Panic Day

March 9, 2021 (Tuesday)

Today is known by some as “Panic Day.” There is also an “International Panic Day” in June.

The phrase, “Hit (push, press) the panic button,” is widely used. It is an idiom meaning “to react to a situation with fear and confusion.” Where did the expression originate? Perhaps during WW2 when a plane had been hit and the pilot rang a bell or pushed a buzzer that meant, “Prepare to bail out,” and then a second bell or buzzer which meant, “bail out,” or “abandon ship.” Later on, in common conversation, when a person seemed confused and afraid, he/she was advised, “Don’t hit the panic button,” which supposedly meant something like, “keep on trying out conventional solutions to your problem.”

Do you think a Christian can conscientiously observe, “Panic Day?” I don’t. I believe that we who are trusting in the Lord need to practice our faith in every situation, no matter how dire. In his letter from prison to Philippian Christians, Paul thanked them for their gifts to him, but assured them that he would be OK no matter what. He said he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11) and he had a word of encouragement for them: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

Paul would have had trouble stifling laughter if someone had mentioned that it was “Panic Day.” He knew no such days. All his days were “inner peace” days. What about you?