Panic Attacks Got You?

Fear of the Unknown

Today, the fear of the unknown gripped me. I was backed into the corner with a panic attack; briefly I was unaware of how to respond to a fearful circumstance. Many years ago I was diagnosed with panic attacks and thank God, throughout the years with some very good therapy and prayer, I’ve learned how to handle them when I feel they are welling up inside of me. But, why now?

When is the last time you felt fear gripping you; possibly even driving you towards a panic attack?

When we are feeling backed in a corner with fear of the unknown, it can be very bewildering and frustrating as the sensation of chest discomfort, weak legs and other discomforting symptoms take hold of our heart, mind and soul.

God, help me!!! Ever screamed that out in the middle of your fear? I know I have, over and over again and … over and over again, God has delivered.

The Bible does not speak of panic attacks by name, but it does present several situations that could provoke one. Many times the Bible reads that the people were “filled with fear.” Hello, that’s often followed-up by a panic attack. Look at Psalm 55:4-8, it describes how a heart is in anguish within.

The best way I was able to cover my panic attacks was to normalize them. I consumed many publications about panic attacks and learned not to fear them but rather to recognize them as non-life-threatening. If I become fearful of the unknown, I will usually draw closer to God and remind myself that He is bigger than the fear. That’s exactly what I did recently when I felt the panic trying to get the better of me. Jesus put my fear into perspective when He said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” ( Matthew 10:28) Another words, most of what we fear is temporary and has no eternal consequence and aren’t we to focus on the things that are eternal rather than earthly things? (Colossians 3:2) I trust Jesus to take my fears and put them into perspective.

What is gripping you? Don’t go through it alone. God is there with you. If you are unable to feel His presence, call a family member, trustworthy friend, priest, pastor, clergy-man, rabbi, or crisis center for panic…Don’t go through an attack alone.

Psalm 23:4 NIV

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me