When the panic rises

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 · ESV

God, my chest is tight and my thoughts are racing ahead to every worst case. I cannot think my way out of this. You are with me right now, in this exact minute. Strengthen me. Help me. Hold me up. Slow my breathing and bring me back to what is actually true. Amen.

One step: Breathe in for four, out for six, ten times. Then do the next small thing.