Don’t Panic or Presume, but do Pause for Purpose!

NW Georgia now has by some reports the second highest unemployment rate in the country at over 13%. Even for those people who have kept their jobs there is a great temptation to walk in fear and anxiety. For many people this is the first time that they have been through so much economic uncertainty. I know this is true for me. Let me share with you a very simple word that I believe is crucial to getting through this time without making the situation worse.

Let me share with you 4P’s, 2 P’s not to do, and 2 P”s to do.

First, don’t panic. When whatever causes you to fear comes in, don’t panic! You must pause! That means stop whatever you are doing and breathe deeply, walk outside, turn on worship music, etc. but pause! Do something else and refuse to make a decision till the panic is gone! If you make a decision in panic mode you will overreact, most likely be wrong and regret it later. When panic comes, pause!

Second, don’t presume. Presume means you assume that the way to proceed forward is the way you walked in the past. This may or may not be right, but don’t presume this automatically. Instead, ask God what is the purpose for your life, problem, situation, etc. Tell God that you want His purpose for the future to come about. Most of the time when we go through hard times God is wanting to realign us for something else. If we presume that we are to continue as always we will miss the new purpose He has for us. Don’t presume, ask first. If you don’t hear anything from the Father then walk according to the wisdom you have learned in the past. But walk slowly, listening for His voice as to where to go next.

Don’t Panic or Presume, but do Pause for Purpose!

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.