Defusing a Panic Attack:
Taking Thoughts Captive When Fear Strikes

Last November, I got on a plane and flew from South Carolina to Colorado. If you know me, you know I'm a ground-dweller. I've repeatedly told the Lord that while I will not volunteer to get on a plane, I would obey if he called me to go.

And when my baby nephew, Barrett, was born, I knew the call had come.

Out of love for my family and obedience to God, I had to face my fear of being trapped in a small space, fear of falling from great heights, fear of being on a plane while a flock of geese fly into the engine or a wing spontaneously falls off mid-flight causing us to crash into the ground but not before first free-falling in a tailspin for probably at least 5 minutes, etc., etc.

I thought it might be helpful to share what defusing a panic attack can look like in the heat of the moment. For me, this isn't theory or even a hypothetical presentation of biblical principals. This was something that actually happened, and an experience where the Holy Spirit empowered me to self-counsel during an intense battle of the mind and body.

My hope is that by sharing a bit of my own story, those who struggle with panic may observe a real-life example of what it can look like to take our thoughts captive to Christ when fears begin to overwhelm. For some of us, Spirit-empowered courage in the midst of fear looks like trembling in weakness while walking in obedience. But friends, even our weakest, shakiest walking in obedience brings such glory to God! The goal isn't to keep from trembling, but rather to keep on entrusting ourselves to God when we are afraid, second by second, over and over again (Ps. 56:3).