Daniel Moore: 0:05
Why do we panic? What makes you panic and why did God allow Satan to afflict Job with numerous tragedies? Well, this week we discuss that and more in our study that we're continuing on the spiritual warfare. On this episode of Connecting the Gap, we continue our series, the Battle Within Overcoming the Invisible War. This week we are studying Part 12. We'll be back right after this. And a word from our sponsor. They they say that it is darkest right before the dawn. So remember, no matter what battle you are facing, what war is raging, the dawn is coming. Prepare for battle, prepare for victory. Please visit my sponsor's website at wearewarriorsapparelcom. Hey guys, thanks once again for joining us this week.
Daniel Moore: 1:42
It's another episode of Connecting the Gap podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you, guys once again for taking time out of your busy schedule to check out the podcast for this week. And, of course, we are cruising right along through this series, the Battle Within Overcoming the Invisible War, and we've made some pretty good ground here. We're getting close to the end of this series. We just have about another month and a half left and we'll be on to a different series at that point.
Daniel Moore: 2:07
And I do want to thank you guys that subscribed to our podcast. If you haven't, please do so. You can go to my website, connectingthegapnet. There you'll find all the different platforms that we are on and, according to analytics, we have way more people that listen to us than we have subscribed. So if you guys would do that, you never get a notification from me except for on Thursdays, whenever the new episodes roll out, and you'll get a notification at that point, but otherwise you don't hear from me unless you're on my Facebook or Twitter, and so I'd greatly appreciate it if you would subscribe, click the bell, whatever it is on the platform that you're on that allows you to do that and that helps this podcast to grow and helps us to get out to other people that may need to hear these series as we go through them and help share God's word and to win others for Christ, to win the lost. That's what it's all about here at Connecting the Gap. Well, without further ado, I want to get into this week's episode here at Connecting the Gap.
Daniel Moore: 3:06
Well, without further ado, I want to get into this week's episode, and this week we are in the battle within, overcoming the invisible war, and we are in part 12. You know, I pray that you never have to live through a scenario where a person that is very close to you is murdered, through a scenario where a person that is very close to you is murdered. You're probably saying what? What a way to start this episode. Well, I say that for a reason, though.
Daniel Moore: 3:35
My father-in-law was murdered at the age of 58 back in 2015. And I'll save the full story of that for another day, but the lady that murdered him was arrested and tried for murder. She was very hateful throughout the whole trial, in which she was eventually convicted of murder and received life in prison. As we were leaving the court on the day of sentencing, her son walked up to our family in the hall of the courthouse and proceeded to threaten us all the way out to the sidewalk outside of the building. Your family better watch out, he was saying. You all better look over your shoulders for the rest of your life.
Daniel Moore: 4:10
He was insinuating that he was going to take us out if we were ever found out alone, and you know that could strike up a little bit of fear, and it did strike up a little bit of fear in us for a while, and especially me, as I knew I couldn't be around my wife. All the time I was worried he would show up when I wasn't around and she would have to face him or another family member that we maybe hadn't even met. You know they all hated us for what had happened. To this day that fear has finally dissipated to where I don't think about it much anymore. I don't even really remember what he looks like these days. But as I tell you this story about a very personal and very real time in my life, I have to think that maybe you have something that you fear or threats that may cause you to panic. They may be something that is very insignificant, or maybe it is something that is very, very real.
Daniel Moore: 5:03
Perceived personal threats often stem from personal fears, insecurities or uncertainties. While these threats may seem less significant than external factors like natural disasters or even maybe terrorism, they can still have detrimental effects on our lives due to the way our minds tend to focus on negative thoughts, and here are a few examples. Along with potential impacts, there's concerns over bad grades, academic failure or not meeting personal expectations that can trigger panic. This panic can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety and a negative impact on mental health. It may also result in a fear of failure and a negative impact on mental health. It may also result in a fear of failure, decreased motivation and an avoidance of challenges, hindering personal growth and learning opportunities. Then there is the fear of not being able to control one's future, such as uncertainty surrounding career prospects, financial stability or personal goals. Those can all cause panic.
Daniel Moore: 6:06
This panic may result in a feeling of being overwhelmed, constant worry and increased anxiety. It can also lead individuals to make impulsive decisions, settle for unsatisfactory situations or experience a loss of direction and purpose, social rejection and isolation. Situations like a friend taking their time replying to a text or experiencing social rejection Can trigger panic related to feelings of being unwanted, neglected or alone. This panic response can contribute to low self-esteem, decreased social confidence and emotional distress. It may also result in strained relationships, social withdrawal and difficulty trusting others. In these cases, our instinctual tendency to focus on negative thoughts can exacerbate the impact of these perceived personal threats. Negative thoughts tend to magnify the perceived severity of the situation, making it challenging to see alternative perspectives or positive outcomes. Consequently, this can lead to a cycle of rumination, or chewing the cut, as they say. As we talked about on a previous episode, increased stress and a narrowed focus on negative possibilities hindering problem solving and your overall well-being within yourself. Other panic buttons can be driving through heavy traffic, the fear of failure or your preteen texting a person of the opposite sex.
Daniel Moore: 7:34
You know we always hate it when our daughters grow up and get a boyfriend. Well, we've always said that your life will move in the direction of your strongest thoughts. It's one thing if we are thinking about Philippians 4.8, things that are pure, noble, lovely and a good report, but what about the times we are thinking on things that are ugly, anxious, false, dishonorable or just plain irrational? Our runaway negative thoughts can spiral out of control and lead our lives in the wrong direction. So why do we panic?
Daniel Moore: 8:09
Well, there is a small almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain's temporal lobe called the amygdala. Its primary function is to process and regulate emotions, particularly those related to fear and threat detection emotions, particularly those related to fear and threat detection. It plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response, which is an automatic survival mechanism triggered when we perceive danger. When the amygdala detects a potential threat, whether it's a direct physical threat, like a cow flying into your windshield while you're driving, or a potentially dangerous situation such as encountering a venomous snake while hiking. It initiates a series of psychological and behavioral changes to prepare the body for action. This response, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response, serves to ensure our survival in the face of immediate danger. The amygdala activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline or cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiration, while diverting blood flow to essential muscles, priming the body for action. This response enhances our physical abilities, increasing our chances of escaping or defending ourselves when faced with a threat.
Daniel Moore: 9:29
In situations where danger is imminent and demands immediate action, the fight-or-flight response, facilitated by the amygdala, is highly adaptive. It mobilizes the body resources, sharpens focus and reaction times and heightens overall preparedness. Essentially, it helps us respond quickly to potential harm, increasing our chances of survival in such scenarios. While this response is generally beneficial in acute and life-threatening situations, it can also have drawbacks in modern-day contexts where the perceived threat might not be as severe. For instance, if someone experiences excessive activation of the fight-or-flight response due to chronic stressors or anxiety, it may result in persistent feelings of heightened fear, restlessness or ongoing psychological strain, potentially leading to negative health consequences. The problem is the amygdala is not objective. The way it responds to a hurtling cow is the same way it responds to a hurtful conversation.
Daniel Moore: 10:37
If you are confronted with a dangerous situation with which you need an immediate resolution, you need the adrenaline rush to kick your body into action. When you get that unwanted text or confrontation with your spouse, you don't need the adrenaline rush In those moments. The adrenaline can cause you more hurtful issues than you need. It can put you on edge. So what makes you panic?
Daniel Moore: 11:02
Well, for the most part, I am level-headed. It takes a lot to stir me up. I'll tell you what makes me panic, though. Getting into situations that I can't control can make me panic If I'm swimming and I get too far out from the shore, because I'm not really a very strong swimmer. I can panic if I'm not careful and worry I won't make it back, especially if the tide is pulling me out further. I don't do cliff diving or diving boards. I can't control myself while I'm in mid-flight, so that makes me panic. While I'm gliding through the air, I can lead small groups, but put me in front of a huge crowd of people with all eyes on me for a speech Well, I'm probably going to panic. I may stumble my way through it, but it might not be very pretty. Fear grips me, panic sets in and life can become a ball of uncontrolled anxiety.
Daniel Moore: 11:56
Well, what was happening in those moments? Well, my amygdala was working overtime, going into overdrive and doing double duty, leaving me in a panic like I have never experienced before. You know what about you? What makes you panic, whatever it is, your amygdala when in true fight-or-flight situations, is your friend is going to work against you. But there is hope. There is another portion of your brain that will help you slightly confuse the amygdala, which is your prefrontal cortex. That is the logical part of your brain. That is the logical part of your brain.
Daniel Moore: 12:39
The amygdala and the prefrontal cortex work together to modulate the fight-or-flight response and facilitate a more balanced and logical approach to dealing with threats. While the amygdala initiates the initial fear response, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, which is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, rational thinking and impulse control, can help regulate and modulate our emotional responses. When faced with a threat, the amygdala reacts quickly, triggering the fight-or-flight response and flooding our system with stress hormones. However, the prefrontal cortex has the capacity for higher-level cognitive processing, allowing us to evaluate the situation more thoroughly and consider alternative responses. Beyond immediate reaction, the prefrontal cortex can assess the situation, gather relevant information and weigh potential consequences or outcomes. It helps us analyze the threat more accurately, considering factors such as the level of danger or actual risk involved. Through this process, the prefrontal cortex can override or modulate the amygdala's initial fear response, allowing us to choose a more appropriate course of action based on logic and reasoning rather than pure instinct.
Daniel Moore: 13:54
Appropriate course of action based on logic and reasoning rather than pure instinct. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in emotional regulation. It helps regulate the amygdala's response by inhibiting its activity and dampening excessive fear or anxiety. By engaging the prefrontal cortex, we can actively calm ourselves down, utilize coping strategies and regulate our emotional state, allowing for more effective decision-making and problem-solving. The interplay between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex allows us to have a dynamic response to threats. While the amygdala's initial fear response is crucial for survival, the involvement of the prefrontal cortex enables us to shift focus from immediate reaction to a more thoughtful and reasoned approach. This facilitates problem solving, considering alternative actions and implementing strategies that can help mitigate or resolve the threatening situation.
Daniel Moore: 15:00
God gave us the logical part of our brain to keep the emotional part of our brain in check. However, despite having our buddy, the prefrontal cortex, to help calm us down, we can still spend a lot of time allowing our problems to cause us to panic. We can be a ball of anxiety when all we want is peace. So what do we do? How do we keep from letting panic take over our lives while we are desperately trying to settle down in peace? Well, I'm glad you asked, because the answer is only a prayer away. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue our discussion this week the battle within overcoming the invisible war. We're in part 12 of this series that we're in right now. We're going to be back with that right after this.
chataboutjesus.com: 15:52
The tapestry hanging just inside the mountain cabin door said Welcome to our piece of paradise, and it was a beautiful spot with more peace and quiet than I'd ever experienced. But there's someplace even better. It really is called paradise. It's the home in heaven Jesus has prepared for those who choose to follow him. If you're not sure, the welcome sign will be there with your name on it when your time on earth is through.
Daniel Moore: 16:23
call and talk to someone today at 888-NEED-HIM. Welcome back to Connecting the Gap Podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. This week. We're in part 12 of our series, the Battle Within Overcoming the Invisible War. Well, in the first half of this, we've been talking about our amygdala and our prefrontal cortex and how both of those work together to try to help us keep our fight or flight reactions under control. Well, in the second half, here, elijah had had enough.
Daniel Moore: 17:02
In 1 Kings, chapter 19, verses 1 through 6, the story of Elijah depicts a moment of deep emotional turmoil and despair in his life. After a huge victory against the prophets of Baal, where God consumed Elijah's offering with fire from heaven, he was threatened by Queen Jezebel. Frightened and feeling overwhelmed, elijah fled into the wilderness, letting his fight or flight take over. Feeling disappointed and discouraged, elijah sat under a solitary broom tree, crying out to God to end his life. He expressed a sense of hopelessness, stating that he is no better than his ancestors. Exhausted and drained, he fell asleep, but an angel of the Lord woke him, providing nourishment and encouraging him to eat. After eating, elijah fell back asleep. After eating, elijah fell back asleep.
Daniel Moore: 17:54
This passage portrays Elijah's emotional collapse as he was consumed by panic and disappointment. The immense pressure, along with Queen Jezebel's threats, caused him to feel broken and defeated. Elijah desired an escape from his current circumstances, believing that things would not improve. However, the appearance of the angel and provision of food suggests that God cared for Elijah, despite his despondency, and helped him regain his strength. You know, elijah was done, he was finished. He was broken. Elijah was over it. Have you ever been there, reached that place where you felt you couldn't handle one more thing? Well, that's where Elijah was. I have had enough, lord, he said. Just come and take my life. You know, elijah's actions and words indicate that he allowed negative thoughts to control him.
Daniel Moore: 18:53
After the victory against the prophets of Baal, queen Jezebel's threats caused him to become fearful and discouraged. Instead of seeking support or turning to God for strength, elijah let these negative thoughts overpower him. He believed the situation was hopeless, expressing a desire to die and comparing himself unfavorably to his ancestors. This episode demonstrates how unchecked negative thoughts can cloud one's judgment and ability to cope with challenges. It shows the potential impact of allowing despair and hopelessness to dominate one's thinking. Just as Elijah found himself feeling done, finished and broken, we can also fall into a similar trap if we are not careful. If we allow negative thoughts to control us, they can hinder our ability to find solutions, seek help or hold on to hope. Dwelling on disappointment, fear or self-doubt can perpetuate a cycle of negativity, leading us to feel overwhelmed and defeated. It becomes crucial to be mindful of our thought patterns and actively counteract negative thinking. We get fixated on the presence of our problems and we lose focus on the presence of God.
Daniel Moore: 20:10
In the midst of Paul's letter to the Philippians while he was writing from prison, he offered words of encouragement and guidance. In Philippians 4, 4-7, paul emphasized the importance of rejoicing and experiencing peace, regardless of one's circumstances. He reminded the readers that the Lord is near, implying that God's presence and involvement are constant and accessible. By exhorting the Philippians to rejoice, paul emphasized the significance of finding joy in every situation, even in the midst of hardship or adversity. This attitude of rejoicing is not based on external circumstances, but rather on an inner perspective rooted in trust and faith in God, but rather on an inner perspective rooted in trust and faith in God. Paul's mention of peace indicates that, despite being in prison and facing challenges, he personally experienced a deep sense of tranquility and calmness in his life. He wanted the Philippians to understand that this peace is attainable for them as well, regardless of their circumstances. It is a peace that surpasses human understanding and is a result of placing one's trust in God.
Daniel Moore: 21:22
That phrase the Lord is near. It actually carries a dual meaning. On one hand, it refers to the imminence of Christ's return, providing hope and encouragement to the readers. On the other hand, it also acknowledges God's nearness in their present situation, assuring them that he is present and active in their lives, offering comfort and guidance. In this passage, Paul urged the Philippians to shift their focus from their current difficulties to the reality of God's nearness and to cultivate an attitude of rejoicing in peace. By reminding them of God's presence and hope found in Christ's return, paul sought to encourage them to seek joy and experience peace in the midst of any situation they faced. Elijah forgot that the Lord was near. He needed a reminder, so God gave him one In 1 Kings 19, 7-14,.
Daniel Moore: 22:18
After Elijah expressed his despair and wished for death, god responded to him in a powerful way, reminding him of his nearness. First, an angel touched Elijah and told him to drink and eat, providing him with nourishment. This simple act of care and provision demonstrated God's concern for Elijah's physical well-being, and it signified that God was present, actively attending to Elijah's needs and showing him compassion. After regaining some strength, elijah traveled for 40 days and nights to Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. This was the same place where God had revealed himself to Moses in the past. By leading Elijah to the significant location, god signaled his intention to meet with him personally and intimately.
Daniel Moore: 23:09
Next, god appeared to Elijah in the form of a gentle whisper or a still small voice. Next, god appeared to Elijah in the form of a gentle whisper or a still small voice. It was not in the grand displays of power like fire or earthquakes, but in a quiet and peaceful manner. This manifestation indicated God's presence in the midst of the silence and uncertainty that Elijah was experiencing. It conveyed the message that, even in the quiet moments, god was near ready to speak and provide comfort.
Daniel Moore: 23:43
Through a series of questions, god prompted Elijah to think on his circumstances and perspective. He asked why Elijah was there and what he was doing. God's purpose in these inquiries was not to condemn or berate him, but to help Elijah reconsider his feelings of hopelessness and redirect his focus. Furthermore, god assured Elijah that he was not alone and that there were still faithful followers of God present in Israel. This reassurance was intended to counteract Elijah's belief that he was the only one left who served God. It reminded Elijah that he was part of a larger community, strengthening him and restoring his purpose. Finally, god gave specific instructions to Elijah, redirecting his attention to the task ahead and anointing new leaders. This communication provided clarity and a sense of mission, encouraging Elijah to press forward with renewed strength and purpose. God whispered to Elijah and he whispers to us because he is so close, and he whispers to draw us close.
Daniel Moore: 24:48
What did Elijah learn on the mountain that day? When you've had enough, god is enough. When you've had enough, god is enough. Even if everything is entirely wrong, we still have a God who is entirely righteous. Even if we are left with nothing, we still have God, and he is everything.
Daniel Moore: 25:12
One example of such a situation can be seen in the life of Job from the book of Job in the Bible. Job was a righteous and prosperous man who feared God and avoided evil. However, as a test of his faith, god allowed Satan to inflict Job with numerous tragedies. Within a short period, job lost his livestock, his servant and even his ten children. Moreover, he was struck with a painful skin disease, which made him suffer greatly. In the midst of this unimaginable suffering, job's friends wrongly accused him of being responsible for his own misfortune due to some hidden sin. They believed God was punishing Job for his alleged wrongdoing.
Daniel Moore: 25:51
Job, however, remained unwavering in his faith. He maintained his trust in God's righteousness and remained steadfast even when everything around him seemed to be entirely wrong. Throughout the story, job expressed his despair, anguish and confusion, questioning God's fairness and justice. Yet he never stopped believing in God's existence and righteousness. In the end, god himself intervened, revealing his wisdom and sovereignty, reminding Job of his unlimited power and knowledge. God restored Job's fortunes twofold and blessed him with new children.
Daniel Moore: 26:30
Even in the midst of extreme suffering and loss, where everything seems wrong, a person can still find comfort in their faith in a God who is entirely righteous their faith in a God who is entirely righteous. Job's story teaches that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, but his justice is unwavering, despite the trials and tribulations. Having God at the center can provide reassurance, strength and, ultimately, restoration. Remember, in order for truth to set us free, we need to internalize it, it needs to live inside of us so it becomes an automatic response. How do you replace an old runt with a trench Repetition. Our experience plus God's presence is enough. It's what Elijah learned. The experience he already had with God providing miraculously for him, sustaining him through the worst of times, plus God's presence, was all that he needed.
Daniel Moore: 27:29
Remember that Elijah was a prophet who lived during a time when the people of Israel had turned away from God and began worshiping idols. He was chosen by God to confront the false prophets of Baal and demonstrate the power of the one true God. During this confrontation, elijah witnessed incredible miracles as God consumed his water-soaked sacrifice with fire from heaven. However, after this great victory, elijah found himself in a desperate situation. He angered the wicked queen Jezebel, who vowed to kill him. Elijah fled into the wilderness, feeling overwhelmed and alone.
Daniel Moore: 28:10
In the midst of his distress, god provided miraculously for Elijah. He sent an angel to nourish him with food and water, sustaining him for a long journey to Mount Horeb. While there, elijah encountered God in a powerful way. He experienced a mighty wind, an earthquake and a fire, but God's presence was not in any of those manifestations. It was in a gentle whisper that Elijah heard God's voice and received encouragement, reassurance and guidance. Through this experience, elijah learned that God was present with him. Even in the midst of his darkest moments, he realized that, despite feeling abandoned, god had been providing for him all along. Elijah's encounter with God's presence and provision fortified his faith and gave him the strength to continue fulfilling his calling as a prophet.
Daniel Moore: 29:05
Elijah's story demonstrates that our personal experiences with God, coupled with His constant presence, can sustain us through the worst of times. Even when we may feel isolated or overwhelmed, we can find comfort, guidance and strength through our connection with God. God's miraculous provision and His gentle presence were enough to carry Elijah through his trials, reminding us that our experiences with God and His presence can be a source of unmatched hope and assurance in difficult circumstances. The same may be for you. Maybe you're feeling burdened, overwhelmed, anxious or panicked. Maybe your soul feels completely crushed. What you need is a surprise ending that you've known all along, when you've had enough. God is enough.
Daniel Moore: 29:58
Yes, the presence of problems is tempting you to panic, but don't ignore the presence of God. God is bigger than your problems. The most essential thing for your mind is for your mind to stay mindful and focused on the presence of God. Declare these statements over your life and say them out loud the Lord is close, he is near. He will never leave me nor forsake me. Nothing can separate me from his love. He is always with me, just as he is right at this moment. I am never alone and he is enough for me. His strength sustains me. He watches over me and he guides me with His loving eye upon me. God is close and he wants to draw me close. I will lean into Him and listen for His whisper as we close today.
Daniel Moore: 30:52
Keep this scripture close to you and declare it over your life when Satan comes knocking and he tries to panic you. This is Psalm 145, 17 through 19 from the Message Bible. It says everything God does is right. The trademark on all his works is love. God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him, hears them call out and saves them. That's going to do it for this week's episode of Connecting the Gap.
Daniel Moore: 31:28
If you're having troubles with triggers of panic or if you don't understand why things are going on in your life, if you feel like you're having the worst moments of your life right now and things are so dark moments of your life right now and things are so dark, god is the answer. You can reach out to Him. Just pray to Him and he will hear you. He will listen and hear your call and he will answer those prayers. Come alongside you and wrap His arms around you and let you feel His divine presence. If you're not saved, you can visit my website at connectingthegapnet. We have a page there for how to be saved and if you follow through with that, ask God to come into your life and change you for an eternity and let him into your life. And you don't have a Bible, please reach out. We'll do our best to get you one. If you have questions about your newfound faith, that new walk that you're having with Jesus, and there's things you don't understand, we're here for you as well. You can reach out to us with our contact form on the website or you can email Daniel at connectingthegapnet and we'll do our best to get in touch with you and get you an answer to those questions that you may have, as you're starting this new walk with Christ. Starting this new walk with Christ, and you can reach out at any time and we'll do our best to contact you back and help you through whatever situation you may be going through at this time with prayer. Well, I'm out of here for this week. Don't forget to visit my website, connectingthegapnet, and also visit my sponsor's website at wearewarriorsapparelcom. Until next week. Don't forget that God's Word never fails us. God, until next week. Don't forget that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
Daniel Moore: 33:06
You've been listening to Connecting the Gap Podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening. Each week In this world, there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God.
Daniel Moore: 33:25
Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap. We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble. We are also on the Christian podcasting app, edify. You can subscribe to our podcast. We'll see you next time, like to give us feedback or would like to contact our ministry for any reason, including prayer, visit our contact page at wwwconnectingthegapnet and send us a message. We hope you are blessed by this ministry. This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.