The Bible tells us that Satan is our Adversary. He opposes us in our walk with God and uses many tricks and devices to attempt to deceive us. One of his tactics is to send a “spirit of heaviness” upon us. When people say, “I am so depressed,” they likely do not have “clinical depression.” Instead, the Adversary is OPPRESSING them with Heaviness in their soul. In fact, there is a spirit named Heaviness. His job is to keep you oppressed and feeling glum and hopeless.

You can recognize that a stronghold exists when any of the symptoms produced by that spirit are HABITUALLY PRESENT:

Melancholy and “down in the dumps”SadnessGloominessDespairSelf-pityLonelinessSuicidal Thoughts

THE EFFECT OF A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS

1. It darkens our countenance: Our hearts are down cast. This spirit brings a “heaviness” over us.
2. It dims our vision, robs our hope. The room may actually look darker.
3. It brings a heavy, oppressive feeling.
4. It may come over many suddenly. It can be like a cloud, hanging over a place.
5. It causes us to isolate, it steals our love, makes us feel alone.
6. It quenches our faith.

When you exhibit the above symptoms, it is a demonic spirit that is oppressing your soul. Once you recognize this you are able to overcome him easily.

HOW? Ephesians 6:1 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (methods – cunning, crafts) of the devil.”

Isaiah 61:3 say that the LORD has anointed us with “… THE GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS!”

OVERTHROWING THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS

Recognize it. This is not you; you are a child of God. This is not God’s will for you! Romans 8:31 says, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be fore us, who can be against us?”

Don’t believe anything negative; accept no criticism of yourself or others. 2 Cor. 10:5 says that we are to “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

Put on the Garment of Praise (Is 61:3). This literally means to be “wrapped up in praise;” God has given it to you to put on. Your praise should include adoration, thanksgiving, and singing. Go to a location that you can get vocal and loud! Get aggressive! Ephesians 6 likens our spiritual warfare to wrestling. There is nothing passive about wrestling!

Do not lose your joy!You cannot be defeated as long as you still have your joy! Joy has a VOICE! Joy SAYS, “Praise the LORD! For He is good, and His Mercy endures forever!” (Jeremiah 33:11) A voice is audible, so SHOUT YOUR JOY!

NO ONE can do the work for you!You must purposely resist the spirit of Heaviness as an act of your will. Feelings have nothing to do with joy. Confess your joy by faith. For example, say, “In the Name of Jesus, I resist a spirit of Heaviness. I CHOOSE to bless You at all times, LORD. I CHOOSE to praise You continually, no matter what the circumstances are. “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! The humble will hear my words of praise, bringing them joy as well.” (Psalm 34:1-3)

If you diligently and consistently follow these steps, you will overcome a spirit of heaviness when it tries to attack you.

NUCLEAR PRAYERS THAT BLAST THE DEVIL contains a section on Depression and Discouragement which will help you overcome the spirit of heaviness.