I have found myself becoming instantly panicked. Luke 12 informs me that I should never allow myself to stay in that state for long. There’s no need for it! It’s not helpful to anyone, and it shows my lack of faith in the only One who can change things.

What is it that panics me?

I’ve felt it when I thought I had cancer. And I had to wait for a week to find out results of a biopsy. I panicked when I thought my daughter had been snatched from a store. I was overcome with anxiety when I was bullied by a dental hygienist and had to go back to have dental work done (though I wasn’t sure if it was bullying or an actual health issue).

What drives my anxiety?

I feel anxious when answers are unknown to me. And I have to wait.

I feel panicked when my children are hurt or could potentially be hurt.

I feel anxious when I believe I’ve been taken advantage of.

I feel panic when life is out of my control. There are no obvious solutions.

How can God answer my anxiety?

* Every situation I face is known by God. The answers are obvious to Him.

* God loves me and my children more than I do. Nothing touches us unless He allows it for His purposes. If pain and suffering enter my life. there’s a reason for it that He will use for His glory and our spiritual growth.

* Nothing is ever out of God’s control.

* God desires me to turn to Him for direction, wisdom, and refuge. He wants me to trust Him – with my life, my children’s lives, my needs, my safety, my protection, my future – basically, everything!

* He has ministry designed just for me to do in this life. I can serve others, love others, and pursue God’s mission in this world instead of focusing on me and mine.

* I can recognize the temptation to worry and panic and, instead of going that route, I can fall on my knees before God in faith and reliance. He has the answers!

Psalm 94 has some insights and confirmation of what we’re talking about here.

The psalmist was growing anxious about evil men getting away with crushing innocent people. The wicked think: “The LORD doesn’t see it.” But the psalmist says,

– “Can the one who shaped the ear not hear, the one who formed the eye not see? The one who instructs nations, the one who teaches mankind knowledge – does he not discipline? The LORD knows the thoughts of mankind; they are futile. LORD, how happy is anyone you discipline and teach from your law to give him relief from troubled times..” (Ps. 94:7, 9-13).

– “The LORD will not leave his people or abandon his heritage.” (Ps. 94:14)

– “If the LORD had not been my helper, I would soon rest in the silence of death.” (Ps. 94:17)

– “But the LORD is my refuge; my God is the rock of my protection.” (Ps. 94:22)

– And my favorite: “When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.” (Ps. 94:19)

When I read this psalm, my faith begins to grow! I’m reminded of just who God is! He is not weak and out of control like I am. He is stronger than any foe, able to humble the most arrogant and wicked person, and sees all that goes on in the entire world. My job is to seek Him first, keep doing the job He’s given me, and trust Him no matter what.

Worry and anxiety is a temptation, not a condition or sickness. How do I fight against temptation? The Bible tells me how. I am tempted every day to sin in a multitude of ways. God has provided a way out from every temptation. If I know Jesus as my personal Savior and have been born again spiritually, I no longer have to sin when temptation comes knocking on my door. I’ve been made free! Sin can no longer dominate me. But it will take effort on my part to refuse to go down that road. I don’t go it alone, however. God is with me, His Spirit resides inside me, and God has provided the wonderful support group of my local church. They are my reinforcements! I can share my burden with them, and they can help me lift it. I can help lift others’ burdens, too.

Lord, thank You for Your perfect care of me, of us. Thank You for knowing we’d be worrisome creatures and providing help and answers. Help me to overcome the sin of worry and anxiety. You never meant for me to carry that burden. I want to remain free of it. May I turn to You more quickly each time I’m tempted to panic or fear. Thank You that You are always near. You hold my hand and tell me, “Don’t be afraid.” Help me trust You. Amen.