It's Getting Heavy Out There!!!
The Spiritual Battles Are Increasing...
As evil rises all around the world, it should be no surprise that the demonic, satanic source of that evil is also manifesting itself in the spiritual realm. In many countries Christians are feeling the sting of physical (and deadly) oppression and persecution. While others are facing the battle over the slide of our nations and communities into moral depravity and hopelessness.
With both those situations Christians worldwide are experiencing significant spiritual oppression and warfare.
There are some tell-tale signs that you are undergoing spiritual oppression or attack. These can include, but are not limited to the following:
Condemnation - if you are feeling condemned for past/current sins, or for having emotional struggles then that is not of God. We know from Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” - that Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not condemn us, but draw us towards a place of repentance and restoration.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us that “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Satan is not omnipotent like God is. He cannot be anywhere and everywhere at the same time. So, he gets his evil demonic minions to attack and influence people. For those people who are not believers in Jesus as the messiah, Satan’s demonic forces attack them in ways to chain them up in moms of bondage to their sins which are always self-centred desires of the flesh. In Christians, Satan tries to attack us because he hates those that belong to God.
Jesus’ disciple Peter warns us that “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).
It is in that capacity that Satan and his forces of darkness aim to attack, harm and hinder the Christian person from being all they can be - in Christ.
There are some tell-tale signs that you are undergoing spiritual oppression or attack. These can include, but are not limited to the following (and not in any specific order either):
Condemnation - if you are feeling condemned for past/current sins, or for having emotional struggles then that is not of God. We know from Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” - that Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not condemn us, but draw us towards a place of repentance and restoration. Isolation - Satan wants to isolate us from the Body of Christ (which is other believers). He does this through many means. Mostly through experiences of church hurt, or by not feeling wanted or connected by local congregations or ministries. Church hurt is real (I know this intimately as a son of parents who were pastors and missionaries who has experienced some pretty heinous things at the hands of the church), and Satan exploits that to its fullest. Add to that the difficulty of finding a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church where the pastor is willing to speak the Word of God deeply and truthfully from the pulpit. And well, you have a recipe that is ripe for the picking, where Satan can grow discord amongst the body of Christ. In Hebrews 10:25 we hear..“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Intrusive Thoughts/Confusion - One method of spiritual attack that is used by the evil one and his minions is that of sowing confusion and darkness into our minds. Because it is in our minds that we choose to follow God, and it is in our minds that we create the words for prayer and worship, and it is in our minds that we meditate on the Word of God - so if Satan can disrupt those processes by having our minds constantly filled with confusion and intrusive dark thoughts (like a constant brain fog), then he will. John 8:44 says “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” With this attack of lies comes an attack of depression and anxiety.
Physical & Spiritual Fatigue - With all the constant fighting of mental and emotional confusion, as well as the depression and anxiety - it is actually physically and spiritually exhausting. And exhausting to the point where even if you manage to get a full night sleep (which can be quite rare during a spiritual attack, often due to distressing dreams) you do not wake up feeling refreshed. The prophet Elijah felt the same way after defeating the prophets of Ba’al, and then hearing what Queen Jezebel was wanting to do to him. In 1 Kings 19 we see that Elijah was not only depressed but also physically and spiritually exhausted to the point that he just wanted to die.
Depression & Anxiety - Not all depression is a mis-alignment of chemical processes in the brain, or the dis regulation of hormones and emotions. When we get weary, and we struggle to pray, struggle to read the word of God - then we often let the darkness seep into our hearts and minds which leads to a war between the Holy Spirit within us and the dark influences. Often, within Christians and those that believe in God - depression and anxiety are a by-product of the struggles we are facing and the spiritual warfare we are fighting (whether we realise it or not). In Psalm 69 we hear David expressing the depths of his depression especially in verses 1-3 which state “Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.”
Lack of Finances & Resources - Psalm 50 informs us that God own the cattle on a thousand hills, meaning that he is beyond worldly wealth. And God is a God of provision. So it is no surprise that Satan likes to attack our finances, and our resources. Lack inhibits our ability to take care of our families and to bless others. yet, God calls us to act even in our lack. In 2 Corinthians we hear of Paul exhorting the Christians in the Macedonia region who even in their lack gave to others who were needy. If we can give (even if it is a little to others) then we defeat Satan’s plans to harm us by creating lack in our lives.
Sometimes the greatest times of spiritual attack occur just before a new season in our lives where God will use us to be fruitful and effective for the Kingdom of Heaven. And sometimes we experience spiritual attacks when Satan is having his demonic forces try to hold us back and to keep us from being active for the Kingdom of Heaven in however big or small that capacity may be.
Satan only fights what he sees as an enemy and what he sees as a threat, otherwise he would leave then (you) alone. If you are facing deep, harsh, dark spiritual attacks and oppression then you are probably heading in the right direction.
Philippians 4:6 informs us… “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Our first and foremost action when we recognise that we are under spiritual attack is to go to God who is the author and finisher of our faith.
We are also reminded by the words of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 54:17) that… “But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
I leave you with David’s most well known but also most powerful psalm…
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
May these words strengthen you, may they give you courage and peace in this time of darkness and battle. May the peace of Jesus, which is beyond our understanding be upon you.