4 Tricks Satan Uses To Cause Anxiety, Depression and Other Mental Illness

We are often disappointed in the church for downplaying mental illness and calling it a lack of faith – when we know it's not. We know that in the same way anyone can get diagnosed with a physical illness, anyone can get diagnosed with a mental illness as well. It is not their fault and the fact that they get out of bed every morning is actual proof that they do have immense faith and hope.

However, the church is not heartless. They do not downplay mentalLike this Content on Facebook illness or say those things to be mean. Their perceptions are not baseless. Many of them do not know the science of things but they do know we have a very real enemy. An enemy that's out to steal, kill and destroy everything that God has planned for our lives (John 10:10).

This enemy is either called 'satan' or 'the devil' and he really does want to mess up our lives. He uses tricks, strategies and tactics to cause havoc in the world and most people don't even notice it. This is why so many people are suffering from his attacks today. 

They’re not suffering because they are weak. They're suffering because they are ignorant to the tricks of the enemy. We can't be outwitted by the devil if we're not ignorant to his tricks, that’s why it's important for us to learn about them. 

So what are some of these tricks? Read on to find out.

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The Tricks Satan Uses to Cause Anxiety, Depression and Mental Illness

Satan's Trick #1 -  He Uses Lies and Deceit

“He is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44

The devil's number one tactic is definitely lies and deceit. See, if he can get you to believe his lies over God's Word, everything changes. You start to think differently, which leads to feeling differently, which leads to acting differently. So his lies, when believed, actually give him full access to destroy your life.

That's why when you start thinking things completely different from what God says, know that those thoughts are coming straight from the pit of hell. Thoughts like you aren’t going to be saved, delivered, healed, joyful, at peace, prosperous, or powerful in God's kingdom are all lies from the enemy. God has promised you all this and more.

Entertaining Satan's lies puts your whole life at stake. Don't give him that much power. His lies can easily be defeated by God's truth. You just have to be able to recognize it when it happens.

You May Also Enjoy: 10 Scriptures on Distraction

Satan's Trick #2 -  He Uses Fear and Discouragement

“God has not given us a spirit of fear.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Causing fear is another one of Satan's favorite tactics. This is because fear has the power to hold us back and keep us stuck. It robs us of our faith and peace, plus keeps our mind fixed on the circumstances instead of God's promises.

That's why God commands us repeatedly in His Word to not be afraid. He knew that the enemy would use fear to cripple and discourage us, so He asked us beforehand to not allow it.

Don't let the enemy win. Fear and discouragement have no power over you. You can move forward because God is with you, He is on your side, no matter the circumstances.

Satan's Trick #3 -  He Uses Conflict and Pride

“Pride leads to conflict.” – Proverbs 13:10

Pride is the reason behind many problems in the world, one of them being the devil. Satan actually fell from heaven because of his pride, and he wants to take you down with him by stirring up pride within you.

Not only is pride the path to destruction (Proverbs 11:2), it's also the cause of conflict.

The enemy loves to see good people fighting because nobody is happy in an environment of conflict. It takes away your peace and sometimes causes anxiety.

If you're in conflict today, especially if it's because of your pride, choose to humble yourself today and make peace. If you do that, you still win. The only person who loses here is Satan.

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Satan's Trick #4 -  He Uses Temptation and Shame

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’  For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” – James 1:13 

I may have listed this one last but that doesn't mean the enemy uses this any less than he uses the others. Satan used the temptation tactic against Eve in the Garden of Eden and then he used it on Jesus in the wilderness. It's actually one of his most well-known tactics.

He tempts you to sin in obvious ways like leading you to do something immoral, but he can also tempt you in subtle ways as well.  For example, puff you up in pride saying that you're holier than others, so you end up judging them.

Whether he is subtle about it or not, you end up feeling ashamed when you realize you did not resist his temptations. This is a win-win for him!  if you never realize it, you're living in sin. If you do, it causes shame.

Thankfully, God is one our side, and because He sent Jesus to die for us, we neither have to live in sin nor shame. Now if you resist the devil, he will flee from you. If you make a mistake, you do not have to be ashamed, you are forgiven and made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Ways to Defeat Satan

Below are our top ways to defeat satan. 

Recognize His Lies

It would be hard to recognize Satan's lies if we spend each day believing every thought that enters our mind. To recognize the lies of the enemy we will have to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

So from today onwards, take every thought captive. You can think it, you don’t have to ignore your thoughts, just don't believe it until you've confirmed that it's true through the Word of God. Which brings me to the next point...

Respond With Truth

The Bible is filled with truth. Every time you have a thought that does not line up with God's Word, you will surely find something in the Word to oppose that thought.

For example, if someone calls you ugly and you begin to believe it, you can oppose that lie with Psalm 139:14. You are fearly wonderfully made!

Do this for every negative thought the enemy brings to you. The truth found in God's Word is powerful and everlasting. It’s really all you need.

Related: Does Faith Prevent Mental Health Issues?

Resist Him With The Armor of God

God knew that the enemy would try to destroy us, so He did not leave us without protection. He has given us His whole armor in Ephesians 6:10-18.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

He has given us truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and His Spirit. The devil doesn't stand a chance if we keep this armor on.

11 Bible Verses About Defeating The Devil

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. - Romans 16:20

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. - 1 Peter 5:8-9

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.- Romans 8:1

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. -  1 John 4:4

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - James 4:7

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. - Revelation 12:11

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” - Luke 10:17

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. - Revelation 20:10

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Related post: 10 Bible Verse To Pray When You Are Suffering from Depression 

Final Thoughts on Tricks Satan Uses To Cause Anxiety, Depression and Other Mental Illness

Always remember that even though the devil is real, he is not more powerful than God. You're at war with him, but the battle has already been won. All you have to do is put on the whole armor of God.  You don't even have to fight!   Just resist him, and he will flee from you.

If his lies start getting to you, right down some counter scriptures from God’s Word and read it everyday. Then watch the power of the truth give you a peace that surpasses all understanding.

If you are suffering from mental illness or need help overcoming the satan strategies, you may benefit from speaking with a Christian life coach or counselor.  You can search for a local Christian provider here: Therapy for Christian Directory

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About the Author: 

Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at  www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here:  https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2

Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing

Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here:  Christians Therapist Near Me