Finding Perspective in Times of Panic

I am frustrated with myself. It’s not circumstances, loss of income, or decline of health inspiring this frustration, but my own reaction of panic and anxiety.

Dealing With Disruptions

Two weeks ago I ventured online to place a grocery order, something I hadn’t attempted since the onset of social distancing in my hometown of Knoxville, TN.

I stay at home with my two little children, and tasks like meal planning and shopping are part of weekly routine. I have a method to keep this part of our lives running smoothly.

As I searched for eggs, Cheerios, and fresh chicken, I felt a niggle of something new in the pit of my stomach. The certain foods and brands of products—the ones without corn that keep my 2 year old free from eczema eruptions—were almost entirely sold out.

I’d like to say that I kicked into problem-solving gear, but I found myself in a frozen, disbelieving state. How do I operate under this new normal? What do I say to myself when I realize life is not as it once was, and I’m not in control to fix it?

Finding My Footing

First, I talked to someone. My husband. I told him, “I feel sick.” He took three steps back. I tried to explain further, “You know, like a sinking feeling in your stomach when something is wrong and you’re worried?” He relaxed, “Oh, so you’re not really sick.” That made me smile.

As I told him about my emotions, I watched his unchanging face. I realized that while he was compassionate for my topsy-turvy emotional state, he found no reason to join me in my worry. That calm response slowed my heartbeat and helped me take a step back to gain perspective.

I began reminding myself of God’s track record. Provision. Provision. Provision. I’m okay. We’re really okay. And even if we come to a day when I’m not okay or my family isn’t okay, God still provides—Himself, His grace, His Son as a sacrifice on my behalf sealing my future and fate in the safety of His hands.

I felt my panic swirl down the drain, emptying my mind of anxiousness but leaving behind a mark of frustration.

Judging the Response

I tell myself that people in the world right now are struggling with much more serious problems than their preferred brand of bread being unavailable. People are dying. People are losing family members. Jobs are lost. Income is uncertain. Mental health is on the decline.

What right do I have to panic? Why am I letting a few groceries create this emotional response within me?

I claim to stand on God’s promises. I believe in His goodness and that in Him there is no darkness.

But, what, deny me ground beef and this is what happens?

I could stop there. I could trade panic for frustration and try to “do better” next time by controlling my emotions.

God Acknowledges Our Emotions

Instead, I let the truth, spoken by my pastor through a live stream into my living room, sink into my mind. God tells us to not fear because He knows we will fear. He tells us to not be anxious because He knows that at some point we will be anxious.

God tells us to not fear because He knows we will fear. He tells us to not be anxious because He knows that at some point we will be anxious. Click To Tweet

God knows these human reactions are inevitable, and while Scripture acknowledges that they will happen, He also beckons us not to linger there.

Let’s name our blessings. See the ways that God is providing for us this moment, this hour, this day.

Let’s look beyond ourselves, focusing our eyes and ears outward to be ready for the call of needs we can fulfill.

Have you ever compared your situation to the ones around you in an attempt to convince yourself that you’re okay? That your feelings or struggles aren’t really valid because other people have circumstances that are worse? I certainly have. And do. And while it’s good to make ourselves aware of others’ struggles and to meet them in their need, we don’t have to invalidate our own feelings as a result.

Soaking in the Truth

Instead of looking to others to alleviate our fear, panic, or anxiety, let’s look to God and the truth He has for us.

It’s okay to feel fearful or anxious, but let’s heed Scripture and move out of it. Let’s put on our glasses, the ones that put our lives in perspective, in light of eternity. Call on His name. Seek Him in His word, in His church, in prayer. Trust in His promise for peace and provision.

What struggles are you facing during the pandemic? What truth is speaking to you in your need? I’d love to hear in the comments.