2 Steps to Staying Calm
I have an announcement at the end of this post - be sure to read it.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God, and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:8). I call this verse the Panic, Pray, and Peace principle—and it’s exactly what happened as I began a three-week trip to Australia. Panic: An hour before leaving for the airport, I checked with Quantas about my booking—to be told they didn’t have any record of me on their flight! (Of course, I should have checked 24 hours ahead, not one!) Pray: I frantically called my travel agent who had been away in Australia and never answers the phone! But: She had returned to work that very day and picked up the phone immediately. Peace: In crazy traffic to the airport. In sending luggage through to Brisbane not knowing if I would get on the flight out of LA. In waiting in various lines to find out if they would put me on the flight. In declining their offer to go to Sydney instead of Brisbane where a friend would be waiting for me. In finding God had even arranged for an aisle seat—my favorite on a long flight! What a chaotic beginning to a wonderful, blessed and exciting time of ministry. Now I’ve shared my story, how about applying God’s truth to what is happening in YOUR life:
- What are you panicking about? Even if it’s because of some neglect or poor decisions on your part—take it to God right now. Don’t wait, blaming yourself or someone else, or wallowing in feelings of guilt or shame. If you’re anxious about something—do what God says and talk to Him. Ask Him for help. Tell Him all you’re thankful for and unload your fears and failures on Him.
- What are your prayers like? Full of faith or full of fright and panic? Do you keep repeating your fears in prayer so you’re flooded with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness? Faith doesn’t come out of thin air--it comes from filling our minds with the truth of WHO GOD IS and HOW MUCH HE LOVES US.
- How can you rewire your thinking? Grab your Bible and read Isaiah 40-50. If you have time for your favorite television program, a novel, or sitting at Starbucks, you have time to read through these chapters and really see who God is and how He loves His own. Feed your mind on these truths, write them down, keep re-reading them, and faith will flourish in your heart instead of fear and panic.
- What does peace accomplish? Physically: a huge reduction in stress, anger, stomach aches, headaches, and damage to our bodies. Mentally and Emotionally: Calm, self-control, a clearer perspective on your situation, and the ability to accept what happens and do what you know is best. Spiritually: the awareness that God is in control, He loves you and is working out His will and purposes for your good and your growth in spiritual maturity.
Proverbs 3:5 reinforces what Paul says is the path from Panic to Peace:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Q. What helps you handle panicky situations? I've started something new here on the website and want to invite you to participate. Each month, I'll be giving away one of my books or the book of an author I enjoy reading. Here's the link to the December 2012 giveaway - it ends tomorrow! http://bit.ly/SGG1Ca Blessings,
Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.