens when panic reigns? Why does God allow Christians to experience levels of fear which destabilize our faith and paralyze our ability to make sound decisions.

 

I’ve heard him say, “I’m coming for you. I’ll rescue you.” 

 

When? Am I meant to go down in defeat? Am I meant to drag my family down. I just want freedom from one house. We have prayed everyday for six months that a buyer or tenant would come along. 

 

Panic creeps in. First there is denial. I’m a risk taker and I see things from an optimistic perspective. So it’s hard to admit that things are going south. Second, there is negotiation. Lord, I’ll do this. I’ll stop doing that. Third, anger offers an outlet. Sin offers a bit of distraction. Your conscience and spirit rear up in protest but your not thinking clearly anymore. Finally, panic suspends reality. You’ve entered the zone of vulnerability and narrow-mindedness. 

 

Then, at is point, the normal options of reason and logic fade.  It’s hard to make a fresh decision to climb out of the hole. You need to be rescued from yourself.  I feel like I’m there now.  What ever  happened to my dream? 

 

Wasn’t Joseph in one of these places? His faith sustained him, regardless of abandonment, slavery, or imprisonment.  Am I supposed to learn the Joseph story? If so, where are my dreams? What vision do I hold on to as I scramble money around like a rat arranging slices of cheeses on a sinking ship?

 

Panic sucks the life and joy out of me faster than anything. It is also contagious. It spreads like wild fire from spouse to spouse, and can be triggered by the slightest speed bump.

 

So, the lesson is…. Do not give up. I’m not in a prison camp. This is why we have faith.  It is to be exercised. In fact, Christians should be experts on Panic. Because the reality is that, we do see the whole field. We do have a Hope and a Future. We do have the promises of Jesus to never leave us nor forsake us. 

 

But the world does not. Will they see you give in to Panic, or will they see you lean forward, and let your faith be shaped by the grindstone of life? 

 

The whole world is in Panic today. All of the foundations of government are failing. The world economy is in shambles. We are all on the brink of war and total collapse. Read the papers for a full week and you will see the fierce demonic spirit of Panic beginning to reign. 

 

But not in my heart, nor in my home. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

 

I surrender again all that I am and all that you have given me, to you Jesus.