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The Psychologists View
THE PSYCHOLOGISTS VIEW – THE PROTECTIVE DEFENCE MECHANISM
Personal denial is the refusal to accept reality or facts. It’s denying what has actually happened or is happening to a person. Denial is a blotting out in shrouded darkness of painful feelings and events. Denial is a defence mechanism that often develops in early childhood. If better ways of coping with denial are not learned the resultant stress triggers a protective defence mechanism. This defence or denial becomes a subconscious (automatic) response to the traumatic situation (refusal to face the giant).
Denial and the protective defence mechanism can lead to depression, insomnia, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship problems, sexual impulses, anger and violence, isolationism. This is called regression. In time this can lead to irrational behaviour and change of personality, emotional and physical pain, rejection, memory blur and disconnection from the real world.
GOD’S VIEW AND WORK – THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT
The Deeper Life teaching is delivering and purifying in nature. The problem of Denial is compounded by preying demons who access stressed vulnerable minds. God uses situations and trials in order to work deliverance and purity – that change of mind (repentance) and heart affection. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He is our great deliverer. Through the Holy Spirit within the Jesus disciple clothed in the armour of light – God goes to the very root and heart of a situation. He pulls out and destroys the giant! That is the glory and wonder of salvation and healing.
SYMPTOMS OF DENIAL
King Ahab: Denial and Passivity
Ahab didn’t want to face the problems that he had with his wife trying to usurp the throne. He became passive letting her take over. Here we see a man in denial not facing up to his responsibilities.
And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. 1Kings 21:4
1Kings 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? 1Kings 21:6
And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.
And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. 1Kings 21:7
Israel: Not Facing Facts
Israel believed she was saved, infallible and couldn’t fall.
They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? John 8:33
The Denial of Fear
Israel couldn’t face her enemies who were exposing and mocking Israels weakness. We know the story of where king David is called to slay Goliath. The armies were in denial. They had fear but couldn’t confess that fear. They were not honest about that fear. (1 Samuel chapter 17)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. John 4:18
King David: Conscience Suppressed
David was in denial over his sin with Bathsheba,the death of Uriah and God’s word of judgement. (2Samuel chapters 11 & 12) We also don’t always listen to the Word when it has our name and address on it.
Pride Is Behind Denial – a False Narrative
The Devil thought he could be God. Stupid! His pride blinded him – he was in denial. Pride in denial will create a false narrative. The conscience protests and we deflect the discomfort by blaming other things people and situations. Unforgiveness and resentment ensue to ‘authenticate’ the blame. At root this is a refusal to face up before God and confess ‘I am the problem’.
Denial of the Need of Purifying
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: Revelation 3:17
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Revelation 3:18
‘How can we be in denial – we’re wealthy, we have huge congregations, we have massive outreach, we’re preaching the gospel, we love Jesus.’ But He says you have need of purifying – and that is where they’re in denial. That is why we have the Deeper Life teaching.
BE REAL WITH GOD
The enemy knows those weakness. Bring them all out into the light and receive protection from the armour of almighty God. Receive the confidence and the ability to stand. Also the joy of worship and praising God. Be real with God and walk in the Light!
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