They are lurking within us all
What are these six emotional enemies? These six emotional enemies can shatter our ambitions, relationships, finances, and lives. They lurk inside us all; hence, we must destroy them before they destroy us.
1. Fear
We are not born with courage or fear. However, some healthy fears exist to help us navigate life. Like walking alone in a high-crime area late at night or not getting too close to the fire. Avoiding those situations means we don’t live with that fear. This quote from Samuel L. Jackson sums it up rather nicely.
“If you do not have courage, you may not have the opportunity to use any of your other virtues.” ~ Samuel L. Jackson
But courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to do something in spite of our fear. I have a remedy for fear, and it’s these scriptures. Read them out loud so you can see, hear, and take in the Word of God. Do this often, and certainly, your fear will lessen. This first verse covers so many things, as a result it’s one of my favorite scriptures. Don’t you love that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind?
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and of love and a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NKJV)
2. Doubt
Who do you doubt? We probably all laugh at the jokes about the salesy used car salesman. And we do need to have a healthy skepticism. However, we can’t believe everything. Certainly, we know not to believe everything we see online or hear on social media. These days, it’s hard to know which news source is truthful.
As I type, I am thinking of the people in my state whose homes were damaged by a tornado the night before last. Consequently, contractors appeared yesterday offering great discounts to remove the downed trees—but only if the homeowners pay upfront. Moreover, several are probably unlicensed and uninsured and would take the money and run.
As a result, how does this affect the trusting soul that pays and gets taken? In short, It crushes their trust and makes them doubt themselves, which is the worst of all doubts.
Doubt is defined as a feeling of uncertainty or a lack of conviction. Living in doubt can and will destroy our lives; for example, it played a great role in destroying my first marriage. Therefore, when we doubt the possibilities and opportunities, it handicaps our chances of success. So, doubt is a big enemy; get after it and get rid of it, as it can empty our hearts and bank accounts.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ( James 1: 5–6 NKJV)
To overcome doubt, seek wisdom. Ask God to help you discern or recognize those who lie and manipulate you. As a survivor of abuse, I can always use more wisdom. Pedro Adao leads a month-long Wisdom Challenge. It’s online each January, covering the book of Proverbs. It has benefited thousands, including me. Put it on your December calendar to sign up for next year’s challenge.
3. Indifference
It is defined as a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. Indifference is a tragic disease, and it is plaguing our society. It might show up as burnout and cause us stress or depression.
Therefore, don’t fall into the trap of letting it slide or say to yourself, I’ll drift along and pay it no attention. It will come back to hurt you, as you can’t get to the top of anything, much less success practicing that thinking. The one who walks with indifference does so without joy. So, if you find yourself feeling tired and dealing with burnout, try a new hobby and change your routine. Here is a scripture that speaks to this problem.
I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3: 15–16 NLT)
Certainly, daily prayer and studying the Bible help us stay close to God and prevent us from being lukewarm. They can also lead us to peace and joy!
4. Indecision
Have you heard that indecision is a decision in itself? When we make no decision, we let indecision steal our opportunities and future. Banish this enemy by taking the sword of the word of God to this thief. Indecision is so important that I have given you four scriptures. Notice the last one speaks to many advisers, so surround yourself with smart people. As a result, you will have good and wise counsel.
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 3:5–6 (NKJV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. (Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)
5. Worry
Worry can make us anxious or troubled, but we can’t let it conquer us. We must keep it at bay with the next scriptures and push back whenever it comes into our minds. In short, I can tell you that this first verse has helped me tremendously over the years.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:25–27NIV)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28–30 NIV)
6. Timidity
Timidity is our final emotional enemy. Timidity is defined as a lack of courage or confidence. Most importantly, it is not humility. We can not live an overly cautious or timid life if we are to reach our goals and do the work God has planned for us. We must become confident and courageous.
So, how do we fight this enemy who has been a part of our lives since childhood? With the Word of God, of course.
One of the verses I recommend is II Timothy 1:7. You can also find it under the first enemy of our mind, fear. But here are some verses that will help build confidence and overcome timidity.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and of love and a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
Joshua 1:9 is the verse God gave me when I first encountered the Holy Spirit, and it helped me so much. I was learning to be a mother of two small boys and a new way to discipline them. One that wasn’t abuse, as that was all I knew before the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
Yes, we must battle these enemies of our minds to have the courage to overcome our fears. That is to say, we must fight the mindsets that keep us from becoming who we are meant to be. So, let us go live courageously and fulfill our purpose.
As a writer, I fight “Imposter syndrome,” which can take elements of several of the above enemies and leave me feeling like a fraud and doubting my abilities. Many of the above scriptures help me know that I am not an imposter but that I am writing words to help others overcome the enemies of the mind and heal from past abuse.
Please print out these scriptures. Place them somewhere you can see them several times daily. Read them out loud. Take them in to help you overcome these emotional enemies of your mind.
