Soul Suckers

My definition of a ‘soul sucker’ is a person who drains the spirit out of another person—mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. They may use subtle manipulation techniques such as ingratiating flattery and cajolery followed by disapproval and false aspersions on another’s character. They poke holes in people by shaming, belittling, discrediting, and blaming.
Why would anyone drain another person’s spirit? I think it’s mostly about control. A crushed spirit is easier to dominate than a strong, healthy spirit. Soul suckers use every technique possible to prey on others so they can overpower them. While observing others’ weaknesses and emotional patterns, they weave subtle webs of codependence, eventually immobilizing their victims in strands of doubt and insecurity. Even though I have learned to recognize soul suckers, I haven’t figured out how not to get entangled in their webs.
I recalled the story of Queen Jezebel, the famous soul sucker from the Bible. I decided to study 1 Kings, chapter 19 to get some hints on how the prophet Elijah overcame Jezebel’s spirit-crushing taunts.
Elijah removes himself from the presence of Jezebel. He finds solitude in the desert. He revives himself on bread and drink provided by an angel. He rests. God reveals himself to Elijah—not in the spectacular, but in a gentle, quiet whisper. Elijah follows instructions, delegates power to a new king, and finds a new friend in Elisha.
When we are being stalked by a soul sucker, we can follow Elijah’s example—walk away, find solitude, take nourishment, rest, listen for God’s gentle whispers, follow
instructions, and not subjugate ourselves to spirit-crushing authority figures; instead, we can find a supportive friend. Ultimately, in order to defend against humans who have controlling spirits, we may have to become individuals who are Holy Spirit-Controlled.