Recently, the Holy Spirit really put it on my heart to talk about how these three emotions — fear, shame, and guilt — can become strongholds on a person’s mind, influencing decisions and leading to a deeply dissatisfied life.
I was deeply influenced by the spirit of fear, and it manifested through anxiety. I know this wasn’t something I could “control.” It had such a strong hold on me that every time I was about to take an action that would lead me somewhere positive — especially something God had asked me to do — the first thought would be, “This won’t work” (doubt). Then a distress would rise in my body, almost trying to hold me back from doing anything. I would have to pray and literally put on worship music just to calm it down.
Because I had dealt with this for so many years, I thought it was a part of me — something “normal” people just lived with. But after prayer and teachings, I realised it wasn’t just psychological.
I read the books.
I sought a coach.
I had a session with a psychologist.
They explained the theory, and I understood the scientific reasons behind what I was feeling. I comforted myself with that for a long time… not knowing that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal — it was spiritual, and I needed to fight it.
How do you know when these emotions are more than psychological?
I am not a therapist or a medical doctor, so please see a doctor for evaluation. God is not against medical help. But I also want to state this:
Whenever an emotion generates huge distress and starts working against you, it’s not just biological — it’s spiritual.
Your emotions are indicators — they help you understand what’s going on.
If you’re driving and a car comes toward you, yes — you should feel fear. You’re in danger.
BUT
If you constantly feel fear of failure to the point where you procrastinate endlessly…
If the fear is so crippling that you can’t breathe…
If you get panic attacks over simple tasks…
If your emotions stop you from doing what God asked you to do…
That is not you.
That is not normal.
That is spiritual warfare.
Always ask yourself:
Is this emotion influencing me to act in a way that leads to a positive decision for my well-being, or is it pushing me to act based on a made-up thought that came into my mind?
Is this situation actually dangerous, or am I being influenced by thoughts of danger?
Did this person really say those things to me, or did thoughts enter my mind about what I think the person said?
Fear
Fear keeps people in situations they should have left a long time ago or run into situations that are against their values because of desperation, thoughts of loneliness etc. Just the thought of leaving brings a crippling feeling, images, and lies that discourage you.
Out of ignorance, we often agree with the lies and stay — because the pain feels more familiar than the unknown.
Fear kept me in friendships, jobs, and even relationships that were not good for me, even though God was CLEARLY telling me to leave.
God did not create you to be against yourself. Your entire being was designed to work for your good — to protect you, give insight, and help you. Not to trap you.
I remember how I used to let anxious thoughts make me sceptical of people — even honest, well-intended people. I would have my guard up for no reason. The spirit of fear used to make me so paranoid. I would sleep and wake up drenched in sweat, having anxious attacks in the middle of the night over thoughts and situations I couldn’t control
Ahh, it was so exhausting to live like that. I was also easily intimidated by situations and would self-sabotage God-sent blessings and even relationships.
There is a reason why God tells us not to be afraid. You should not let fear dictate your decisions — let peace, a sound mind, and strength be your guide. When God says, “Do not be afraid,” and “I am your God, I am with you,” He is not giving a suggestion or a gentle comment. He is giving a command.
“Do not be afraid” is a command you must follow — and a command you must also speak over yourself.
Shame
When shame has a stronghold in your life, you start making excuses for your habits. You become a professional liar — not because you’re evil, but because hiding feels safer than truth.
Shame turns us into actors.
We mask who we are.
We hide our story.
I used to be ashamed of being abandoned and rejected. I hid parts of my life because I didn’t want people to see me as “less than.” Deep down, I knew something was off — I needed to accept that part of my story and share it boldly.
Looking back, I don’t even know why I felt ashamed. That part of my story wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t under my control. Sometimes we let the spirit of shame trap us over things people did to us. How sad is that?
Shame often grows from abuse, painful comments, or growing up poor or in a difficult home. These experiences make you feel unaccepted, and you grow up ashamed to show up as yourself. So you hide. And that hiding leads to choices that keep you stuck and still ashamed.
For many years, I felt ashamed of showing up as myself because of the bullying I faced in school. It made me ashamed of who I am. I am naturally very joyful — I love to play and make jokes. I have a childlike nature that I honestly don’t think I’ll ever grow out of, and that’s okay. For years, I thought it made me look immature and unlikable as an adult. But instead, that’s my superpower.
As I stepped more into that side of myself, I felt more at peace. I realised I can be playful, serious, fun, and creative — that is who I am, no matter what.
Guilt
Guilt can keep you from asking for forgiveness and from getting the closure you need to move forward. When guilt mixes with pride, it becomes a trap.
Guilt makes you avoid people.
Guilt makes you overthink everything.
Guilt convinces you that you are a burden when you are not.
Healthy guilt allows you to recognize your mistake, apologize, and move on. It leads to growth.
Unhealthy guilt keeps you replaying the act for days, speaking against yourself, and feeling unworthy. It becomes a voice that punishes you long after God has forgiven you.
Some people even run away from God because of guilt.
But Scripture says, “There is no condemnation for those in Christ.”
If you still feel guilty after you have repented and committed to changing your ways, that feeling is not from God. It is the spirit of guilt trying to block your sense of worthiness. Sometimes we play the judge over situations that are not even a big deal — situations where we are actually innocent. Always let God be the final judge. Don’t jump to conclusions or blame yourself in ways that destroy your self-esteem. Even God doesn’t treat you like that, so why do it to yourself?
You are worthy.
Break The Chains Through Deliverance
All three of these feelings have a huge impact on your mental health. They create a negative atmosphere within you, making your inner “soil” unfertile for what God wants to plant — ideas, instructions, revelations, and the seeds of great things He desires to do in your life.
Your mind is one of the primary ways God communicates with you — through ideas and thoughts. But when your mind is saturated with negativity, and backed by negative beliefs, you can’t hear God clearly. You can’t even communicate effectively with Him in prayer. Unfortunately, when you allow these emotions to dictate your life, you develop a victim mentality, become overly sensitive to offense, and stay ready to defend yourself even when you’re not under attack.
Now that I have been delivered, I sleep so well. I am at peace.
Many people cope through substances or distractions just to feel temporary relief, instead of truly turning to God. Others don’t even know they have the power to deliver themselves from the strongholds attacking their emotional well-being.
But you do have power.
Through Jesus Christ, you have authority over all things. You have the power to move mountains, to cast out demons, and to silence every evil force challenging you. Never accept thoughts or feelings that work against you — rebuke them.
You must deliver yourself from these strongholds and remember your true nature.
Instead of fear, you have peace.
Instead of shame, you have humility.
Instead of guilt, you have love.
As a child of God, the Holy Spirit lives in you. You simply need the grace of God to let Him flourish in your life.
For your deliverance, I encourage you to watch the sermon by Pastor Stephanie Ike Okafor, where she explains how to deliver yourself from demonic oppression and strongholds. It is easier than you think
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