At some point in your life, you have experienced anxiety, worry, or stress. You may call it nerves or butterflies. Not all feelings of anxiety are bad. Emotions are an alarm system God designed so that we may be aware and able to make holy choices. Let’s talk about anxiety; it causes and from where it comes.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Anxiety Revisited – What is anxiety?

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” Amit Ray

Merriam-Webster defines anxiety in a few different ways, including a medical definition. Let’s review each of these definitions and put it in perspective with scripture.

Anxiety as anticipation is defined as “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill: a state of being anxious.”

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 ESV

We are specifically instructed not to worry about tomorrow.

The medical definitions according to Merriam-Webster is: “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.”

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

This definition of anxiety is particularly helpful because it names the physical symptoms along with the emotions in case you weren’t sure what you were feeling was anxiety. Again, this definition reflects the reality that our thoughts and feelings direct anxiety. It is helpful to know the general symptoms of internal stress to respond well.

The final part of the definition describes anxiety as a “mentally distressing concern or interest; an ardent desire sometimes mixed with doubt, fear, or uneasiness.”

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV

All of us have experienced mental distress mixed with fear, self-doubt, and uneasiness even to the point of dread. It is great that God has sent us a Helper, a Comforter in the Holy Spirit, that we may receive the comfort we need from Him to do His will – even when we are uneasy.

Anxiety Revisited – Where does anxiety come from?

Anxiety is often synonymous with stress. There are diverse types of stress, all have an impact on your spirit, soul, and body, and should be handled accordingly.

Eustress is positive stress. It is the stress associated with things that make you feel excited and give you energy or motivation. Eustress is related to things like the first date with someone you like. Eustress could include the feelings you have about getting a raise, receiving gifts on Christmas morning, or taking a vacation. Eustress is often described as butterflies and is short term. It is the excitement and anticipation of something positive.

Distress is negative stress. It includes the feelings of dread that might come with meeting with your boss, having legal or financial problems, fighting with your spouse, or losing your job. Distress is often most associated with the feelings described in the medical definition of anxiety. Distress often impedes performance and clouds thinking. It can be a short term or long term state of mind.

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 ESV

Being aware of the unexplainable stress you are feeling can help you deal with it in appropriate ways. Self-care and prayer are the most effective ways of handling anxiety. Prayer allows you to seek the answers you need to act on distressing situations. Self-care allows you to take care of your physical body and spiritual health as all stress and anxiety (positive and negative) influences all dimensions of your well-being.