When the Spirit of Heaviness Tries to Set In (And How to Break It)

A Real-Life Look at Joy, Personality, and Spiritual Battle

I think most who know me would say that I am, by nature, a positive and upbeat person. While I don’t exactly spring out of bed in the morning, I am the one on a girls’ trip singing, “Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!” at the top of my lungs—just to get some early morning giggles and laughs.

At work? I’m usually the one looking for the bright spot—even on the hard days.

I remember one particularly tense day in the office—emotions were high, people were frustrated, and things felt like they were unraveling. And so I decorated our big white board with the infamous words of Mr Rogers, and gently started singing “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood…”

Not because everything was wonderful—but because sometimes you have to shift the atmosphere on purpose.

So when I tell you I’m not naturally drawn to heaviness, I mean that.

And yet…

How the Spirit of Heaviness Really Shows Up

Even with a positive personality…

Even with a strong walk with God…

I have, on more than one occasion, been completely duped by the spirit of heaviness.

It doesn’t show up in a neat little Amazon box with a red bow saying, “Try me on.”

No. It slips in quietly.

Through a thought.

Through a moment.

Through words I’ve spoken without guarding them carefully.

And let me just say this plainly:

What we say matters.

Not just to others—but to our own spiritual, mental, and emotional health.

Isaiah 61:3 — God’s Answer to Heaviness

The Bible speaks directly to this:

…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…

Notice—God doesn’t just remove heaviness.

He replaces it.

• Not silence—but praise

• Not withdrawal—but worship

• Not passivity—but action

A garment is something you put on.

Once the Package Is Opened

Let’s go back to that Amazon box idea.

The spirit of heaviness is like a weighted blanket.

At first, it doesn’t feel dangerous—just heavy.

Maybe you:

• Entertained a thought too long

• Watched something that shifted your spirit

• Let an insecurity take root

• Gave voice to something that should’ve been cast down

And because we’re all flesh and blood… the battle begins.

Now, we all know what to do:

• Pray

• Fast

• Praise

• Repent

• Search our hearts

And sometimes… we wish it worked instantly.

But let’s be honest.

Even the people we think are “super spiritual” will tell you:

Battles are rarely one-and-done.

Growth happens in the walking it out.

Finding Your Personal Triggers

I don’t claim to have all the answers—but I’ve learned something about myself.

Heaviness tends to creep in when my insecurities start talking—and I agree with them.

For me, it often shows up:

• Before a speaking engagement

• Before stepping into a powerful spiritual environment

• When I’m stretching or growing

That’s when the enemy tries to amplify:

• My weaknesses

• My doubts

• My internal questions

And yes—you would think by now I’d catch it immediately every time.

But sometimes… I don’t.

Sometimes I’m duped.

If You’ve Been Duped—Take Action

And when I realize it?

When I recognize that I’ve been sitting under that weight?

I have a choice to make.

Because here’s the truth:

I can’t stay there.

I can’t nurture it.

And I can’t build a camp in it.

I must take responsibility and take action.

That means I:

• Put on the garment of praise (even when I don’t feel like it)

• Speak truth instead of feeding lies

• Check my alignment with the Word of God

• Examine my heart honestly

• Worship anyway

And yes—my flesh will fight me.

But I don’t let my flesh lead.

There Is No Room for “Poor Me”

And here’s where I’m going to say it plainly, in the way I would if you were sitting across from me:

There is no room for the “poor me’s.”

Not because we don’t hurt.

Not because things aren’t real.

Not because grief or pressure isn’t valid.

But because:

• “Poor me” keeps you stuck

• “Poor me” feeds heaviness

• “Poor me” silences praise

At some point, you have to rise up and say:

“I may feel this—but I will not wear this.”

You cannot wear heaviness and praise at the same time.

One has to go.

A Truth to Hold Onto

Here’s a line you need to remember:

You don’t wait until you feel victory to praise—praise is what brings you into victory.-Rev. Raymond Woodward

The Wholeness Toolbox: Breaking the Spirit of Heaviness

1. Acknowledge Without Settling

Be honest:

• “This is heavy.”

  
  

  But don’t say:

• “This is who I am now.”

2. Close the Door

Ask yourself:

• What did I open?

• What did I entertain?

• What did I agree with?

  
  

Then shut it down in prayer.

3. Put On Praise (Intentionally)

Not emotional.

Not dramatic.

Intentional.

• Turn on worship

• Open your mouth

• Even whisper it if you have to

4. Speak Truth Out Loud

Your mind needs to hear your voice.

• Quote Scripture

• Declare who God is

• Reject what isn’t truth

5. Check Your Alignment

Quick heart check:

• Am I in the Word?

• Am I guarding my spirit?

• Am I walking in obedience?

6. Stay Connected

Don’t isolate.

You don’t have to broadcast everything—but stay connected to:

• God

• Truth

• Safe, godly voices

7. Keep Moving Forward

Heaviness wants to freeze you.

Do the next right thing anyway.

Final Thought

The spirit of heaviness is real.

But so is the power of praise.

And every single time you choose to lift your voice instead of sinking into silence…

You are not ignoring the battle—

You are winning it.