This is the second article in a three part series.  If you have not read the first part you can do here. 

Did you ever wonder why so many Born-again Christians suffer from habitual anxiety, debilitating depression and destructive anger, not to mention all sorts of other non-organic “mental disorders?” In many cases, genuine and loving believers have bought into a worldly or unbiblical approach in dealing with these “spiritual” issues, and because of that, they usually find no lasting solutions to their emotional suffering and spiritual decline. Additionally, they set themselves up for greater suffering – the destruction of their own spiritual relationship with Christ and the people around them. In simple terms, they forget that Christians are unique in our new identity and position with Christ (2 Cor.5:17) and the genuine spiritual needs of the redeemed heart (Matt.4:4; Jn.17:17). Born-again believers who separate Everyday Land from Bible World forget to start with the fundamentals of their faith in choosing the right weapons to combat the spiritual battles they face. These spiritual battles are always found on the inside and not the outside of life. Those who continue to suffer without positive spiritual impact usually default to the visible world conditions and perspectives of the battle. They follow the fleshly rules of warfare instead of trusting God’s supernatural weapons of faith. Notice how the apostle Paul used this common day analogy for the First Century saints to properly arm themselves for spiritual battle;

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)

The proper weapons for Christians are the exact opposite of the typical weapons of choice in the world. The world’s weapons of choice are positive thinking, self-help techniques, therapies, medications and even “trying harder” to win some of these debilitating spiritual battles of the heart and mind. Remember, these are spiritual issues that require spiritual weapons! They are NOT obtrusive psychological issues that are separate from the spiritual side of man. A rule of thumb is: the common or natural responses to most of these trials we face should be the most uncommon or unnatural responses for Christians. To begin with, Christians should be armed for battle with prayer, God’s Word, and the family of God. They should know biblical truth and the promises of God. Secondly, they should understand the powerful work of the gospel-centered life and all that it supernaturally provides. They should be armed for battle with their willingness because of their desire to please the Lord (Eph.5:10), rather than fighting superficial battles for their own happiness and self-focused agendas. Christians should never underestimate the powerful work of repentance, forgiveness, thankfulness, and Christ-centered love in their daily life in defeating these everyday issues. Practice going to the Word of God before seeking professional counseling. Trust that God knows what His children need. Look for God’s provisions in fighting these heart issues. Welcome to the beginnings of a Bible-World impact in your Everyday-Land reality – all for the glory of God!