Devotion 3: Panophobia

Panophobia or Pantophobia comes from the Greek words “pan” or “panto,” meaning “all,” and “phobos,” meaning fear. It is the fear of all or everything. The word “panic” is derived from the name of the Greek god Pan. This is the fear that is associated with panic or anxiety. It is the fear that something bad is going to happen. 

You have probably heard this quote before, even though we do not know who said it, “I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” Take a moment and think through that phrase. Tomorrow might catch us off guard, but it will not catch God by surprise. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We do not know what tomorrow may bring, but God is there. He is in control. He has a plan. He is watching out for us. Going further into Romans chapter 8, we read, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” God held His Word to provide salvation for us. He will provide for us in the future. Abraham had to experience anxiety in offering up his son Isaac, but God showed up. Abraham felt so blessed that he named the place, “The LORD will provide” (Genesis 22:14). 

The key is to “let go, and let God.” It is the mindset that we give control of our lives to the Lord. We stop pushing our personal agendas and seek His plans. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Trust God with today and tomorrow. Give Him full access to your resources and your calendar. He will make them better. 

Finally, Jeremiah 29:11 adds, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”