Have you ever noticed that fear can turn to panic in zero to one second?

Fear can help one steer clear of trouble, or miss a calculated risk God is setting up for His good. Sometimes it’s hard to know the difference. Although, it seems in every good decision there are challenges, and in every challenge, there is good if God is in focus.

I can safely say now that I enjoy running for fun and exercise. Though I have always enjoyed physical activity, to say I am a runner was a personal life goal for me. But I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, the thought of exercising can set some good Christian folks into a panic as their minds run straight to the last news story about someone who got injured, or worse, died.

On the other hand, to hold oneself back for fear of making mistakes might keep me from stepping into a role God created for His glory, even in exercise.

Let me say that when I began running a while ago, I let the panic of dying while training keep me from at first enjoying the sport. Then I got that emotion under control. But my panic ideation looked something like this: I envisioned going out for a casual, effortless run and blacking out, opening my eyes walking towards the gates of Heaven but hearing my mother’s voice somewhere in the distance, “…Exercise just isn’t fun for me. That’s why I don’t do it.” And somewhere in there might be an “I told you so.”

A few years ago, I read somewhat on the subject of fear and panic. It is having a resurgence today with the Covid-19 pandemic we are enduring.

What I continue learning about the emotion of fear is that it’s just that…emotion. Fear does not need to turn to panic. In fact, fear is a trigger that alerts us to slow down so the panic button does not get hit. There is a correlation with one’s breathing, slowing down, assessing a potentially dangerous situation and being able to steer the rudder of sanity through a concoction of confusing messages or circumstances.

I am not a doctor, and I am ill-qualified to give a diagnosis to anyone with deep fears and panic situations. But one thing I am learning from my experience, practical knowledge and God’s Word. No matter what, Jesus is there! He is the Great Physician and Life Coach.

Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. – Isaiah 43:1/CEB

Jesus is in the believer’s heart, because his spirit has been poured out.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. –Romans 5:5/NIV

How we need hope today more than ever to swallow fear and panic. There is a saying going around both in and out of church, “We’ll get through this,” and because of Jesus, we can.

Amazing!