Satan
is also called the Adversary. He opposes us in our walk with God. He uses
many tricks and devices. One of his tactics is to send a "spirit of heaviness"
upon us. When we recognize this we are able to over come him easily.
Ephesians 6:11 Put
on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles
(methods - cunning, crafts) of the devil.
The
Spirit of Heaviness
Isaiah 61:3 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.
SPIRIT
is "ruwach" This is the same word used for all spiritual life and beings
including God. It is used also of breath and air. It does not mean "a
feeling" or attitude.
- This is not mans
own spirit, which is called "the spirit of man"
- This is not God's
spirit, nor can it be from God
- It is a demonic
spirit.
HEAVINESS
means " somewhat dark 5, darkish 1, wax dim 1, smoking 1, heaviness
1; 9 dim, dull, colourless, be dark, faint :". It is a word used in
the bible to describe:
- the effect of
a plague darkening the skin,
- the dimness of
the eyes in old age,
- a fire gone out
of a flax (reed), still smoking and not extinguished.
- a heavy spirit.
THE
EFFECT OF A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS
- It darkens our
countenance: Our hearts are down cast. This spirit brings a "heaviness"
over us..
- It dims our vision,
robs our hope. The room may actually look darker.
- It brings a heavy,
oppressive feeling. It quenches our faith.
- It may come over
many at once , like a plague. It can be like a cloud, hanging over a
place.
- It causes us
to isolate, it steals our love, makes us feel alone.
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 What shall we then say to these things? If God be
for us, who can be against us?
- Don't believe
anything negative you think under it's influence. Accept no criticism
of yourself or others. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and
every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought
captive to obey 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. Take action including
adoration, thanksgiving, singing and glorifying. Get loud, get definite,
aggressive! Wrestle it down. (Eph.6) and break into the anointing.
FOLLOW
THESE STEPS AND
you
will get a victory over this tactic of the Adversary.