While driving to The Road for Sunday Easter services, the voice of God spoke to me loud and clear, “I want to heal panic attacks today.” Wow! Okay! Wasn’t exactly expecting that word.
But, after my sermon on Sunday, I spoke it out, “God wants to heal people today of panic and anxiety attacks.” The response was amazing as dozens came forward for prayer at each service. The testimonies I’ve received from people who were healed have been deeply meaningful.
Symptoms
Panic attacks are when our mental, spiritual, and emotional coping mechanisms go on overload. It is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. Common symptoms often include some or all the following: shaking, feeling disoriented, increased heart rate, feelings of claustrophobia, dizziness, and nausea.
I went through a time in my life when I regularly struggled with panic attacks. I was planting my first church, Mountain Springs Church, in the 90s and for about a year, panic attacks were my weekly struggle. I can still vividly remember one particularly severe attack. I curled up in a fetal position–in a hotel in Anaheim, California–sweating, feeling nauseous, and trembling. Fortunately, Liz was with me, and she coached me through the attack.
Overcoming
With God’s grace working in tandem with new disciplines, I learned to overcome panic attacks. By the power of God, I have not had a panic attack in over twenty years.
In response to my altar call on Sunday, someone called me today asking advice for overcoming panic attacks. Following are the weekly disciplines I had to learn for overcoming panic in my life.
New Disciplines
Though I keep a very robust schedule, the following are the disciplines I have incorporated into my life that have staved off panic attacks for two decades.
- God – Spend time with God every day in prayer, reading, and meditating in His Word.
- Sleep – Get six to eight hours of sleep every night.
- Exercise – Work out at least three times per week.
- Outside – Get outside in the sun at least five times per week.
- Relationships – Have joyful lifegiving relationships.
- Forgive – We’ve all been hurt. Learn to quickly forgive.
- Mission – Have a mission for your life that is bigger than yourself.
There are plenty of other disciplines that can help. But these are what I would call the Foundational Seven for overcoming panic. I hope this helps.
Pastor Steve
