Overcoming the Spirit of Heaviness

Even in this demanding and complicated world, you can still have peace. It is as simple as choosing to have peace within; whatever the situation. Indeed sorrow, sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, despair, disappointment, rejection, self-pity, and gluttony are all contributed to a spirit of heaviness. When you become overwhelmed with heaviness, or depression, you are hindering yourself from living victoriously. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a normal human emotion that is experienced, at some point in life, by everyone. But, because depression acts as a message from your subconscious mind that tells you all hope is lost, it is what you do after you experience the emotion that matters. In any situation choosing to have peace within will always give you great power. If you can learn to redirect the negative energy of overwhelming challenges, troubles, and obstacles then you are well on your way to living life abundantly. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:11

Also, some of the causes of heaviness include reflecting on past mistakes and failures, physical health, isolation from others, lack of sleep, alcoholism and drug abuse, negative people or environments, feelings of hopelessness, comparing your life to the life of others, allowing what someone thinks of you to keep you mentally agitated, and being let down or disappointed by those you trust. Gospel artist, Donnie McClurkin, has a song out titled “Stand.” I love this song. It clearly gives good advice on what to do when you have done all you can, when your friends turn away, when you are all alone, and when it “seems” like you can not make it through. Straight to the point, “you just stand.” The enemy uses many tactics and tricks against us all. When you can recognize the triggers of trouble or challenges, and remain alert for future attacks you can over come this “spirit of heaviness” easily. Isaiah 61:3 reads “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” To say the least, in spite of your mistakes, downfalls, and shortcomings; God is still good. He will disassociate you from your past and His truth will transform you. You can restore your hope. Find a way to take positive action, as you go through the motions of responding to your subconscious mind; and your feelings of depression or hopelessness will evaporate.

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today." - Dale Carnegie. Even so, the spirit of heaviness keeps you low in spirit, dims your vision, robs you of your hope, destroys your faith, steals your love, isolates you, and makes you feel alone. Do not be dismayed. You can have the victory over the tactics of the devil. Giving thanks continuously and trusting in God to fight your battles puts the devil in his place. "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie

Do you want to handle the guilt of your past and deal with the shame? Just “stand and be sure!” You do not have to be entangled in the bondage of your past. Each moment is an opportunity to be your best. Just have gratitude and stand strong in your faith. Stand through the storm, stand through the rain, stand through the hurt, and stand through the pain. God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could ever ask. Recognize that you are a child of God. His will for your life is not defeat or depression. “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Stop believing the negative things people say about you. Other folk’s perception of you should not affect you. Surround yourself with positive people; and be content with your present lifestyle and status. You can do whatever you want in the present. Do not look for excuses to be miserable; instead change what isn’t working for you so that you have the peace you deserve. All things considered, feed your spirit with the Word of God so that you may overcome the attacks of the devil, because Satan is after your mind and your spirit. However, the peace of God surpasses all understanding.

To sum up, praise is powerful in defeating the devil. It can be spoken of as an adornment of thanksgiving, as well as a way to express the state of mind. Furthermore, praise lacks the fear of something impending. When you offer a sacrifice of praise you are literally binding, confusing, and breaking down the enemy. If you can choose to begin to praise instead of murmuring, complaining, giving up, becoming angry or fearful, moaning, or giving in to despair and hopelessness you will soon see your situation turn around. I am a witness. God is on-time; and He has not ever failed me. I am not saying this because of something I heard, but I have experienced his love, protection, and blessings first hand. God is truly amazing! “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name.” – Hebrews 13:15. When you praise God there should be fire in your heart. Each and every one of us will have our share of ups and downs. Accordingly, you still have to praise him in the midst of your trials and trouble. It is very easy to give thanks and praise when life is “good” and things are going well. Your true test is when things are not so good and it looks like you are being attacked on every side. The temptation will be to fall back into the spirit of heaviness (hopelessness, weariness, and despair). The enemy’s sole purpose is to silence you from praise and cause you despair. Even though you may not immediately be able to physically see change, when you praise you actually begin to manifest the impossible into possibility. If what you desire is in accordance to the will of God, it will prosper. Keep believing, keep praising, and keep pressing. You will always triumph in His will.

Finally, do not continue to be bound by the spirit of heaviness. Your dreams can be fulfilled, you can be blessed, you are not wasting your time, you can be healed, restoration can happen for you, your loved ones can be saved, your prayers are not useless, you are worthy of love, God does not want you poor, and you can be blessed financially and not have to struggle anymore. No dream is impossible. Praise him with a song, praise him with a dance, or praise him with your hands, but praise him. Your gratitude is the greatest gift you can give of yourself to him. Put on the garment of praise and combat the forces of evil, negativity, and heaviness. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6).

Peace and Blessings,

Kai