Dealing with the spirit of heaviness

Call To Prayer

Title: Dealing with the spirit of heaviness

By: Wale Lasisi

Date: 03.04.2025

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.  (Psalm 42:5 KJV)

There are times and moments when life feels overwhelming, and a deep heaviness settles over our hearts. It may be the weight of disappointment, loss, or simply the demands of everyday life. The Bible calls this the “spirit of heaviness,” and even King David, a man after God’s own heart, wrestled with it. In our opening text, he pours out his heart, admitting his soul is downcast and restless. But instead of staying stuck in despair, he chooses to remind himself of God’s faithfulness.

Heaviness doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Sometimes, it’s like a deep sadness that seems not to be going away which we may refer to as depression. Other times, it’s anxiety, exhaustion, or a sense of emptiness. The devil capitalizes on these feelings to keep us stuck, making us forget the joy and hope we have in Christ. But Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God has given us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” That means we don’t have to accept these burdens and there is a way out.

The strategy of David when he feels overwhelmed is that he talks to his soul and tells it to hope in God. We can do the same because the soul hears and begins to conform with what we say. Also, we must remember God’s Faithfulness and think about the times God has come through for us before. Write them down if we need to. When we remember His goodness, it builds our faith for the present.

Another way is to worship and praise Him. When we do, we shift our focus from our problems to His greatness. Eventhough Job was overwhelmed with grief because of what had befallen him when he lost everything including his children, he still went ahead to overlook his predicaments and worship God (Job 1:20-21). Furthermore, we overcome heaviness by speaking God’s word over our lives. The plan of the enemy is for us to believe lies, but the truth of God’s Word breaks every chain. Find Scriptures that speak life, pray with them and declare them over yourself. Finally, surround yourself with encouraging people, don’t isolate yourself. Find people who will pray for you, pray with you, encourage you, and remind you of God’s love.

In conclusion, the spirit of heaviness is a stronghold of darkness that has to be broken down for us to walk free and maximise the life of God in us. God offers joy, peace, and restoration. Just like David, we can choose to remind ourselves to hope in God. No matter what you’re facing, He is with us, to help us lift our burdens and give us strength for the journey ahead.

Prayer point:

Let’s thank God for His word today. Let’s pray against the spirit of heaviness in the lives of believers going through trying times.