The Devil’ s drugstore is well stocked. He provides depressants, false stimulants and plenty of irritants. If we are susceptible to moods, life’s way can be rough.
Paranoia is an inner condition that makes us prone to these emotional struggles. Now, the paranoid person really does not have an illness as such. He may have gotten into the condition through his own volitional acts and he may find release through choosing God’s help.
Many, many people live with at least one foot in paranoia without realizing it. They suffer needless torment.
In this study we are not speaking of extreme cases, such as paranoid schizophrenia. This might include hallucinations and the hearing of threatening voices. Often there is a bizarre interpretation of the world, all centered on self.
In this message we are concerned, however, with the devastating tendencies toward paranoia which are much more common: people-consciousness, fear of men, over-sensitivity, evidences of insecurity, bitterness and suspicion. Such a person is defensive, he sees people and situations around him in a distorted fashion. Being unable to identify his problem, he goes through life dodging swooping phantoms.
Perhaps this message, then, can serve several purposes. 1) Give hope to those who are in this never-never land of paranoia. 2) Give positive direction to the many who have these tendencies. 3) Help all of us to understand and better assist one another.
On every hand today there are people with anxiety — that condition of inner tension, uneasiness from anticipated danger or threatening feelings from a source, perhaps unidentified. There are those who, like Martha in Scripture, are energetic, worrisome toilers, troubled about many things. At the other extreme are those paralyzed in inactivity. Too many dangers threaten them so they dare not be efficient in their work. They hide from an imagined “lion in the street,” Proverbs 26:13,14. They are unstable and filled with doubts, James 1:6,7.
Surely the study of paranoia should direct us all to Jesus Christ for a full release from this affliction.
I. WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE IN THE GRIP OF PARANOIA
Our text is Proverbs 28:1 – The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Notice the poor fellow in the first part of this verse is imagining his opposition. The trouble is not really without; it is within. Picture a man running with all his might down life’s roadway. You look behind him and see there is no one chasing him. Many are that way. Every little trouble threatens them immediately. Often their difficulties are entirely their own imaginings.
Study the text again and see what the root of the whole matter is. It comes from a wicked heart. Salvation in Jesus Christ was never meant simply to keep us from foul, dirty living only. It also is intended to change our character and to reach our emotional struggles.
Consider how common it is for parents to rear their children with inferiority feelings This leads to anxiety and causes painful personality boils. A common one is paranoia.
The person with paranoid tendencies is bound and determined first of all to harm himself. He lives in a flinch and repeatedly rejects the very counsel he needs. In his mind, at least, he will attack the one who seeks to counsel him.
Ultimately his condition is harmful to others around him. An evil poisonous vine growing out from his heart wraps itself around others nearby. This is especially harmful to a church fellowship. The suspicion will lead to criticism of others. Such a defensive, over-sensitive person will spread strife among others as he dwells upon the imagined wrongs he has suffered. Proverbs 6 :19 concludes a list of evils God hates with these: “A false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
The paranoid lacks love so he will rejoice when his “enemy” falls or be threatened and irritated if he progresses, Proverbs 24:17 and following, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.”
Recall the story of Joseph’s brothers as they visit Egypt and fail to recognize their younger brother whom they had wronged so many years before. As the pressure of their troubles mount, one can see how their conscience is still raw after so long a time. Their thinking is distorted and they are very jumpy and sensitive with each other.
Now, imagine what they have put their families through over all these years with this hidden root of wickedness! One who would avoid paranoia must at all costs make his sins right with God and man. It costs to carry the load of guilt. ‘The wicked flee though no one pursues.” The skin of the paranoid personality is very thin and constantly irritated.
What is even worse, it is a chronic condition. It will not simply go away. Definite steps must be taken as I shall show in a moment.
II. WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE FREE FROM PARANOIA
Now proceed to the latter part of our text, Proverbs 28:1. “…but the righteous are bold as a lion.” You will at once notice the two halves of the verse are parallel but opposite. Even when the problems are real and danger-filled, notice the response here is one of boldness. No paranoia.
Again,what is the root which makes the difference? It is righteousness. A heart right with God. O Savior, grant me that heart!
Now let me point out the escape route from paranoia. If you would be released from all its damages, then make sure you take the following steps.
First, you must gain and keep a clear conscience. No hidden, unconfessed sin must be allowed. Study Hebrews 10 and be very thorough in exposing sin to God in confession and making restitution to any others involved. Claim the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for your sin. Then, open up the guilty heart for the Spirit’s cleansing. Psalm 51 might help also.
Second, seek to regain spiritual perspective — God consciousness. There is great value in a God-centered view and outlook on life. Proverbs 19:23 — “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
In contrast with this, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare.” Proverbs 29:25. We are to reverence God and not dread man.
This healthy spiritual perspective comes through meditation on God’s Word. Open your Bible to Psalm 119 and follow down several verses with me. Verse l- 6 shows that we lose the cringing spirit when we give proper regard to God’s teaching. Even if people of importance criticize us, we are kept solid and quiet through reading the Scripture, 23. When our problems are actual, real difficulties, 61 and 62, we gain relief through the Scripture and prayer. Even lies cannot shake the man whose heart is filled with God’s Word, 69.
Thirdly, I would insist that prayer must be definite and aggressive if we are entirely to escape paranoia. Take the time to pray over Philippians 4:4-7 and I Peter 5:6-11. Meditate prayerfully over each phrase and claim all for your life.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” II Thessalonians 3:16.