Miracles in the Mundane

We talk about “circumstances over which we have no control.” None of us have control over our circumstances, but we are responsible for the way we pilot ourselves in the midst of things as they are. Two boats can sail in opposite directions in the same wind, according to the skill of the pilot. The pilot who conducts his vessel on to the rocks says he could not help it, the wind was in that direction; the one who took his vessel into the harbour had the same wind, but he knew how to trim his sails so that the wind conducted him in the direction he wanted. The power of the peace of God will enable you to steer your course in the mix-up of ordinary life.

–Oswald Chambers

So, I’m going to admit that I had a minor panic attack recently.

I found myself standing over the lunch I was trying to put together with heart racing and hands trembling.

This is a circumstance which cannot be controlled. Panic attacks hit us similarly to waves or wind that a sailor may experience on the sea. I have realized that this might be something I will have to manage for the rest of my life, and if it is…that’s ok. This is why it is important for me to be prepared for these moments. Creating a routine for my day and having a plan in case of anxiety allows me to feel equipped and less helpless. Some of it may seem mundane, but there are miracles in the mundane.

As Mr. Chambers has suggested, let’s become skilled pilots on the waves of panic. Let’s allow the power of the peace of God to steer us the course.

The following is my plan for when I feel panic attacks coming on. It’s not a magic wand or spell. It’s not even complicated. It is simply taking one step at a time toward Jesus and away from the anxiety in my heart.

• I admit what is going on.

• I tell myself it will be okay and will be over soon. Remind myself that I have made it through before, and I can make it through again.

• Surrender it to the Prince of Peace.

“Don’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.”

Philippians 4:6-7

• Ask a friend to pray.

• I get out of there.

• I like to go for walks outside. Being in the fresh air and seeing nature is calming and also makes me feels closer to the Father. (This is a type “grounding” technique. I encourage you to research more about it!)

• I take deep breaths. I make sure if I am walking to be aware of my breathing. If I can’t handle walking, I focus mainly on breathing deeply.

• Pray, pray, pray. I claim His promises, tell Him what I am thankful for even in the midst of anxiety, or quietly anticipate a word from Him.

There is one unmistakable witness that Jesus promised us, and that is the gift of His peace. No matter how complicated the circumstances may be, one moment of contact with Jesus and the fuss is gone, the panic is gone, all the shallow emptiness is gone, and His peace is put in, absolute tranquility, because of what He says: “All power is given unto Me.”

– Oswald Chambers

• Get back to what I was doing before.

• This can be the most difficult part. Sometimes I’ll admit, I push myself to get back to my routine too quickly. Though I have found that for myself, it is important for me to get back in the swing of things. I would rather have my mind focused on taking another step in the day than on panic. I had to learn what my mind and body can handle, and take more time if I need to. However, I also have to remind myself that a panic attack is more than what it seems. It’s a spiritual attack from the enemy with a purpose to debilitate me from doing the will of God that day. That’s what gets me fired up to get back to the swing of things.

Having a routine for my day has also helped me tremendously. The point of having routine is that it gives me clear direction for the day. It is the course I steer my boat toward.

I won’t bore you with a play-by-play of my day, but here are three staples of my routine:

• Get plenty of sleep, get up, and make the bed.

This is a mundane task, I know. One of my dear friends told me to do this after I had a panic attack once. It may seem small, but it sends this message to myself…

You’re not going back there today.

You’re going to make it through this day.

You have already accomplished one task for the day, keep going.

• Exercise

I could explain the science of why a healthy diet and exercise regime are important, but I am sure you already know. I’ll be cheesy and quote Nike here…JUST DO IT. I cannot begin to explain the difference I feel on a day when I have started with exercise and a day I have not. When I hit the treadmill first thing in the morning, I crank up my “morning run” playlist on Spotify. It gets my head and body in line for what the rest of the day will bring. Do not underestimate the influence of exercise in developing a healthy body AND mind. (Plus, taking care of our body honors the Lord.)

• Scripture and Prayer

I must allow His scriptures and His presence fill the sails of my boat, then I am less likely to get sea sick over every wave that I endure. Beginning the day by focusing on “the lighthouse” fills me with hope and strength to face the storms, equipping me to defeat darkness.

Let me be clear...Routine is not the rescue. Jesus is. Routine is simply what I use to keep myself focused on Him and His truths. Not everyone enjoys routine as much as I do, we are all unique. Without a routine, I felt like a boat tousled and tossed by each wave and wind. So if you are feeling out of control, I encourage you to at least try to set up a plan and routine for yourself that keeps your focus on Christ. Routine purposefully navigates me through the same waves and wind, and I am not so easily shaken.

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“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4: 8-9

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P.S.

My minor panic attack was very brief! Praise God! After I went through my little plan, I walked back in the house and ate my lunch!

What are some techniques that seem to help you when you are in a panic? Do you find routine helps? Share insight with how you manage your panic to help others by emailing or leaving comments on my fb page!