Question 1

What causes panic?

Accepted Answer

Acts 4:25-26You spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, “Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.”Ephesians 4:17With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.Living life without God will eventually cause panic because we will not be able to see a purpose in our problems or a future beyond this life. If we insist on being in control, life will confront us with situations that challenge our control. When we believe that God is in control of our life, we can be confident he can hold it together. Then when one or two pieces fall out of place, we will not be overwhelmed with a sense that our life is falling apart.Isaiah 24:1, 3-4, 10-12The earth mourns and dries up, and the land wastes away and withers. . . . The city writhes in chaos; every home is locked to keep out intruders. Mobs gather in the streets, crying out for wine. Joy has turned to gloom. Gladness has been banished from the land. The city is left in ruins, its gates battered down.Isaiah 59:2It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.Ezekiel 24:23You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins. You will groan among yourselves for all the evil you have done.Sin causes panic. Fear of exposure to violence and then actual exposure combine to undermine our sense of security. When we sin, we cut ourselves off from the lifeline of God’s safety and protection.1 Samuel 30:1-6Three days later, when David and his men arrived home at their town of Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had made a raid into the Negev and Ziklag; they had crushed Ziklag and burned it to the ground. They had carried off the women and children and everyone else but without killing anyone. When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more. David’s two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel, were among those captured. David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.Jeremiah 49:29“Their flocks and tents will be captured, and their household goods and camels will be taken away. Everywhere shouts of panic will be heard: ‘We are terrorized at every turn!’”Matthew 6:19-21“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”Loss, even fear of loss, can cause panic. Losing people who were part of our support system can cause us to panic about our future. Losing material objects, particularly if they are more important to us than they ought to be, can generate powerful feelings of desperation.Acts 17:5-8Some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports.James 3:16Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.Jealousy and selfish ambition can cause panic by producing inappropriate actions and reactions that may backfire and bring retaliation.2 Kings 6:14-17So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.Psalm 40:12Troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.Psalm 55:5Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.Psalm 69:2Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.1 John 4:18Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.Trouble and fear can cause panic because these feelings lead to the conclusion that our life will never change for the better. Panic often generates despair. Knowing the reality of God’s loving presence can change everything—transforming our fear to hope in the most terrifying situations.Exodus 4:1Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?”Psalm 94:19When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.Doubt can cause panic by making us question ourselves, others, and even God.Luke 8:22-24One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.Half of Jesus’ disciples were Galilean fishermen who knew how treacherous the waters of the Sea of Galilee could be. The other half probably couldn’t swim and were terrified of the unknown. Dangerous and uncontrollable circumstances can cause panic because they make us feel helpless and unable to improve the situation.Exodus 14:10-11As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?”Judges 20:41The men of Israel turned and attacked. At this point the men of Benjamin became terrified, because they realized disaster was close at hand.1 Samuel 4:10So the Philistines fought desperately, and Israel was defeated again. The slaughter was great; 30,000 Israelite soldiers died that day. The survivors turned and fled to their tents.Powerful enemies can cause panic because we know they aim to destroy us. This kind of panic instigates the fight-or-flight response in us. Note in these passages that sometimes when all is lost, panic leads to fierce resistance, while at other times panic leads to simply giving up.Proverbs 31:21-25She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.Matthew 25:1-13“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”Being unprepared can cause us to panic in times of crisis. Good preparation gives us peace about the future.1 Samuel 17:51David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran.Ezekiel 34:5So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd, and they are easy prey for any wild animal.A lack or loss of leadership in a crisis can cause panic, leaving people confused and without direction.Exodus 14:24Just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.Deuteronomy 7:23“The Lord your God will hand them over to you. He will throw them into complete confusion until they are destroyed.”1 Samuel 7:10Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived to attack Israel. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven that day, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them.1 Samuel 14:20Then Saul and all his men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere.2 Samuel 22:15He shot arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were confused.Zechariah 12:4“On that day,” says the Lord, “I will cause every horse to panic and every rider to lose his nerve. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of their enemies.”God can cause an enemy to panic for the benefit, protection, and defense of his people. The peace of God can emerge from the panic of his enemies.Haggai 2:22“I [the Lord] will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and riders. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other.”Zechariah 14:13On that day they will be terrified, stricken by the Lord with great panic. They will fight their neighbors hand to hand.Sudden chaos can easily lead to panic. It can even cause us to turn on those we should be depending upon to survive.Romans 16:17Now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.Galatians 3:1-4Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?Panic and discord are often the result of false teaching. These responses can even be an early warning sign that God’s truth is under attack.

Question 2

What happens to me when I panic?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 22:14My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me.Psalm 39:1-3I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words.Panic causes emotional, mental, and physical reactions. Panic can override wise decision-making with defensive or desperate actions that may well worsen a bad situation.Daniel 2:10-11The astrologers replied to the king, “No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! The king’s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.”John 11:38-39Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”Panic brings feelings of hopelessness when our deepest assumptions are challenged by difficult experiences. When our security fades, our hope fades too.Exodus 14:10-12As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt?’”Matthew 14:30When [Peter] saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.Fear turns our focus away from God and what God can do. And sometimes, losing our focus on God leaves us vulnerable to panic. When we realize we are experiencing panic, it is time to turn our focus back on God.Judges 7:22When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.2 Chronicles 20:22-23At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.Panic can be destructive, causing people to lash out at those around them. In both these instances, God used the superstitious idolatry of Israel’s enemies as an opening to cause panic and self-destruction.2 Samuel 17:9-10“He [David] has probably already hidden in some pit or cave. And when he comes out and attacks and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and the word will spread that Absalom’s men are being slaughtered. Then even the bravest soldiers, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. For all Israel knows what a mighty warrior your father is and how courageous his men are.”Psalm 55:5Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.Jeremiah 30:5This is what the Lord says: “I hear cries of fear; there is terror and no peace.”Daniel 5:5-9Suddenly, they saw the fingers of a human hand writing on the plaster wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand. The king himself saw the hand as it wrote, and his face turned pale with fright. His knees knocked together in fear and his legs gave way beneath him. The king shouted for the enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers to be brought before him. He said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me what it means will be dressed in purple robes of royal honor and will have a gold chain placed around his neck. He will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom!” But when all the king’s wise men had come in, none of them could read the writing or tell him what it meant. So the king grew even more alarmed, and his face turned pale. His nobles, too, were shaken.Panic can be debilitating, robbing us of our vitality. This is especially true, as is the case in these passages, when the fear is legitimate.1 Kings 20:20Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramean opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramean army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben-hadad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses.2 Kings 7:7So they [the Arameans] panicked and ran into the night, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and everything else, as they fled for their lives.Isaiah 22:1-3This message came to me concerning Jerusalem—the Valley of Vision: What is happening? Why is everyone running to the rooftops? The whole city is in a terrible uproar. What do I see in this reveling city? Bodies are lying everywhere, killed not in battle but by famine and disease. All your leaders have fled. They surrendered without resistance. The people tried to slip away, but they were captured, too.Mark 16:8The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.Panic can cause us to run away from problems or circumstances we should face. Running away never solves anything. Problems and situations will be waiting for us when we tire, or they will chase us down and overcome us.Deuteronomy 20:8“Then the officers will also say, ‘Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.’”Judges 7:2-3The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.Panic is contagious and spreads fear like a virus. The Deuteronomy passage was part of God’s instructions to Moses regarding military service among the Israelites. After listing a number of legitimate reasons for avoiding service, the subject of fear was addressed. Clearly, fearful soldiers would have a devastating effect on over-all morale. God also raised these concerns with Gideon.Matthew 6:25-32“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. . . . Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? . . . So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”Mark 4:37-41Soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”Worry often accompanies panic. When you are worried that you lack something essential, you may begin to panic about it. You may even begin to question the dependable resources available to you, like the very presence of God.1 Samuel 13:6The men of Israel saw what a tight spot they were in; and because they were hard pressed by the enemy, they tried to hide in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns.Zechariah 12:4“On that day,” says the Lord, “I will cause every horse to panic and every rider to lose his nerve. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of their enemies.”Panic breeds cowardliness in the face of real threats. When we lose courage, we want to run instead of standing our ground with God’s help.

Question 3

How do I find peace and perspective in the midst of panic?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah 2:2-5So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied.Psalm 61:2From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.Daniel 2:17-18Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.Philippians 4:6-7Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.The moment panic hits, you should pray. Prayer keeps us connected to God’s power, which can overcome the paralysis of panic. If you have been praying (as Nehemiah was), realize that another wave of panic may rise when God begins to answer your prayer. That’s the time to return to prayer.2 Chronicles 20:3Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.James 1:5If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.Ask God what you should do. Involve others in seeking God’s help. Remember: He already knows the solution to your problem.Psalm 119:95, 103-105, 165Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. . . . How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. . . . Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.Prepare yourself ahead of time with God’s Word. Take comfort in his promises; seek his perspective; relax in his peace. Identify places you can turn to in his Word when you discover yourself on the verge of panic.Psalm 39:1-7“You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. . . . And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.”Psalm 46:1-2God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.Psalm 112:7They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.Isaiah 45:18The Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the Lord,” he says, “and there is no other.”Daniel 2:12-16The king [Nebuchadnezzar] was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.We must not react but rather act deliberately with wisdom and discretion. We should develop a worldview that never leaves God out. When we are able to see life from God’s perspective, we will have the presence of mind and the courage to handle any situation.Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!1 Thessalonians 5:8Let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.We must focus our thoughts clearly and directly on God, contemplating what he would want us to do. We should make him part of each solution we are considering. The presence of God serves equally well as panic prevention and panic intervention.Psalm 3:5-6I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.Psalm 4:8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.Psalm 11:1I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”Psalm 116:7Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.We are to rest in the Lord—literally. We have a choice between leaning on ourselves, leaning on some other created thing, or leaning on God. Neither we nor any other created things are ultimately in control. The more deeply we acknowledge that God is in control, the better we will be able to sleep at night.Psalm 46:10“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”Psalm 62:1, 5I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. . . . Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.Psalm 131:2I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.Proverbs 19:23Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.Isaiah 8:13Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.Hebrews 13:5-6So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”God wants us to really get to know him. To know what God says is important. To know his will is even more important. But to know God personally is most important. We should take time to verbalize our confidence in God—first to ourselves, then to others.Psalm 63:8I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.Psalm 85:8I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.Psalm 112:1Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.Proverbs 1:33“All who listen to me [Wisdom] will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”1 Peter 1:8You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.Listen to God and follow his paths. The more certain you are in pursuing God’s ways, the calmer and more confident you will be.

Question 4

What can help me when I am experiencing panic?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 6:25-34“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. . . . Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”Remember to take simple practical steps in the face of panic. Jesus devoted this part of the Sermon on the Mount to providing seven significant reasons not to worry or panic. But he also described five practices that can displace or provide a detour around our panic: Look at the birds—God takes care of their basic needs; he can do the same for you. Look at the lilies—God gives to them abundantly; he will care for you generously. Look for the evidence of God and his Kingdom at work in your surroundings; he can intervene for you. Live for God—take some action out of simple obedience that has nothing to do with your current panic. Live in the moment—realize that you are panicked about what might happen rather than simply enjoying the present moment God has graciously given you.Deuteronomy 31:7-8Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”Joshua 1:6-9“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Remember God’s promise that he will always be by your side. Joshua not only heard from Moses but also from God himself that as long as he remained strong and courageous, trusting in God, Joshua could count on God’s presence and help. We may not have as daunting a task as leading a nation to conquer the Promised Land, but the same God can be with us just as he was with Joshua.2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.Remember God’s promise that his Word will provide guidance and wisdom to help us respond to any situation—even when we have messed up.John 14:15-17“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”Romans 8:26-27The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.Remember God’s promise that his Holy Spirit prays for us. His role as Advocate means he represents us faithfully before God the Father even as he dwells in us.Psalm 23:2He [the Lord] lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.Psalm 29:11The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!John 14:27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”Remember God’s promise of peace of heart and mind. Don’t expect a world-centered peace but rather a peace that comes from God and passes all understanding.Psalm 23:5You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.Daniel 2:18He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.Remember God’s promise to show us mercy, even when we don’t deserve it.Psalm 3:5I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.Proverbs 3:26The Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.Remember God’s promise of security. In moments when our security is not so apparent, we should remember the times when we felt safe and that God hasn’t changed.Deuteronomy 33:27“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you.”Psalm 46:1-2God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.Matthew 10:18-20“You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”Remember God’s promise of strength, especially in times when we feel weak and helpless.Exodus 14:25-27He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!” When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.” So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea.Zephaniah 3:15The Lord will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the Lord himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.Luke 8:22-25One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”Remember God’s promise that he will help us handle our difficult—even impossible—situations. He can control even the uncontrollable.