This week’s devotions are based on the message: “I Love My Church” Week 1 (LISTEN HERE)
When do you panic?
As a dad when my girls were little, there was always a brief sense of panic when I lost eye contact with them at a store, fair, or other large gathering. I didn’t want any harm to come their way.
Panic can come in the midst of an emergency when you don’t know much information, not sure how to respond, or what the level of danger threat really is.
Panic can come when you are overcome by a fear such as claustrophobia or agoraphobia. When you feel closed in by space or overwhelmed by a crowd.
Panic can come when you have to do something for the first time that you are uncomfortable doing. Perhaps getting on an airplane. Perhaps giving a presentation at work before upper level management.
Panic sets in when the control of the circumstance is out of your control, or perceived to be out of your control.
What alleviates panic is the calming reality from someone who has experienced what you are fearing, gives guidance through a challenging situation or simply stands by your side to lean on when inside you feel in turmoil.
When I am filled with fear or close to panic, I want someone or something that I can come back to once again bring balance, perspective and direction to my life.
The gift of the Church is just that. Why? Because it is aligned to Christ as the cornerstone. Here’s what the Prophet Isaiah has to say about it:
Isaiah 28:16 See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.
When we are aligned to Christ and relying on him, we will “never be stricken with panic.”
How come?
Here’s what I think about.
When faced with an emergency or large difficulty, I don’t have to panic because I know a) Christ has taken care of my biggest problem in life and b) I know his power and presence are always real and with me.
When faced with a fear that leads my heart to beat fast, I know the promises of Christ remind me that I do not have to fear.
Like yesterday’s discussion of the foundation of the Church, having Christ as the Cornerstone allows me to go through life with a deep peace, calm, and assurance. It’s in his Church that I am strengthened in this conviction and reminded of it.
Don’t panic…Christ is your cornerstone!
Apply: When do you sense panic in your life? What promises of Jesus would help to alleviate the panic when it comes?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Cornerstone of the Church and giving every reason to have peace instead of panic. AMEN.