Day 17 - What are you Afraid of?

“And lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20
I started having debilitating panic attacks in my 30s. In hindsight, I’d actually been having them since I was a teenager but didn’t know how to verbalize what was happening. When the panic attacks re-appeared, it was the early 2000s and I had recently moved back to my hometown of Los Angeles CA, living my best life! I had a wonderful job; was reconnecting with friends and enjoying life. Out of nowhere, I began having heart palpitations; sweating; labored breathing; etc. I would be at work; in a restaurant or at church when a panic attack would occur. They got so bad that I couldn’t drive the freeway any longer. Driving the freeway in LA is not an option.
After a series of panic attacks, I lived in constant fear of when the next one would rear its head. One night while driving home and I was determined to get on the freeway. I will never forget; it was in the evening, and I was a few blocks from the freeway on ramp and I felt the anxiety and panic rising. I pulled over and parked. I distinctly remember hearing the Lord say, “I am with you.” That was all I needed to hear to have the confidence to start my car back up and drive the few blocks to the freeway on-ramp and get on the freeway! I’d drive for a few miles and get off at the next off ramp. After breathing through the anxiety, I would get back on that freeway and drive a few more miles until I made it home.
Through prayer and therapy, I was able to work through my anxiety and have never looked back! To God be the glory!
I thank God that I don’t live in fear of panic attacks anymore. But we all have things that can bring us fear. One need only turn on the evening news or social media feed to be gripped by the headline of a mass shooting; domestic terrorist event; robberies; home invasions and the list goes on. But God reminds us in His word that “He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-3.
Yet still, many people fear growing old or growing old alone; losing a job; not having enough money in the bank, etc. Or we fear for our children every time they walk out the door. We can fear so much that fear becomes an idol in our lives, and we lose focus on what we should…God’s infallible word. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
There will always be things that cause concern. But they shouldn’t overtake us. We should be careful to remind ourselves of God’s omnipresence, He is everywhere at the same time. “He has given his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11.
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