The word “panic” was derived from the Greek Mythology god named Pan which was taken from a story where Pan known as the god of the people helps a friend. In mythology, Pan had the upper body of a man, sometimes with goat horns…and the lower body of a goat. Thus, he was able to run through valleys and hills and fauna.
Pan comes upon a friend who is being attacked by an enemy. Pan “fears” for the survival of the friend and comes against him screaming with a loud cry. Terror struck the assailant and he fled.
Thus…the word pain derived after Pan. According to Webster’s New International Dictionary, panic is defined as causing fear and-or intense terror; a sudden and often groundless fear; a sudden widespread fright, often resulting in violent extreme measures for protection.
So…panic is a reaction. In other words, a demonstration of fear-based
reactionary efforts to secure safety from supposed danger.
Is this sounding like the current situation? Worldwide? A pandemic derived from panic…from Pan…an extreme fear of illness that is life-threatening to humanity…
Webster’s Dictionary also defines pandemonium, an intense group fear of the masses, as:
- The abode of demons
- The capital of hell
- The palace of Satan
- A wild tumult
Little wonder that God’s word warns against fear. The spirit of fear is mentioned over 365 times the Bible, exhorting instead a release of faith.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:17
Does that tell us we are not thinking rationally when we are overcome and gripped by fear?
Don’t be anxious about anything, but instead, take it all to God with prayer and thanksgiving. Phillippians 4:6Then the fear of God will guard your hearts and your minds. God will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is focused on Him. Isaiah 26:3
We need to engage our faith; our trust that God has this. We need to guard our thoughts. Psalms 91 assures us that we have a place of protection in God. He is our shield, our hiding place from the attacks of the enemy.
- Stay steadfast on the word…the promises of God
- Run to prayer
- Stay in prayer (without ceasing)
- Thank God for His faithfulness to us.
If Pandemonium, confusion, and reaction to fear is the capital of hell then peace is the capital of Heaven. Our Lord is the Prince of Peace. Amen.
John 14:27 declares, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you, not as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled; Do not fear.”
Easy to see where the world goes with words like panic, pandemic, and pandemonium. But we are not of this world. We are traveling through. We are God’s people. Citizens of Heaven.