Knowing the crippling power of a panic attack, I can relate to the need for an escape or safety net. An escape is anything that distracts or numbs your mind from the thought of an attack, and a safety net is anything that you cling to during an attack. These are typical reactions to the terror of panic.

My escape used to be alcohol. With a few drinks, I could numb those terrible fears. The alcohol was not really an escape, though. It was more of an anesthesia. And my safety net was a car phone. I could carry it anywhere and call someone "just in case".

In both cases, I placed my hope and my trust in things. If my cell phone battery failed, I would panic. When the beer wore off the next morning, I was jittery and nervous. These things were a vain hope for peace.

Slowly, I began seeking God for answers to this condition that plagued me. I needed something solid and steadfast that I could hold on to--something that could weather the storm of fear and panic.

My ability to trust God began to grow. I could hold onto him when things got rough. He was my refuge in time of trouble. I could run to my Father when the terror filled me mind. I ran to him instead of a beer or cell phone.

When I created those worldly safety nets and escapes, they were a vain hope for peace. Yet, when God built my refuge of rest, it was strong and nothing could break it down. When you build solutions from the world, you will labor in vain. All energy and effort put forth in these escapes and safety nets will be wasted energy.

Let God build your house of hope.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." (Psalms 127:1a).

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
|  web:    http://www.season.org

© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission