Articles
Panic
Panic is a sudden overpowering fright which often results in rash action. The word comes from the Greek god Pan, god of shepherds, herdsmen, hunters, etc. Pan was supposed to have a grim, shaggy appearance and a terrible voice. He was fond of making great noise, hence bringing sudden fear or “panic.”
Israel panicked at the Red Sea. Seeing Pharaoh’s army behind them and the sea in front, they “became very frightened” (Exodus 14:10). They reacted by crying out against God and Moses. Moses told them to stand still, keep silent, then go forward.
Perhaps you have faced a crises in you life and panicked: a health scare, a family problem, a financial setback, etc. Suddenly overcome with fear or anxiety, you overreacted and added to the problem instead of solving it. Next time, do what Moses advised: stand still and keep silent to collect your thoughts, ask God’s counsel, then move forward.
Churches sometimes panic, too, perhaps at the loss of a prominent member, a sermon that is a little off base, or some other problem. The same advice is in order. Let cool heads prevail.
