One who trusts will not panic…worry, hurry, stress, or be anxious. As the Psalmist says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

I am thankful and privileged that I have not been traumatized to the point of panic or sudden strong anxiety leading to fearful behavior. Yet, I feel an underlying sense of panic born out of distrust, bad news, financial stress, and fear of the future. Yes, there are certainly reasons to panic when faced with real threats of violence from both humans and nature. These uncertain days I choose to bring the calm of grace and peace by walking alongside and praying for those who have terrible, unthinkable reasons for panic.

Ah, the proud crown of the drunkards of the nation, they will be trodden underfoot and the fading flower of its glorious beauty will be swallowed up…
In that day the Lord Almighty will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of his people…
He will be a spirit of justice to those who guide and decide, a source of strength to those who guard and protect.
See I am laying a foundation stone, a precious cornerstone…
One who trusts will not panic.

Author’s simplified Isaiah 28. See the full chapter

The messages of the prophets of old can be unfamiliar with ancient places and names, but the truth of God’s messages of judgment and redemption, threat and consolation are relevant and healing. This power packed statement: “One who trusts will not panic,” is the core of the prophet Isaiah’s conviction that God’s community of people cannot survive in the world without a foundation of faith in God and the Word of God. It is truth for today.

Isaiah laser focuses on the pride and corruption of the leaders of his day in comparison to the eternal glory and power of God. The leaders were described as drunk with power, wearing proud and fading crowns. Their time will come and go, but the Lord God Almighty is an everlasting crown of glory and a diadem (jeweled headband) of beauty. Allow this word picture of God’s sovereign beauty to bring you trust and peace.

Hear the Word of the Lord as God says, “Behold, I am the one who has laid a foundation, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.  The one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” Isaiah 28:14,16 NIV.  In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is named as this foundation, the cornerstone of our global community of faith: “This Jesus, is the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else.” (Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:4-8, Ephesians 2:20, Romans 9:33) 

As the Lord God is the builder of the kingdom, a dwelling place and house of worship for Glory and Beauty, he instructs: “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” (Isaiah 28:17 NIV) With the foundation of Christ the cornerstone, our community walls must be measured and built with truth, not on the opinions and falsehoods of fading glory. The test of our work is the straight lines of justice and mercy.  “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly.”

TRUST PRACTICES

1. Pray Daily at Noon. “Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Do what is best. Would your kingdom come and your will be done in me and in my nation today.” (Matthew 6:9-10 MSG) I recite the Lord’s prayer, but add my own prayer after “deliver us from evil” saying outloud with authority: O Christ! Dismantle the systems of injustice, Defeat the powers of evil.” Resource: https://lectio365.com/  The Midday Prayer is a way to join your prayer voice with others around the world.
2. Seek Help. Negative, fear-driven, repetitive thoughts are like spiraling worms that paralyze and defeat. If you struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or other challenging thinking, seek resources to renew your mind with healing practices. Please call 988 Suicide and crisis hotline in the US if you are experiencing panic, or depression, or have thoughts of hurting yourself.
3. Practice Silence. Take daily time away from screens and give attention to the care of your spirit. Do things without noise or input such as look out the window, take a walk, ride a bike, write in a journal, listen to the sounds of nature, sit in silence. Resource: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton
4. Practice Breath Prayer. Breath Prayer uses short, easy to remember phrases centered on the Word of God coupled with the science of deep breathing to calm our body while focusing our mind on truth.  Inhale. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose saying: “When I am anxious…” then Exhale and say:  “I put my trust in You.” Repeat for one minute.“ When I am anxious, I put my trust in you.” Resource: Breath as Prayer, Jennifer Tucker
5. Practice Letting Go. Notice what activities or people cause panic, worry or stress. Care for your spirit by walking away, turning off, or putting down these things. Be honest about what shows, podcasts, news, music, influencers, cause lust, anger, fear, hatred or anxiety. Resource: I’ve written on the practice of focused attention called “Leave it.”
   https://robbijames.com/2025/02/28/leave-it/