Frustration is one of the most prevalent feelings that gives place to negative emotions and behavior. All of us give place to this emotion at times. If we are not on guard concerning the emotion of frustration, it can produce strife and anger. “As coals to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to inflame strife.” Proverbs 26:21 [Amplified Bible]
Having been in ministry at Bethel for over 25 years, I have often seen the power of frustration to cause destruction in the lives of those who are carried away by it.
For instance, the insecure, the over-sensitive, the proud, the defensive and substance abusers are all vulnerable to frustration. Anyone having any of the aforementioned characteristics is vulnerable, with substance abusers having the most volatile reaction of all. The attempt to protect one’s self and cover-up suspected substance abuse from those who question their irrational behaviors will cause stress and frustration. Where there was once peace and tranquility in a home, confusion and anger will erupt when one tries to defend himself from suspected substance abuse. It is at this point that the demonic can (and often does) enter the atmosphere.
“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” James 3:14-16 Every evil thing includes demonic entities that darken the air with violence, fear, confusion, anger and hopelessness. It is this strongman of frustration that opens the door to other demonic spirits to unleash their assault on unsuspecting victims to “steal, kill, and destroy.” Sadly, the substance abuser, having lost control of his faculties, is “taken captive by him (the devil) to do his will.” II Timothy 2:26
Having made a scene in the home, he will disappear into the night. The one left standing in the home, usually a wife, is totally engulfed in a wave of loss, fear, confusion, and a broken and bruised heart.
Where did the abuser go? He is being driven by the devil back to his drug of choice. He cannot stop this overwhelming power which has taken him captive to use again. “For He (Jesus) had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it (the demon) had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles, and he broke the bonds and was driven by the devil into the wilderness (of bondage).” Luke 8:29
This explains why there is an inability to resolve this problem with earthly wisdom. For a demonic entity has invaded the substance abuser. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
You are probably asking “where do we go from here?” I would recommend giving this article to the one who is in bondage and have him read it. He will need deliverance from the demons that have taken him captive. Bethel Colony has a deliverance ministry that is being used mightily of the Lord to set men free from their bondage to substance abuse. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
Pray as an intercessor for your loved one! Confess all sin he is guilty of that you are aware of and ask God to forgive him if he is not in a position to do so for himself. It is best for the abuser to make a list of his sins and repent of each one. [See article on Repentance and Cleansing in the Counseling Corner archives] Having followed these instructions, as the intercessor, you need to take the artillery of warfare prayer binding the strongman of frustration (in your loved one) with the manifestation of substance abuse and command it to come out in Jesus’ name. (Luke 10:19) If you are the abuser, after repenting of your sins, you should do the same. Please understand that these prayers are effective for those who are believers in Christ.
The next step is to remove all drug paraphernalia from the house. Walk through the house, praying that the Holy Spirit would reveal other objects in the house that would defile your home (Ps. 106:39). Ask forgiveness for bringing those objects into your home. Petition the Lord to bring His presence back into your home and set a hedge around it (Job 1:10).
