Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 29, 2018
And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Mark 13:7
When our four daughters were younger and brimming with extra energy, we struck out one morning on an adventurous float trip down the Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The misty smoke on the water swirled and hovered just above the boiling, unsure surface. We all laughed as our warm breath mixed with the 40 degree air, smoke puffs in the air. Our college age guide was clear in his instructions, “If anyone falls overboard don’t panic. And whatever you do, don’t jump in after her. I can rescue one, but two makes it much more difficult”. Not panicking when your child falls overboard may not be possible in the moment, but perhaps if we had time to think.
Jesus reminds us of a world gone wild with wars and threats of wars. Chaos and confusion are the bad results of a tyrant’s dictatorship. Jesus had experienced first hand the absolute power of Rome conquering and controlling the Jewish state. He is instructing His followers then and now, that in this world there will be worry and uncertainty, until He returns to reign or until we return to be with Him to reign. But in the meantime, we are not to panic. Don’t panic because Christ is our ultimate Commander in Chief. He defends His children from the enemy’s threats and attacks.
“As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever” (Psalm 48:8).
Are you on the verge of pushing the panic button? Maybe a child has strayed and you don’t know what to do anymore, you are emotionally exhausted and feel totally out of control. A relationship may be tired and going nowhere, so your fear of rejection is gaining more and more influence in your mind. Your financial health is nowhere near what you expected at this stage of life and you wonder if you will ever be able to cut back your work hours. Whatever fear you face, don’t panic.
Don’t panic, but in prayer take your concerns to Christ. The Lord has firm footing on the shore of your life. As you swirl around in a water of worry, next to the bank of belief you can reach out anytime and Jesus will grab hold of your scared self and lift you up to His dry land of love. By God’s grace gain your firm footing, so you can influence others whose perspective is tainted by dread and negativity. Panic reacts in fear and anger, peace responds in faith and forgiveness. Yes, make plans, but be measured and not knee jerk. Calm assurance comes from focus on Christ.
“The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm” (Luke 8:24).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect me from panic and fill me with your peace, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
In what situation do I need to take a deep breath and squarely face the facts?
Related Reading
Psalm 107:30; Proverbs 15:18; Matthew 8:26; Acts 19:35-37
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Don’t panic, but in prayer take your concerns to Christ. #WisdomHunters #dontpanic
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