Panic

Panicking is characterized as uncontrollable fear that leads to irrational behavior. To say we're merely afraid is an understatement; our bodies are overwhelmed with emotions. As Christians, we often panic about our relationship with the Lord instead of truly fearing Him. We let our emotions dictate our perceived closeness to God. When we experience a week filled with blessings, we feel near to God. Conversely, during challenging times, we may feel distant from our loving Father. However, this perception is not accurate. While unrepented sin can create distance from God, our circumstances or emotions never separate us from Him.

In 1 Chronicles chapters 13-15, David attempted to move the Ark of the Covenant, and despite his enthusiasm, his friend died due to irrational thinking. God had provided David with instructions through Moses on how to move the Ark. Younger generations often try to do things independently or in their own way. I, like many millennials, am guilty of this. However, when we learn from our elders, we benefit from their past experiences and claim victory as our own. My point is that new ideas are built upon past ideas; nothing deviates from how God expects us to perform it initially. God is in full control and has taught experienced Christians life lessons to pass on, just as Moses did for David. When David finally followed God's plan as intended, he experienced true joy and gave God the glory He deserved. It's important to note that this passage teaches us that God doesn't give ultimatums or empty threats. When David didn't follow God's plan and tried to substitute his own, God instantly struck down Uzzah. This act demonstrated that not following His will is akin to rebelling and claiming we know better than the Creator. This is a learning process, which is why repentance is crucial. Too often, we let emotions and fears guide us instead of listening to what God has already told us.

Walking our own path and claiming it as God's can inadvertently take glory away from Him. When things don't unfold as we expect, we often find ourselves confused or questioning God's motives, failing to realize it was our own actions, not His. This is especially true during challenging times. However, if we view these moments as signs to seek God, imagine how dramatically the outcome could change. In John 6:16-40, Jesus walks on water during a storm, and the disciples, filled with fear, continue to row for miles before they finally see Him. It makes one wonder how long Jesus had been there, ready to help. When He boarded the boat, they immediately reached their destination. Jesus didn't calm the sea in this instance but guided them to where they needed to be. Too often, we try to steer our own lives without God's guidance. We panic when storms arise, but when we seek God amidst the chaos, He takes control. The disciples recognized His voice when He reassured them, and without hesitation, they welcomed Him onto the boat, acting on their faith. That's when Jesus led them through the storm. Notice, He didn't stop the storm; He allowed them to navigate through it and reach their destination swiftly. How many times do we wish for our storms to cease? It's when we trust in God that we can set aside our personal emotions and allow Him to work in our lives.

To maintain composure, we must set aside our emotions and let God take charge of the situation. When we panic, we allow our emotions to dominate, potentially causing those around us to become more anxious. By trusting in Jesus and uniting with our brothers and sisters in Christ, the body of Christ can function as intended, glorifying God in the process. This may also lead others to question our calm reaction and seek the reason behind it, guiding them to Christ. God orchestrates everything for our good, allowing trials to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him. Jesus tells us in John 6 that He is the bread of life, promising that if we trust and believe in Him, we will never thirst or hunger again. By relying on Him, we can live a full life. Although not everyone understands what it means to truly trust God, and this saddens me because not everyone will be saved, I am confident that God is in control and has a plan far superior to any plan I might have. Despite the presence of skeptics and those who will not fully surrender to God, Jesus tells us that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus dedicated His life to fulfilling God's plan, setting an example for us to follow. The next time you feel the urge to panic, remember who is in control. When emotions cloud your judgment, clear them by turning to the Father. Don't let panic override the calmness Jesus has instilled in our hearts. Know His voice, trust Him, and let Him guide your life. One day, the rain will stop, and the sun will shine, but only God controls the weather.

Wrote at the Lake

6/5/25 @ 8:55am