Anxiety

Anxiety is the imagining of something harmful or dangerous happening; it is a mental illusion that does not belong to the spirit of faith. The believer resorts to God’s protection and recalls the words of the Psalm: “The Lord will keep you from all evil.”

Anxiety and against the fruits of the Spirit
Anxiety contradicts the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, and peace), for how can there be joy and peace in the heart of the anxious person?

Types of anxiety
There is anxiety about oneself (such as fear of not marrying or delay in pregnancy) and anxiety about others (a mother’s worry for her child). Also anxiety due to exams, jobs, unemployment, positions, or legal cases.

Causes of anxiety
Its causes are varied: weak faith, a psychological nature (those of small souls), haste in demanding matters, sin and fear of its exposure, financial problems, enmities, pessimism, and sometimes fear of trials or wars or demons.

Consequences of anxiety and its behavior
Anxiety weakens a person and distracts him from trusting God, and may push sinners to act in confusion. The criminal often hovers anxiously around the trace of his crime. Sometimes anxiety continues if the problem is prolonged.

Positive aspect of anxiety
If anxiety drives a person to repentance and improving his condition it is beneficial; but if he drowns in it it is harmful. Example: anxiety about illness or during travel is natural but should not consume the person.

Practical and spiritual advice
Entrust your matters to God, strengthen your faith, practice patience, do not rush to demand everything quickly, and do not let the news or newspapers exaggerate and frighten you. Be reassured and live in peace.

Encouraging conclusion
I ask you never to worry, but to live in peace and rely on God, for God protects, preserves, and cares.

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