Understanding the Spirit of Heaviness and How to Overcome It

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” –Proverbs 12:25 NIV

Oftentimes when trying to overcome destructive habits and negative thought patterns, half way through the recovery process, we find ourselves overwhelmed with despondency. Usually, this feeling can never be comprehensively defined, but is eerily similar to a heavy-weight that subtly envelopes a person in a blanket of drudgery.

This state of demotivation usually arises from unresolved conflict caused by loss, failure, mistakes or tragedy. Battling addiction and actively resisting the lies of the devil only amplifies the despair you may feel during this defining time in your journey to freedom. Still, I want to assure you that you’re not alone in feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just point blank “over it.” 

The emotional and physiological turmoil produced by mental bondage has a way of convincing us that we are all alone in our pain. Still, there are millions of people who are battling the same struggle. In fact, the scripture tells us to stand firm against Satan because “the family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of sufferings that we are” 1 Peter 5:8-9). This exemplifies the fact that we are not alone.

Depression or Spiritual Warfare?

Although depression has been linked to genetic makeup, beyond this factor exists a negative spiritual force the adversary employs to oppress a person’s body, soul and mind.

The goal of this evil spirit is to burden an individual until they grow weary in praying, fasting and exercising faith. It is a subtle spirit that masks itself as a sluggish gloom that overwhelms and wears a person down, until it completely robs them of love, joy and peace. This vice is most popularly referenced in the book of Isaiah. There, the prophet proclaims the acts of the soon coming Messiah.

“[He will] 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.”  –Isaiah 61:3 NIV

This scripture gives us a brief summary of the acts and ministry of Jesus. In essence, He promises to give those who are overcome with sorrow a glimmering ray of hope. How is this hope characterized? Like a phoenix rising from destruction; like a sweet fragrance used to anoint those who were once drenched in tears; like a comforting article of clothing that will take away the heavy burden.

Ashes are a powdery residue left after the burning of a substance. When Jesus set out to give His people beauty for ashes, it meant He was making something appealing out of what was regarded as completely destroyed.  Likewise, Christ promises to clothe us in the garment of praise to counteract the spirit of heaviness.

While this action evokes hope for the dispirited and downtrodden, it also encapsulates the true power of praise and worship. Bible scholars say the phrase “garments of praise” is a metaphor for the lightheartedness we experience when we are filled with the joy of the Lord.

In ancient times, a person who was grieving traditionally adorned themselves in sackcloth so their outer appearance could reflect the despair and distress they felt inside. The garment of praise is the opposite of sackcloth; it is a vibrantly colored raiment indicative of celebration.

The Main Takeaway

When you give the honor and reverence to God that is rightly due His name, He will give you His peace that transcends all human understanding to soothe and ease your heavy heart.

When you choose to magnify the Lord, you are ultimately minimizing your problems by putting things in the proper perspective. This is because when you are reminded of the Father’s sovereign power, His undying love for you and His promise to protect, defend and bless you, you won’t be susceptible to giving up or losing hope.

God literally inhabits the praise of His people, so it would be unwise not to tap into a spiritual resource that is readily available. When we are bombarded with discouragement, the last thing we may want to do is meditate on scripture, pray or sing songs of praise, but these are the most crucial times to give reverence to God.