Is mental illness spiritual warfare?

[Aaron112]

That is still a natural cause...

Always has been.

 

[soldier of light]

When I'm weak I'm strong. Amen.

 

[Aaron112]

Why then do I feel peace, love and joy until I come here?

That happens to multitudes of visitors and short term and long time members here and around the world.
We are not permitted to answer (the rules forbid it).

 

[com7fy8]

The blind and disobedient ones are in good health. Unless you consider the illness of spiritual blindness

They can outwardly seem healthy.

But if a person is about himself or herself . . . there can be secret mental problems, including worry which often is only about one's own self. And so it is anti-love . . . not caring about others as oneself.

Also, there is "torment" in worry. And this is anti-love >

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment." (in 1 John 4:18)

A lot of mental torment can be because of fear. Satan's anti-love spirit can cause mental torment, but God's love is almighty to cast out fear with its various sorts of torment.

 

[Aaron112]

if

Yes, "if".

 

[atpollard]

The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. We are sheep led to the slaughter. Am I wrong? So why cant mental illness be an attack from the enemy? Maybe he can effect our health

I think the flaw comes in the “all or nothing” nature of the position.

Is ALL mental illness the result of demonic or spiritual forces?

• No, I don’t think we can say that.

Is NO mental illness the result of demonic or spiritual forces?

• No, I don’t think we can say that, either.

So what does that leave?
Well, I think that we have to look at it like physical illness. Can SIN lead to physical illness? Sure it can. Does that mean every cold is the result of our specific sin? Nope, we live in a fallen world.

So ”How do I know?” and “Where is my proof?”, right …
let’s look to two examples from the Bible (OT). God sent a demon to torment King Saul because he had been unfaithful, so some problems can be demonic and they can be the result of sin. What about Job? Satan tormented and afflicted him, with God’s permission, but Job had done nothing wrong.
Now let us examine a third example from the NT: According to Jesus, why was the man born blind? His sin or the sin of his parents? What did Jesus say?

 

[soldier of light]

They can outwardly seem healthy.

But if a person is about himself or herself . . . there can be secret mental problems, including worry which often is only about one's own self. And so it is anti-love . . . not caring about others as oneself.

Also, there is "torment" in worry. And this is anti-love >

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment." (in 1 John 4:18)

A lot of mental torment can be because of fear. Satan's anti-love spirit can cause mental torment, but God's love is almighty to cast out fear with its various sorts of torment.

I don't worry. I follow Jesus who said not to do that. I have a physical condition in my brain that could be due to trauma, or depression according to my doctor. But I see much trauma in my past as well. I'm content, free from my bondage to sin, peaceful and joyful. That was until I came here. Now my joy is quenched in divisive water. I stay here thinking I can make a difference but everyone thinks I'm crazy or evil. I've been accused of following a diseased demon. I've been called a blasphemer. I dont think I'll let such people judge me.

 

[soldier of light]

So what does that leave?
Well, I think that we have to look at it like physical illness. Can SIN lead to physical illness? Sure it can. Does that mean every cold is the result of our specific sin? Nope, we live in a fallen world.

So ”How do I know?” and “Where is my proof?”, right …
let’s look to two examples from the Bible (OT). God sent a demon to torment King Saul because he had been unfaithful, so some problems can be demonic and they can be the result of sin. What about Job? Satan tormented and afflicted him, with God’s permission, but Job had done nothing wrong.
Now let us examine a third example from the NT: According to Jesus, why was the man born blind? His sin or the sin of his parents? What did Jesus say?

Paul had his messenger of Satan torment him.

 

[soldier of light]

When my confusion comes I wait on the Lord as David did. It's just an anxiety attack and a little psychosis. But O the joy, peace and love I had in my heart before I came here. Don't forget my joy folks. This place to me is like a war zone. Worse than the one in my head that I endured alone.

 

[soldier of light]

I'm an outcast and a misfit in these last days. Many years ago I had dreams where I walked alone. They seemed like they came from God. I'm still trying to fully interpret their meaning but I do walk alone as my dreams seem to have predicted. I never gave the dreams much thought but they sure seem relevant now.

 

[soldier of light]

I follow Jesus commandments in Matthew 5-7. I seek the kingdom, not America. God is my helper, not politicians. So what if I have mental illness? Jesus freed me from my bondage to sin. He gave me love, peace and joy although I'm afflicted. It would be good for me to get away from people and then I would have my peace and joy again. That's a testament to the Lord's faithfulness. I'm a sheep that walks behind all alone but he loves me.

 

[soldier of light]

 

[soldier of light]

I'm a king and Priest in Jesus kingdom. Im a son of God. Other than that I have no title or denomination nor do I want any.

 

[soldier of light]

It takes the shield of faith when I have an anxiety attack. It seems like warfare to me. Other people prolly have padded velvet crosses.

 

[soldier of light]

Poor Paul. Out of his mind sometimes, and with a messenger of Satan that tormented him. I feel close to Paul because of my mental illness.

 

[com7fy8]

I don't worry.

Good!

I follow Jesus who said not to do that.

Yes, Jesus says not to worry.

"'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid '" (John 14:27)

And our Apostle Paul says,

"Be anxious for nothing,"

in Philippians 4:6-7.

And Peter says,

"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

I have a physical condition in my brain that could be due to trauma, or depression according to my doctor.

Physical trauma is not spiritual.

But depression can come from a spiritual source. If it keeps us from loving any and all people, if it is suffering mainly only about our own selves, if it is actively keeping us from trusting and enjoying the LORD . . . this would be anti-love, not only a physical medical problem.

Jesus says to rejoice in spite of how people reject us, right? Yes, this is in the Sermon on the Mount. Plus, Jesus says >

"your joy no one will take from you,"

in John 16:22.

So, if we are spiritually in the strength of Jesus, then Satanic people and things can not take away our joy. But if "things" can have power over us to keep us from rejoicing and enjoying loving . . . to me, this means I am not strong in Jesus the way I should be and therefore Satan can get to me. And so, I need to seek God in prayer so I am His way >

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Ephesians 6:10)

But I see much trauma in my past as well. I'm content, free from my bondage to sin, peaceful and joyful. That was until I came here. Now my joy is quenched in divisive water. I stay here thinking I can make a difference but everyone thinks I'm crazy or evil. I've been accused of following a diseased demon. I've been called a blasphemer. I dont think I'll let such people judge me.

And be strong in Jesus so wrong people can not have power to mess with your mind and emotions. Love like our example Paul has loved people who did not love him >

"And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." (2 Corinthians 12:15)

So yes - - to answer your question > if we give in to how wrong people oppose us and accuse us falsely, yes we are letting a wrong spirit affect us. And we need to submit to God so we stay in the ruling of God's peace in us >

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

God's peace is almighty to give us His immunity almighty against depression and other cruel things. And in this peace God makes us creative for how to love any impossible person.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

My apologies. Forgive me. I was wrong in how I responded. If I could do it over i would do it differently

Great! Thank you!

To add to my previous posts.....
This is purely my take on the matter:

Mental illness can be present right at birth, towards the end of someone's life or anywhere in-between. There are several factors leading to metal illness, from genetics to trauma or simply old age. None of these have a spiritual component. Weakness plays no part in this condition which leads me to my first comment, how we, who are not challenged by this,help those who are.
Be blessed

 

[Johan2222]

God is all powerful and has ordained every moment of every life that ever was. If that were not true, Romans 8.28 could not be true.

If God has ordained mental illness for a man’s life, is that a blessing?

Did God turn Nebuchadnezzar mad to bless him?

We know that Nebuchadnezzar believed the God of Daniel but then pride brought about his madness.

Do you think it was due to a physiological change or a spiritual attack?

Does God not send evil spirits to trouble a man’s mind?

1 Samuel 16:14-16 KJV
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. [15] And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. [16] Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

Do you think Saul’s servants were talking here of a physical affliction or a mental one?

Obviously, nobody is going to prescribe peaceful music to heal a physical ailment.

Was Legion troubled in his mind through a physical ailment or through demon possession?

Was he in his right mind as soon as the demons departed?

Do Matthew 4.24 and Matthew 17.15 speak of mental illness caused by demons?

We know that a man’s mind can be affected by physical injury but if no injury has taken place, God has promised us peace and a sound mind if we walk in his ways in humility and obedience.

If a man is troubled with mental problems that rob him of peace and soundness of mind, does he not do well to consider why God has ordained such a thing upon his life?

If such things are upon his life, but he nevertheless proudly makes himself a teacher of the faithful, and accuses many around him of being blind, will God heal him of his affliction

Does God bless a man with mental illness, outside of a form of chastening to try to humiliate him and turn him from his way?

Did he use mental illness to try to turn Nebuchadnezzar from his way?

Did he do so to Saul?

Were they both very proud?

 

[soldier of light]

Good!

Yes, Jesus says not to worry.

"'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid '" (John 14:27)

And our Apostle Paul says,

"Be anxious for nothing,"

in Philippians 4:6-7.

And Peter says,

"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Physical trauma is not spiritual.

But depression can come from a spiritual source. If it keeps us from loving any and all people, if it is suffering mainly only about our own selves, if it is actively keeping us from trusting and enjoying the LORD . . . this would be anti-love, not only a physical medical problem.

Jesus says to rejoice in spite of how people reject us, right? Yes, this is in the Sermon on the Mount. Plus, Jesus says >

"your joy no one will take from you,"

in John 16:22.

So, if we are spiritually in the strength of Jesus, then Satanic people and things can not take away our joy. But if "things" can have power over us to keep us from rejoicing and enjoying loving . . . to me, this means I am not strong in Jesus the way I should be and therefore Satan can get to me. And so, I need to seek God in prayer so I am His way >

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Ephesians 6:10)


And be strong in Jesus so wrong people can not have power to mess with your mind and emotions. Love like our example Paul has loved people who did not love him >

"And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." (2 Corinthians 12:15)

So yes - - to answer your question > if we give in to how wrong people oppose us and accuse us falsely, yes we are letting a wrong spirit affect us. And we need to submit to God so we stay in the ruling of God's peace in us >

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

God's peace is almighty to give us His immunity almighty against depression and other cruel things. And in this peace God makes us creative for how to love any impossible person.

Depression doesn't keep me from loving people. It's keeps them from loving me.

 

[soldier of light]

Great! Thank you!

To add to my previous posts.....
This is purely my take on the matter:

Mental illness can be present right at birth, towards the end of someone's life or anywhere in-between. There are several factors leading to metal illness, from genetics to trauma or simply old age. None of these have a spiritual component. Weakness plays no part in this condition which leads me to my first comment, how we, who are not challenged by this,help those who are.
Be blessed

It seems spiritual to me. God cares about how we feel. It's people who don't care