5 Ways to Transcend from Panic to Peace

We live in a fallen world that keeps us fearfully treading from one crisis to the next.  It seems like every morning we wake up to a new peril: virus pandemics, new flu strains, Ebola, recessions, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, fires, or any natural disaster…even the threat of other countries attacking us.  Then there are our own financial, physical, relational, health, and personal crises that often catch us by surprise and strike terror into our hearts.  It is easy to get caught in a state of panic, anxiety, and fear.  But we must remember that fear is an invitation to Trust in the Lord.

In unsettling times, we find our peace in the presence of the Lord.  He is the only one who can effectively prevent the contagious epidemic of fear caused by the latest COVID-19 pandemic.

Fear is a powerful human emotion that can cause us to respond irrationally or provoke us to take positive action.  On the other hand, fear has the ability to paralyze us from taking any action at all.  If you allow it, fear has a tendency to stop us from turning to God, our rescuer, who knows every personal and worldly issue that we will face.  His word, found in the Bible, is timeless and provides us with the answers and antidotes to keep us cool, calm, and protected.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

During these times I want you to know that there are ways to find PEACE in the midst of PANIC!  We want to trust God but there are times when peace seems to elude us.  We get worried and anxious and turn to habits and vices that are self-destructive which set us back on our spiritual journey and personal goals.  Then God reminds us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Courage is fear that prays and calls on God.

With that in mind, I felt like we could use some simple prayers to help us Change the Vibe.

Check out these 5 Courageous Prayers that can help us faithfully transcend from panic to peace:

• Take Your Worries to the Lord

     “Lord, I know that Satan gives the spirit of fear, anxiety, doubt, and worry to torture and entrap my mind and rob me of my joy, peace, and rest.  The subconscious worries of “what-if” wakes me up at night and I ask that you please help to rid my mind of the enemies deception.  In 1 Peter 5:7 you said that internal peace is as simple as casting all my anxiety on you because you care for me.  Father, I am comforted that you see into the depths of my heart and the intimate details of my mind where fear dwells.  You know what is troubling me but you still desire to hear me share my concerns with you so that you can release the grip that they have on my thoughts and emotions.

Father, I trust that you don’t want me to waste another moment of my life worrying about things that I cannot control.  Please calm my racing heart and fill my troubled mind with hope and my spirit with peace.  Assure me that no weapon formed against me or my family will prosper and that you have have a plan and a purpose for me, my family, and those that I care for during this time of turmoil.  Show me your ways and grant me the courage to follow your instructions and your lead. Amen!”

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

• Believe that God Hears Your Prayers

    “Lord, it makes me sad to know that many people don’t understand the power of prayer and even look at me different for encouraging them to take their worries to you in prayer.  Regardless of their response, I pray for each and every one that do not believe in you.  Give them hope father.

I’ll admit the sometimes you seem silent when I so desperately want to hear from you.  It can feel like slow torture to wait on you, but I will wait because I know my prayers are not in vain.  The pandemic crisis is affecting so many people and I ask that you please protect me and my family.  Your are an omniscient (unlimited) Lord, so I pray that you will spare us.  But if this virus touches any of my loved ones, please comfort them with your healing power.  Lord, I know that sometimes our own choices can put us at risk so I pray that we would all be careful and conscious of our actions and interactions. Please keep me in perfect peace.  I put my future in your hands.  Amen!”

Lamentations 3:57
You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 91:1-2 NLT
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, in whom I trust.”

• Pray with Expectancy and Anticipation

    “Lord, I come to you today with confidence and hope and anticipation for your gracious answers to my prayers.  When I remember your faithfulness to all generations, I am filled with excitement and eagerness.  It drives away all of my concern and discouragement.

Father, please help me to remember that fear and faith cannot coexist in my heart.  If I am doubting or anxious, my shield of faith has slipped.  God, I know that I can only see a small glimpse of your bigger picture and that my confusion has jaded my perspective.  But I realize that having faith doesn’t mean there will not be any setbacks or difficult times, but if I’m going to lean on your mighty powers, then I must prayerfully trust that your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.  Lord, your answers aren’t always what I want to hear, or the response I was hoping for, but for whatever it is, I will give you all the glory because regardless of the outcome my eternity is with you.  I claim victory in my life and for my loved ones during these troubling times. Amen!”

James 1:6
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

• Remain Wise and Discerning

     “Lord, sometimes I struggle to take your word to heart.  An overflow of negativity and fear engulf me.  My thoughts wander to worst-case scenarios.  I need your insight to diligently untangle truthful facts from my heart of confusion.  I ask that your Holy Spirit guide me in filtering out what I should avoid listening to, watching, or considering.  Infuse me with your discernment and wisdom.  Give me clarity of mind and heart.

Guard my mouth so that I don’t spread gossip or hearsay to alarm others.  Help me to exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Lord, teach me the secret of being content in all circumstances, knowing that I can do all things through you who gives me strength to fulfill your desires.  Praise you Lord, AMEN!”

Proverbs 1:5
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Romans 8:5-6
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

• Seek Opportunities to Comfort Others

    “Lord, we will never live in a perfect world until we join you in heaven.  I know that this current situation won’t be the last crisis for the world or for me.  I realize that I can’t outrun, outpace, outdo, outsmart, or outlive trouble and calamity.  It has a way of popping up even in the good and prosperous seasons in the culture, my life, and in the lives of those around me.

Lord, quiet my raging emotions so that I can be a beacon of light, healing, love, and peace to those around me who are overwhelmed by panic and fear.  Please help me to memorize John 14:1 to share with others who ask me where my peace comes from: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me.”  These are the words that your Son Jesus spoke to His disciples to comfort them and they also give me comfort in these current times when I do not know how the story will end.  Father, use me Lord, as your disciple to bring healing to a hurting world.  I love you Lord, Amen!”

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As you go through each prayer, remember that the goal is for peace.  When you are done, try not to go right back to the media headlines that keep you stressed, agitated, fearful and confused.  Remember that fear-filled news sells just like sex.  Press-induced or politically motivated panic will inspire more pandemic fear and consequences than the source of the crisis itself.  Stay current with the news that impacts you personally, but try not to overwhelm yourself with reading everything written on the internet.

Taking recommended and reasonable steps to protect yourself and your loved ones will give you a sense of control that helps manage the current and future uncertainties.  Be sure to continue doing the normal activities that typically bring you joy.  Try to avoid substances that help you numb the pain.  Instead, pray!  Healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, rest, eating properly, reading your Bible, staying connected to friends and family, and listening to praise music can help soothe your nerves.  If you have medical anxiety and have a legalized card for marijuana, then that helps too.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  The battle that you are fighting is not happening outside of you.  The real battle is in your mind, your thoughts, your attitude, and your emotions.

Stay tight!!  Change the Vibe!