C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Screwtape Letters," explores the tactics of temptation and manipulation, emphasizing the power of suspense and anxiety. He suggests that when individuals are preoccupied with their fears and uncertainties, they become less aware of moral and spiritual matters, effectively barricading their minds against deeper truths. The Enemy, or divine force, desires individuals to focus on their actions and responsibilities.

By keeping people absorbed in their worries about the future, the aim is to distract them from meaningful contemplation. Lewis illustrates how anxiety can cloud judgment and lead to a disconnection from one’s purpose, allowing darker influences to exploit this state. Thus, the tension between concern for the present and fear of the future can be a powerful tool in spiritual warfare.