If you’ve ever felt that sudden wave of intense fear crash over you, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, the overwhelming sense that something terrible is happening, know that you’re not alone. Panic attacks can feel isolating and terrifying, but God meets us right in those moments with His steady presence. Today, let’s turn to His Word for comfort and truth.
Before we go further, open your Bible and let’s read Psalm 27 together, especially verses 1-5:
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Read it slowly once. Then again, letting David’s confidence sink in.
Panic Doesn’t Mean Your Faith Is Weak
I’ve been there— those moments when fear hits out of nowhere, and your body reacts like danger is imminent, even when everything around you seems fine. It’s easy to wonder, “If I trusted God more, would this happen?” But sister, having a panic attack doesn’t make you a failure in faith. David wrote this psalm amid real threats, yet he speaks honestly about fear while pointing to God’s protection. Our bodies and minds can respond with intense fear because we live in a broken world, but that doesn’t diminish God’s love for us or His power to help.
God knows the suddenness of these moments. He isn’t surprised or disappointed. Instead, He invites us to bring that raw fear to Him, just as David did.
God Is Your Safe Shelter in the Storm
Notice how David describes God as a “stronghold,” a “shelter,” and a place that hides us “in the day of trouble.” When panic feels like an enemy advancing, God is the One who keeps us safe. He doesn’t always remove the feeling instantly (I’ve had many nights myself where the fear lingered) but He promises to be with us in it, lifting us above the chaos like setting us “high upon a rock.”
In those overwhelming seconds, we can remind ourselves: This feeling is real, but it’s not the final truth. The Lord is my light breaking through the darkness of fear. He is my salvation, rescuing me even now.
Choosing to Seek His Presence
David’s response to fear isn’t denial; it’s focus. He seeks to “dwell in the house of the Lord” and “gaze on the beauty of the Lord.” When panic tries to demand all our attention, we can gently turn our hearts toward Jesus. It’s a small act of trust that grows stronger over time.
Some seasons, the attacks come more often, and that’s when gentle supports can help ground us as we lean on Him. Things like deep breathing, a warm drink, or soft lighting can signal to our bodies that we’re safe in His care. If you’re looking for a few soothing items that have helped me create calm spaces during anxious times, I recently updated my Amazon favorites list with some gentle finds. Feel free to check them out here.
A Simple Breath Prayer for Today
When that wave of panic starts rising today, try this quiet practice:
Inhale slowly: “Lord, You are my light and my salvation.”
Exhale: “I will not fear.”
Repeat it a few times, no pressure to feel different right away. It’s a way to anchor yourself in His truth.
Closing Prayer
Father,
You see this sudden fear that grips my heart sometimes; the racing thoughts, the tight chest, the overwhelming dread. I bring it all to You right now, honestly and without shame.
Thank You for being my stronghold, my safe shelter in the storm. Hide me in Your presence today. Lift me above the fear and set my feet on the solid rock of Your truth.
Remind me that You are with me, closer than my next breath. Calm my body and quiet my mind with Your perfect peace.
I trust You, even here.
Amen.
If this devotional met you where you are today, you might also like my last reflection: Christian Devotional for Managing Daily Stress: Finding God’s Peace in Busy Seasons
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