Spiritual warfare and demons/mental illness

 

MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE BIBLE

Nebuchadnezzar

Unlike like depression or anxiety the Bible says nothing specific about schizophrenia. However, in Daniel chapter 4 there is a description of a psychotic disorder with symptoms very similar to schizophrenia. This disorder is called boanthropy.
You are most likely familiar with the story. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, has a dream about a great tree being cut down that he is unable to understand. He calls the magicians, diviners and wise men of his kingdom together but they are unable to explain the dream to him. Finally, the prophet Daniel appears on the scene and interprets the dream for the King. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that because of his sin, God is going to remove his kingdom from him for seven years. He will do this by changing Nebuchadnezzar’s mind from that of a man to that of a beast, specifically an ox. The King will be driven away from mankind, eating grass and living out in the elements. And that is exactly what happens. For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar believes himself to be an animal. In the seventh year of his delusional state, Daniel 4:34 tells us that Nebuchadnezzar’s reason returned to him and he blessed, praised and honored the Most High.

Now you may have never thought that this was a mental illness, but it is and it still occurs today. As I said above, it is called boanthropy when the person, in a delusional state, believes themselves to be an ox or cow. It is called lycanthropy when they think they are a wolf (this may be where we get our werewolf legends). There are many other variations depending on the animal. But the basic symptom is a delusional state such that the person believes themselves to be an animal and begins to live and behave that way. In this particular instance God used the mental illness as discipline, but we should not generalized that to every case of mental illness. While God certainly could choose to bring mental illness into our lives as discipline (Deuteronomy 28:28), if we were to mistakenly generalize that it is always the result of Gods discipline then we would also have to consider common problems such as boils, scabs, itching (Deuteronomy 28:27) and tumors in the groin (hemorrhoids; 1 Samuel 5:9) to always be signs of Gods discipline.

While Nebuchadnezzar’s boanthropy is not the same as schizophrenia, it is a great example of a delusional state which can be a symptom of schizophrenia. As people of faith, what can we learn from this story about delusions? I believe that Daniel 4:34 gives us an amazing truth that we can apply to those with delusions. Nebuchadnezzar was not able to bless and praise the Most High until his reason returned to him. In other words, until his hallucinations and delusional state were removed. Hallucinations and delusions can disconnect an individual from the reality of acknowledging God. As those ministering to schizophrenics with hallucinations and delusions we should guide them towards treatments (e.g., antipsychotic medication) that will effectively minimize or remove these symptoms so that the individual, through pastoral care, can re-connect with the Father.

Spiritual Warfare is the struggle against demonic forces that are trying to harm or destroy us. It is the starting place for understanding, and successfully addressing, the vast majority of mental health issues.

Without the knowledge that there really is a devil, and a multitude of demons, you will never understand what is happening to you, or why it is happening.

If you are unsaved, you have no ability to be victorious over Satan. To benefit from this article, it is necessary to first get saved.

It is also suggested that you read following articles before continuing:

• Who is the Devil?
• What are Demons?
• What is a Spiritual Foothold/Stronghold?

There is a war going on between two invisible kingdoms, between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. The Bible states: “The thief (i.e., the devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:9-10).”

We are in a spiritual battle with the forces of darkness. It is God’s will that we are successful in this battle—not that we be spared from it. Going through trials is necessary to build your faith, demonstrate your fidelity to God, develop your Christian character and prepare you for eternity.

To simplify, when I use the term “devil” or “Satan," I mean the activities of Satan and/or demons. This applies to all articles published on this site.

Satan is not equal with God. God is infinitely more intelligent and powerful. Once we became saved, we also became indwelled with the Holy Spirit. This indwelling makes it possible for us to be victorious over Satan. Satan is wiser and more powerful than man, but man—indwelled by the Holy Spirit—can defeat the devil. The Bible tells us how we can be victorious.

I'll start with this Scripture: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8)." The devil is the adversary of every Christian. The battleground is primarily in your mind. Satan will try to hurt you in any way he can. However, his power is limited; he can only do what God allows. (e.g. Job 1:1-12).

Here are some common things that the devil does: He may put disturbing, discouraging and/or destructive thoughts into your mind: Examples: "It’s hopeless." "You’re a loser." "You're worthless." "I want to kill myself." "I want to get high. "What if I kill my baby?"

Satan can put evil, violent, gross, perverted, jealous, critical, foolish or fearful thoughts into your mind. He can seek to get you to dwell on an unpleasant event such that you become angry, worried and/or depressed.

Sometimes these thoughts involve the distortion or misapplication of Scripture. Satan can and does pretend to be the voice of God.

Satan can also sometimes influence others so that they create problems for you. For this to happen, however, you usually have to give the devil something to work with.

Then there’s what psychologists refer to as auditory/visual/tactile hallucinations: Some people hear voices, see corresponding visions of someone talking to them and/or feel bodily sensations that are without physical explanation (e.g. “I get raped every night.”). In my estimation, most of these “hallucinations” are, in fact, demonic.

Also, anytime you find yourself doing something to hurt yourself or others, it is likely that demonic forces are involved—especially in these two ways: 1)You are hurting yourself to relieve emotional pain caused by a satanic foothold (e.g. Cutting to relieve the emotional pain associated with having been sexually abused). 2) You are harming others—especially involuntarily—as a result of demonic pressure (e.g. Involuntarily cursing others as part of your Tourette's Disorder).

Here are some things the Bible says about Satan: He is a deceiver (1 Timothy 4:1-3, Colossians 2:8). He seeks to distort or misapply Scripture for his own purposes (Matthew 4:1-11). He is a liar and murderer (John 8:44). He encourages child abuse—up to and to the extent of murder (Psalm 106:37). He is the spiritual author of false religions (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). He seeks to impede believers in their endeavors (1 Thessalonians 2:18). He tempts us to sin (Genesis 3). He encourages envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14). He torments with mental illness (Mark 5:1-20).

Satan will sometimes acquire footholds—especially as a result of unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:26-27). A foothold allows Satan to create cognitive and emotional distress, in various ways, at times of his choosing.

Satan's ability to harm Christians is fairly limited unless he first gains power. Satan gains power in three ways.

The first and most important way Satan gains power is as a result of sin. Anxiety and depression are commonly associated with the sins of unforgiveness and worry. "Hallucinations" can result from involvement with the occult. And there are many more examples that could be provided.

The second way is through ignorance. As mentioned earlier, Satan can put whatever thoughts he wants to into your mind. These thoughts may or may not be accompanied with emotional distress. Or, to a certain extent, demons can simply create emotional distress. They can do this whenever they want.

You can reduce the amount of distress you experience by using Scripture correctly.

This isn't unmanageable if you recognize what is going on and respond correctly. If, when you come under a spiritual attack, you continue to trust God, and use other principles found in Scripture, the distress you feel will usually soon subside. If, however, you react with fear and attribute a malign meaning to these things, the demon will have accomplished his purpose.

There is a third way that Satan gains power—but it is rare and far less important: Sometimes God grants Satan power for reasons that may have nothing to do with sin. Two examples follow.

First, the book of Job describes a righteous man tormented by Satan as a test allowed by God. Job passed the test in a number of ways: For example, he did not sin by accusing God of wrongdoing (Job 1:21-22).

Second, a church counselor told me this story: A man with no history of depression would tell his fellow Christians to "just get over it" when they told him they were struggling with depression. Then, for no apparent reason, this man began to suffer with depression which lasted for years. Later, "the depression disappeared as quickly as it came." This is rare, but it does illustrate God's sovereignty.

The next topic is the most important: how to avoid being defeated by Satan.

The Bible says: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).” There is a critical point here that must not be overlooked! You need to do two things, continuously, to be successful in spiritual warfare: 1)You must make a good-faith effort to obey all of God's word at all times. 2) And you must use prayer, and the Word of God, in resisting the devil whenever he attacks.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)."

Thus, complying with this Scripture involves not only our behavior, but guarding our thinking as well.

Sin is inevitable. Whenever you become aware of it, the best response is to immediately confess the sin to God and make an effort not to repeat the sin in the future. This will restore your relationship with God. It may also eliminate the need for God to punish you for the sin.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." {1 John 1:9}

"He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." {Proverbs 28:13}

Before continuing, I want to address one common misconception: The Bible does not promise a life free of burdens and difficulties. Problems are inevitable—we all experience them. Rather, we can learn to have more and more peace despite the difficulties that we all have to deal with. The Bible states: “These things I (Jesus) have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Here are some additional suggestions to help you become successful in spiritual warfare.

First: Read the Bible every day—preferably in the morning. This is essential. There is no substitute for reading the Bible. Read a full chapter of the Bible every day. When you find yourself really resistant, just pick a short psalm (e.g. Psalm 1). If nothing else, you can always put a copy of the Bible in the bathroom.

Look for Scriptures relevant to what you are struggling with, and figure out how you can apply them to your life.

Second: Select Scriptures to memorize and to be reminded of, based on what you're struggling with. Write these Scriptures on 3X5 cards and review one or two of them every day. Generally, these selected Scriptures should be short. You can also memorize partial Scriptures.

Third: Use these Scriptures that you have memorized.

Simply recite the Scripture, just as Jesus did (Matthew 4:1-11), and do what it says.

It is especially effective to recite Scripture, out loud, whenever problematic thoughts come up.

Some examples:

• "Be anxious for nothing . . ." {Philippians 4:6}
• ". . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right . . . think about these things." {Philippians 4:8}
• "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." {John 14:27 }
• "Trust in Him at all times . . ." {Psalm 62:8}

Also, do what the Scripture says to do.

There is supernatural power in the word of God: "For the word of God is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)."

Fourth: Set aside time, every day, for prayer, worship and Bible study.

Also, think about problems as a prayer alarm. Bring these things before God.

The Bible also says to “pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:17).”

The adverb translated "without ceasing" was used in the original Greek text to refer to a hacking cough. A hacking cough is not something that occurs all the time. But it does keep coming back. And it comes back frequently.

Thus, the idea is not to be praying 100% of the time, but rather to return to prayer, repeatedly, despite the interruptions of daily life.

It is especially important to pray when you come under spiritual attacks (James 5:13).

Fifth: Pray. Prayer, combined with faith, is necessary to break free of a spiritual attacks and to overcome problems. And, persistence in prayer is often necessary.

Some Scriptures to review:

“Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you (Mark 11:22-24)."

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him (1 John 5:14-15)."

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7).”

Template:

• Pray, in faith, without doubting.
• Recite Scripture, claim biblical promise(s).
• Believe your prayer has been answered.
• Thank God.
• Do not follow this by asking yourself "Did this work?"

Persistence in prayer, faith, and obedience are keys to success.

Reciting Scripture out loud and claiming biblical promises out loud will make also make your prayers more effective.

Of course, prayers answered must be in accordance with the will of God (1 John 5:14-15). You can't make God do anything.

Sixth: Get others to pray with you and for you. Prayer is more effective when you pray with another Christian (Matthew 18:19-20). This can even be done over the phone. And one benefit of staying in fellowship is that others will be praying for you. This is important.

If the issue is particularly sensitive, the prayer request can be for a "health problem" or an "unspoken request."

You can also send text messages to others, when the need arises, and ask them to pray for you.

Seventh: Allow God to carry your burdens.

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (Psalm 55:22)."

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden . . . (Psalm 68:19)."

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV).”

"For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,
Nor has the eye seen a God besides You,
Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.
You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness,
Who remembers You in Your ways (Isaiah 64:4-5)."

A burden is anything that weighs on your spirit, anything that really bothers you.

Allow God to carry your burdens, rather than trying to handle things yourself.

Requirements:

• Surrender the issue to God.
• Trust & obey.
• Be willing to do whatever God says to do or not do.
• Wait until it becomes clear what to do.
• Don't dwell on the issue.

Bring the issue to God and listen. God's voice always comes in the context of relative peace—and is never condemning.

If you don't hear anything, there is nothing to be done—at least not at this time.

An important thing to remember that will help you to not dwell on negatives is that you've put the issue in God's hands—and you will do whatever God says to do or not do—whenever He makes this clear.

God may tell you to do something different at the last moment.

So, since you're waiting for God's decision, it's pointless to keep trying to figure things out for yourself.

Dwelling on the issue amounts to taking the burden back—with predictable negative consequences.

Also, you have a responsibility, while you're waiting, to not give in to fear, but rather, to walk wisely:

"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered (Proverbs 28:26 )."

Eighth: Trust God.

"Trust in Him at all times . . ." {Psalm 62:8}

" . . . fear involves torment." {1 John 4:18}

Practice trusting God with what you're afraid of. It is necessary to trust God with all things at all times.

By trusting God, you can avoid much unnecessary suffering; fear gives power to the devil.

Trust and obey.

Ninth: Get wise counsel and emotional support from other Christians.

Scriptures follow:

“A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in an abundance of counselors there is victory (Proverbs 24:5-6 NASB).”

"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 NASB).

Stay in fellowship. And having another Christian as an 'accountability partner' or as a mentor is a very good idea.

Select such a person carefully.

Tenth: Here's a basic Scripture you need to memorize and use—especially for spiritual attacks. I've divided it into three parts.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

"As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

{Philippians 4:6-9}

Notice the order:

• Don't be anxious.
• Pray, with thanksgiving.
• More praise and thanksgiving.
• Use Scripture.

Instructions:

• Memorize the Scripture.
• Turn the Scripture into a prayer. Personalize it.
• Do what the Scripture says, in the order presented.
• Recite portions of the Scripture, out loud, as you pray.
• Use your intuition and experience.

Don't forget to claim scriptural promises, both those contained in this Scripture and others you may use.

Recite Scripture out loud and claim scriptural promises out loud. It's more effective that way.

This can be done anywhere, anytime.

It's never fun when you come under a spiritual attack. However, if you follow the instructions given, you will usually find that you have the help that you need.

Eleventh: ignore the devil: If you suspect a thought is coming from the devil, it probably is. Ignore it. It doesn't matter what it is. Focusing on what the devil wants you to is a sure way to get upset. Never debate with the devil.

The devil will always try to get you to focus your thoughts on negatives. You don't have to do this.

Remember:

• ". . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right . . . dwell on these things." {Philippians 4:8}
• "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." {Philippians 4:13}

Twelfth: Address demons directly.

Two things to do:

• Declare truth to demons.
• Cast out demons.

Declaring truth:

• "Satan, you have no power over me!
• To demons: "I'm not afraid of you."

Often, this is all that is needed.

Casting out demons.

Forcefully rebuke the devil, out loud, in the name of Jesus. Command him to leave. Five to ten sentences long.

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons . . ." {Mark 16:17}

"Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." {Luke 10:17}

These must be audible so that the demon(s) can hear.

Once you've dealt with sin issues, Satan usually has to depart if you do this.

Recognize that fear, including fear of demons, will sabotage your efforts.

Do not try any of this unless you are saved; that is potentially dangerous (Acts 19:13-17).

More information on this topic is included in my article entitled How to Cast Out Demons.

Thirteenth: Use fasting. This is an excellent way to make progress when you're struggling or need guidance.

My preference is to use a partial-day fast, once a week.

Read my article entitled Prayer & Fasting.

Fourteenth: When you pray, first establish the basis for successful prayer:

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." {Psalm 100:4 

Approach God praise and thanksgiving.

Don't treat God like a vending machine. He's much less likely to answer your prayers—especially if you're not a new believer.

Fifteenth: Recognize that complaining is a sin.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 )."

“Do all things without complaining . . . (Hebrews 2:14).”

Watch your self-talk. God is living inside of you—and listening.

Complaining is a sin and gives power to the devil.

Confess the sin of complaining just like any other sin.

You can either become better or bitter as a result of the painful trials you experience. Choosing to be thankful for hardships, and learning from them, will result in God using these things to make you wiser and stronger (Romans 8:28). And better able to help other people.

Sixteenth: "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." {Leviticus 19:2}

Masturbation is a sin. God has made this clear to me.

Make an effort to be obedient in all areas of your life. And when you slip up, confess your sin and try again.

Seventeenth: Your self-talk. How you talk to yourself drastically affects your mood. You can't be victorious in spiritual warfare if you are at war with yourself.

Monitor your self-talk.

Adopt a biblical perspective.

Use affirmations; examples follow.

God's perspective:

• God loves me.{Isaiah 43:4}
• God accepts me. {Ephesians 1:6}

Personal perspective:

• I love me. {Mark 12:31}
• I accept myself. {Mark 12:31}
• I forgive myself. {Mark 12:31}
• I don't care what he (she) thinks. {Ecclesiastes 7.21-22}

Correct negative and self-critical thoughts:

• I am not (fill in blank).
• Or, say the opposite.

Comforting yourself:

• "I don't expect myself to be perfect."
• It's no big deal. {Philippians 4:6}
• It's OK.
• "It's OK if he's (she's) angry at me.

Practice using affirmations and always correct negative thoughts.

Talk to yourself like you'd like a good friend to counsel you. Or how you would encourage a child you love.

Eighteenth: Avoid accidents that will create additional problems for you—including long-term pain issues.

Remember:

• "Be anxious for nothing . . ." {Philippians 4:6 
• "Trust in Him at all times . . ." {Psalm 62:8}
• "Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe." {Proverbs 28:26}

Walk wisely.

We all are responsible for the consequences of the decisions we make.

Nineteenth: ask God to increase your wisdom. The Bible states: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:5-7 ."

Faith is an important part of successful prayer—about anything.

Persistence in prayer is also often necessary.

Finally: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8)."

An examination of the original Greek text indicates that this Scripture is telling us to "keep on asking," "keep on seeking" and "keep on knocking."

So, in summary, remember the following:

• The Bible has the answers.
• Daily prayer and Bible study are essential.
• It is often necessary to persist in prayer.
• Faith is an essential element of successful prayer.
• Trust and obey.
• Keep on trying. And you will make progress.