You know the whole picture of having an angel on one shoudler and a devil on the other?
Is it just me, or does that really seem to happen a lot?
Most of the time, the devil stays pretty quiet and the angel and I have some good conversations.
But every once in a while, the devil scoots his blazing little behind closer and closer to my head, and then he latches on with some really wicked claws to my ear.
He’ll start screaming stuff like,
“You’re not good enough for this!”
“If they only knew the real you, nobody would listen!”
“You might as well just give up now because your time is up – you’re useless!”
“You’re dreaming to do what?? YEAH. RIGHT.”
Lately he has been yelling those things constantly. And no matter how loudly I turn up my iPod, my car stereo or my TV, he just keeps getting louder.
Aside from checking myself into an institution, I’m not quite sure what to do but to keep walking in spite of the negative voices.
Does it still affect me? Sure.
But I refuse to let him get an inch.
How do you shut him up?
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Comments
65 responses to “When the Devil Latches on and Screams at You”
I know exactly how to keep “it” (I won’t give him the honor of calling it “him”, LOL) pacified and satisfied… but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, ever.
“It” often loves to show up in the midst of a spiritual battle, or when we’re making a renewed commitment to follow Christ further, deeper, with more passion than ever before. “It” has a lot to lose, so “it” is going to try to throw you off course, of course ;) So if you want “it” to quiet down, pay attention to it, and tune out “the other voice”, the voice of truth, the voice of the Holy Spirit.
SEE?? Told you I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone!!
“It” only comes around when “it” feels threatened… so keep your heart following the right voice, and hope that “it” gets a nasty case of laryngitis. Some things are worth putting up with.
I get around some people who know me, faults and all, and let God love me through them.
It reminds me I need community, and reminds me that we are a “body” of Christ for a reason.
It also tends to anger the little man in red on my shoulder, and he slowly disappears.
Jesus, after not eating for 40 days and spending some time in the wilderness, was confronted with this same thing. Jesus threw the word of God back at him. So… you’ve had a pretty powerful wilderness type experience I’d say, what with traveling half way around the world and and seeing God’s treasures face to face. So I guess confront him with God’s words. Devil says you can’t… God says yes, you can, and even if you don’t, I love you anyway. You’re a child of God Anne, that’s who you are. Grace to you.
Chris
I hear ya, sister. I get in the same situation quite often. I’ve really only had success with two methods:
1. give in to the negative like JD mentions (do not recommend at all!)
and
2. Fight the lies with the truth: I have had it so rough at times that I walked around muttering God’s word under my breath constantly. (I dig up verses that speak directly to the lie du jour) I’ve even been known to do a little shouting in the car, the bathroom, the shower…wherever I am alone. :)
Getting my love on helps too…if I am particularly down/depressed/lonely/miserable with the devil-voices and I can find some way to bless someone else it always lifts me up.
Press on, girl.
JenL?s last blog post..Dear Blog,
You know you’re making satan uncomfortable when he starts attacking you. Why is he uncomfortable? I think it’s because you are spreading the light and love of the Lord all over the world. That’s awesome!
So what do you do to quiet the accuser? Dig deeper into the Word, meditate on the promises you find there. You know what the Lord has called you to do, and satan’s only hope to prevent you from succeeding is to heap on lies and past misdeeds that have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. Rebuke satan, you know what is going to happen to him. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Hoosiermama?s last blog post..India On My Mind
Yell back. Tell him to shut the hell up. Seriously.
Zelig?s last blog post..Prayer for a friend
Cardio Kickboxing Class. And when the instructor says to punch at someone that really makes you mad – that’s who I punch.
Then I journal. I write out the lies (which often look ridiculous in print) and then try to focus on the truth.
I have a list of truths in my bible that I know will help combat the lies I often believe. Doesn’t it seem like they are the same lies over and over?
I hope you hear the whisper over the scream soon.
I ususally just sing to “it” “him” and he runs screaming LOL…no i think sometimes that accusatory voice is loud and won’t hush…so I talk right back to it and also remind myself that God would never look at me like that since I am a daughter of the Most High King…it is a constant battle though..
mel?s last blog post..Magnificent Monday & 85/365
Quick answer to a complex question….I pray. I don’t shut him up, the Lord does. I don’t throw punches or fight the fight, cuz He does. I don’t jump in the ring….he is not mine to fight. I will lose….EVERYTIME….But God never loses and with Him, I win! ALL OF THE TIME!
Toby?s last blog post..I am Sure of This
Your devil has pbviously been speaking to my devil. I have a bunch of books in my head; titles, and basic outlines that I KNOW God has given me, but I feel SO underqualified to write about any of them :) I’m all like “God, have you seen the state of my family right now? ANd you want me to write about WHAT?!” *grin* BUt, I keep making notes, and I keep reading my bible for inspiration and subject matter, and in doing so, it takes me deeper into Him and the other dude shuts up for a while :)
Jen?s last blog post..Becoming Prince Charming
In the short term I worship or give thanks. I usually assume in these situations that I’m really close to something and he wants me to give up or that there is an opportunity coming up that he wants me to miss. So like you said “keep walking” but be aware you are close to something big. If you didn’t matter or were already marginalized, he’d be bothering someone else.
chrissulli?s last blog post..Walking Away $$$
I’m afraid that alot of the time I give in and it shuts up…I try and replace those thoughts/statements with truth from the scripture.
Kenyon?s last blog post..Answering the BIG QUESTION
i’m fighting this same battle right now and i only wish i had good advice. i am just seeking Him… i figure if i am seeking Him… truly and flat on my face for the answers, He will protect me and my decisions and thoughts. praying for you, friend.
Crystal Renaud?s last blog post..Freaky Genetics
I was taught a while ago that you can’t keep a bird from flying over your head, but you can keep “him” from landing on your head and making a nest. When Jesus first saved me 9gosh almost 16 years ago) I used to see images from my past and the things I did and saw and the only thing I could do was close my eyes and say the name Jesus – sometimes I still have to do that. Sounds cheesy now that I write it out…but I think whatever works for you works.
I wonder if this is what Paul was struggling with / meant when he wrote Romans 7
Romans 7:15-25 (ESV)
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Craig Littlejohn?s last blog post..Q Ideas first Download
It happens to us all.
Happening to you ain’t a bad thing. How you respond is. I give in to that voice more than I run to the Holy Spirit for strength.
I’m prayin’ today you’ll look to God and ignore the other voice.
You are awesome.
Well, my mom always said that in cases like that, we should tell the devil to go to hell. :)
I think being in the word and surrounding yourself with other believers is important. But it’s sure not easy.
I’ve been praying for you throughout this India trip, Anne, and I know so many others have been as well. It could just be that the devil feels threatened (like an earlier commenter said) – so I’ll just keep on praying for you!
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect?s last blog post..That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run.
i read ephesians 6:10-18 while i get dressed in the morning (when i remember) and i know the days i do and more so the days i don’t. putting on the armor of God really DOES help fight those unseen battles…
Sarah?s last blog post..grand theft auto: the sequel
“You’re a bad mom”
“You should be able to handle that better”
“Your husband doesn’t find you attractive”
“You’re getting old and so you should have surgery to fix that so your husband will love you”
“Nobody loves you”
“If you don’t give more money, God won’t protect you or bless you”
“God is disappointed in you”
“You’re not good enough”
“Your family doesn’t really like you”
How do I get over it or make him shut up? Unfortunately, I don’t. I have to try to push the thoughts away. Truthfully, more often then not, I succumb to them and then I feel worthless. It’s a constant battle. Constant.
Heidi Reed?s last blog post..My Brother
and it is also important to combat lies with the Truth of His word and what you KNOW he’s called you to. and praising His name through it. the devil can’t stand it.
Crystal Renaud?s last blog post..Freaky Genetics
oh yeah, and be encouraged b/c the devil loves to rear his ugly head RIGHT after we do something GOOD, or as soon as we make the decision to do something good. so when i feel attacked it’s encouraging b/c i know there’s a reason for it.
Sarah?s last blog post..grand theft auto: the sequel
This has been the one biggest struggle in my young Christian walk. After much counseling….they handed me a list of verses to remind me of who I am in Christ ..that I was not the lie feed to me by ill educated parants who just did not know any better. I hung that list on my fridge problem was I did not always have my list to bring me back to HIM…needed something permanant something that could not be forgotten or lost. 4 Years ago I got a very simple tatto on my left wrist I see that wrist more than my right. It is a Picasso Dove carrying a heart. The dove carrying the heart represents Gods message to me I love you, I love you …The picasso dove is a reminder that God gave me back my gift of art that had been robbed from me for so long and uses me for his glory. Everytime I reach for ,a child ,a paint brush ,my bible I see it and all those verses that tell me who I am in Christ run through my head crushing all the negative horrble things that the world of men put there.
lisa gardiner?s last blog post..Community
I say, “Jesus.” Sometimes many times and usually in the form of a song. I say it until I feel peaceful again.
Felicity?s last blog post..Worth Waiting For
Oooooh, I feel you! He’s holed up in my ear right this minute. I’ll be back in a bit to read all the wisdom in the comments.
Marla Taviano?s last blog post..the houston zoo
Oh, Anne, you are so not alone. For some of us, this is a daily struggle. We count the days we DON’T hear this crap instead of the days we do.
There is only one way to shut the enemy up, as others have said, with the Word. You know the Truth (John 14:6). Here’s the big thing we forget sometimes. The enemy does not know our thoughts. He can only go on what he sees and hears from us. So, speak the words of Truth aloud. It helps YOU to hear them, too.
And lastly, what you’ve done here is extremely important. You’ve gathered your community of friends who will now be speaking truth over you, battling with you. Armor’s on, sword is ready… c’mon, doofus (much less scary than “satan”) let’s do this!
Lord, praise and honor is Yours alone. The one who seeks to steal, kill and destroy is attacking my sister, Anne. I ask that even now you’ll surround her with the biggest, strongest, bravest warrior angels in Your army that they will protect her from this onslaught. Please surround her with Your servants who will speak Truth into her life today, tomorrow and every day. Please make their voices more clear and strong in her ears that the lies of the enemy. You said You’d never leave us or forsake us, so we know You’re with Your daughter. We know that You said that You do not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. You have created this woman with such love and compassion. You have made her to speak out against atrocities in the Third World and in our own cities. You have called her. She is beautiful and loves You. Thank You for Anne Jackson and thank You for all You’re about to do in her life. In the mighty, powerful, strong name of our Savior, Jesus, amen.
Faye?s last blog post..lessons
I hear you loud and clear Anne. I’m a dreamer so I often go toe to toe with my own little devil when he tries to tell me what I can’t do.
Eph 6:7
7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
I know that this verse is talking to ‘slaves’ but this is what I use to remind myself that my dreams don’t exist to glorify myself but Jesus Christ, so when I begin to worry about what ‘they’ will think or find out or know, i remind myself that it’s not about myself
Don’t know if this helps you but it often gives me peace and a heart check on the real.
glad you all are back in states with lots to write and share and pray about!
Josiah?s last blog post..Dwight and Jim?..these guys rule
So Anne, maybe I need to scoot on up to Nashville and we need to talk over another cup of coffee at Whole Foods. I am experiencing the EXACT SAME THING. And the dreams that are percolating in my heart are certainly wild, crazy and BEYOND ME. Yet they will not let me go. At the same time I constantly feel like a failure, like I’m not good enough, and on really bad days I wonder if I’m crazy for having these thoughts. I do realize that these voices are not from God, but sometimes these condemnations come out of the mouths of other people as well and that makes it hard for me to discern.
The only thing I can do is pray, ask a spiritual friend to intercede for me, and to hang on to my calling. I try to go back to the moments where I KNOW I heard the voice of God and lean into that. I also try to remember the truth of who I am in Christ….I am redeemed, forgiven, called, created anew in Christ Jesus, etc.
Much love my friend. I’m proud of you and the audacious dreaming you’re doing.
I’ve got one I’d like to run past you sometime……
There is a chapter in Oz Guinness’ book “God in the Dark” in which he addresses this, and I believe he quotes Martin Lloyd Jones who says essentially – we have to stop listening to ourselves and begin talking to ourselves. When we listen to ourselves, we are essentially letting our minds race and run with imagination. It becomes swept up in temptations and non-reality and that is Satan’s domain. Molehills are blown out of proportion to mountain size. We need to stop listening to ourselves (letting the mind run with it) and start talking to ourselves – speak words of truth and reality. Bring God into the conversation – Lord, You know who I am, please help me remember too. Speak Scripture. Call someone else who can give you an encouraging reality check. But when it happens, realize it and stop listening – start talking. God’s bigger, so put Him in the ring.
Jeremy Keegan?s last blog post..Compassion
Anne, the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead dwells in you! Take ownership of the authority you have as a child of El Elyon—the Most High God! And remember that Jesus is your Jehovah Nissi, your banner and covering. He goes before you assuring your victory in EVERY battle.
And lastly, growing up my mom would always tell me, “don’t let the devil lie to you”. And it’s just that, a lie. Every word that comes from him is a LIE, because he is the father of lies. So realize that the Voice of Truth is your shield, your glory, and the LIFTER OF YOUR HEAD. He loves you everlastingly, and endured a brutal crown of thorns so that YOU could have peace of mind. :)
the phrase ‘ have contempt for contempt’ comes in very handy here….
becky?s last blog post..2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19 & 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22
I pray: “Jesus, I’m hearing this _________ in my head. It might be me, it might be the enemy. You know where it’s coming from. And You know the truth. Speak Your truth to me and over me. Rebuke that other voice, Jesus. It’s trying to keep me from listening to You and following You.” I want to make it a three way conversation, not just a two way, where I’m stuck alone with it. We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood and we can’t contend in our own strength. When the other voice gets so loud that I can’t hear Jesus on my own, then I have to have other people (people I trust) help me. They can hear from Jesus and relay the message to me, but they have to people who hear well from the Lord.
ditto to what Chris said
For me I let people into what is being said and use them to help combat him. I cut out any music that is not worship and I spend all my extra time in the Word. It is our weapon against the enemy. Sadly, I think a lot of people are in the thick of this right now, me included.
Oh yeah, I definitely know that feeling! What I try to do is find some time to sit quietly, and challenge those negative thoughts using Scripture.
Like Paul in 1Cor talked about having a thorn in his side to remind him of his weakness, stuff like this reminds me too. If I didn’t have those kinds thoughts, or if that little devil weren’t whispering those things in my ear, I’d probably get a big head. I’d think I were the strong one, the one with all the answers. My pastor said just this weekend that if we didn’t have weaknesses or thoughts/voices that keep cropping up, we’d probably cry out to God for help far less often. And God really wants us to talk to Him!..if it takes our weakness or temptation or whatever to draw us to Him, He’ll use it.
So I ask God to help me, because I am weak. And then He gets to make me strong, and gives me the strength to do whatever I should be doing – probably serving somehow. (The little devil is far more quiet when I’m thinking about others and no myself. Every notice that?) Feelings may or may not follow. But I try to laugh, cause the devil just got punked.
One thing you DON’T want to do is get into a conversation or fight with him. Sometimes all he wants to do is pull you aside and distract you, causing you to miss something God has for you. Even the Arch Angel Michael did not engage in any kind of convo with the devil over Moses body (see Jude 9), but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you” and that was it.
When I hear those accusations, true or not, I REFUSE to believe it and REMEMBER or LEARN what my heavenly Father says about me. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” “Created in His image”. “He is with me ALWAYS!” “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but one of PEACE, LOVE, and SOUND MIND.”
For me, knowing, remembering, and considering the truth of who I am in Christ chased the blues, and the accuser away.
“Resist the devil and he will FLEE. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Ray?s last blog post..Yesterday’s Impressions
Here’s a cool idea I’d like to share. Today I?ve decided my kids and I are going to sponsor a Compassion Child as a mother?s day gift for my wife. I?m going to have my kids help me pick a child from the website, then we?re going to draw pictures of him or her and give those as my wife?s card (along with a massage gift certificate!)
Just a little throw down/inspiration for some of the other guys out there!
I’m going to be completely honest with you, Anne…The devil sometimes does get the best of me, but I always ask God for forgiveness. The good news is, God is in control of my life the majority of the time. So I am the right track. Now, if I can stay on the track without derailing every now and then (Which I constantly pray for – and again, God knows), then life would be 100% awesome! I truly believe, though, when those devil times do happen, it’s a strong learning lesson.
Kind of reminds me of the story when the devil was taunting Jesus and kept trying to test him…Thank goodness for Jesus, who He was, is, and who He will always be! Praise be to God!
Shawn?s last blog post..An interesting article?
Well, you can always choose to not listen . . . that’s a bit obvious and might be seen as condescending but it’s not intended to be. Sometimes it all comes down to making a choice.
When I’ve found even that simple act difficult to do. I recite this excerpt from a prayer by George Washington (yes THAT George).
Direct my thoughts, my words and my works. Wash my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb. Purge my heart with thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of your son, Jesus Christ.
Rinse, lather, repeat.
It pretty much covers all the ground by recognizing that our actions (works) begin as a thought, develop into words and ultimately are manifested by our hands. That the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross “washes away our sins”. That the Holy Spirit empowers our heart and that the goal of Christ followers is to be recognized as little images of Him.
I just keep repeating the prayer until I either fall asleep or the instance passes.
Keep this in your thoughts. Your blogging from India inspired me to sponsor a child. Her profile listed her as one of five childen in the home w/ mom and dad. So, there are literally 7 people that will come to know God’s love from my action that was inspired by your words. No wonder he is screaming lies in your ear. :)
I believe that it is in one’s own weaknesses that others are drawn in. It is the frailty of life being transformed and strengthened by the Spirit that brings forth fruit for the Kingdom. I love your transparency and your willingness to be open to where you are being led by God. You are amazing in God’s eyes and because of your honesty have been a vessel of goodness and light for Christ. Speak out loud to the darkness that would hamper you and quote some scripture with your voice and call on Jesus…He has already overcome. Keep on shining God’s light, serving the poor, and sharing your life, by your testimony people will see Christ.
Tammy Marcelain?s last blog post..Book Club Tonight / Great Aprons
I just hold tight to the promise of I Corinthians 10:12-13 and find a friend to sit or talk with me until it passes….but knowing folks like you I look up to have the same thoughts helps quite a bit. The enemy loves for us to feel isolated, like we’re the only messed up ones and to share it would be to admit we’re weak….but we find strength in being honest, right?
Thanks for your honesty, Anne…I needed that today.
Rob?s last blog post..My Thoughts On Going Pro…
Anne – I’m doing for you what I ask others to do for me when I am feeling the way you are now – I’m praying. I call on my friends to lift me up when I’m feeling attacked and ask them to help me remember that Christ is stronger than the enemy, no matter what I am feeling. I also spend time focusing on what I know is true – God loves me, and I am His. I’m praying that you feel God’s love and know His truth.
Great topic! We all deal with lies from the enemy. When he shouts in my ear a lie, I sling back a biblical truth or Scripture. Example: The lie, “You’ll never measure up.” God’s truth, “For I know the plans I have for you, to give you hope and a future.” The lies will come daily, even every minute. Fight back with the sword.
Lucy Ann Moll?s last blog post..Change: Crazy-Hard!
I suffer from the same thing Anne. Don’t we all? My little girl is 13, and she hears those voices saying “you’re too fat/ugly/dumb/insert your own insult here”.
I told her to do the one thing that brought me relief: I told her to ask Jesus if those things were true. He will answer you EVERY time.
So really – ask him, “Jesus is it true that I’m not good enough? Do you like the real me? Am I useless, and is my Dream that was born in you ridiculous?”
Ask him – He’ll answer. And his opinion trumps that of the other annoying fellow every time.
CindyK?s last blog post..New Technology MUST HAVE
I love that verse in the Bible that says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee.”
And so I fight. I preach truth to myself. I beg for a daily mind transformation. A mind that believes God is faithful and loves me no matter what. I am redeemed, new, forgiven and guiltless. I fix my eyes on Him, because He alone is my strength in this battle. And I pull out the Word and find Ephesians 6 and put on that full armor.
The thing is… when I resist him, he flees. That’s the POWER of truth. But he keeps coming back, I just keep fighting. And on the days when I don’t have the strength to fight, I surround myself with those who will fight for me and carry me through the battle when I’m too weak to walk.
I just start praying, saying the name of Jesus over and over. That tends to shut Satan up a bit, because I will listen to Jesus, and Jesus alone.
Praise God for his abundant blessings!
Worship music and some time alone to sing at the top of my lungs. :)
Angel?s last blog post..Evangelism Tips
Funny story. I’m washing the dishes one evening and he started throwing out accusations against my husband. “Remember when he said …” “Remember that time …” “Remember when he forgot …” I was getting really frustrated – and actually more so at the accuser than the accused.
I finally whacked the wet wash cloth against the sink as hard as I could and shouted something about, “Hey, remember that time you thought you could ascend and be like God? Remember? How’d that work out? F-ing idiot, shut up!”
Not the most biblical response. I think I’m supposed to quote scripture or something, but it felt really good and he did shut up. :)
Lex?s last blog post..You have a name that you?re alive, but ?
Lex,
That is one of the best prayers ever. Seriously.
Mike
Lex, that makes the George Washington prayer that I quoted look pretty lame . . . I love it.
Bill
Loved, loved, loved what Ray said. Don’t get tangled with the devil–do what Jesus did in the wilderness and speak truth to answer the lies. The truth of Scripture will really set you free–indeed!
I’m with Lex.
When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.
Lex, that is PRICELESS. I shall remember that prayer!
Faye?s last blog post..lessons
Know you are not alone. I agree with praise and worship. Keep your music on and praise, praise, praise.
One thing that is helping me personally is that God is teching me to “stay in the now” although this has been hard to master, it’s essential.
The enemy reminds you of the past, we tend to worry about the future but God meets us in the present.
Find someone who uplifts and hang around them as much as possible. Pray for peace and joy!
The Bargain Shopper Lady?s last blog post..Tuesday Free Chick-Fil-A for Teachers
Speak aloud and rebuke him and his legion of warriors in the name of Jesus. Command him to return to you any ground that he has stolen from you in the past, and recognize the power that has been given you as a child of God. He made us “a little lower than the angels”; we, as Christians, have authority OVER Satan; yet, we often live like he has authority over us. When we see him coming, we often cower like frightened children and allow him an entry into our lives to set up a foothold. If not rebuked quickly, he will continue trying to enter through the same door, and eventually a stronghold will be established within us, which becomes more difficult to tear down–though certainly, again, we have all authority and the power that raised Jesus from the dead living in us to tear down strongholds and any lofty thing that does not honor and glorify God. You’ve been about your Father’s business, and Satan is ticked off! So be it! He has no authority in your life–ask Jesus to put a hedge of protection around your heart and your thoughts, then take ALL authority over the enemy of your soul! You win, not him!
lisa?s last blog post..Ky. Derby….here we come!
While I don’t recommend wasting your time or energy to “fight” with satan, I do recommend (along with being prayerful, reading the word, etc.) you make a few declarations out-loud (he cannot hear our thoughts) to put him in his place! It only takes a minute or two to let satan know you are aware of his attack and you rebuke in the name of Jesus all thoughts in your mind that are contrary to the word of God. You’ll then want to remind him that while God is all-powerful, his (satan’s) power is limited to the power we as humans give him and that you don’t intend to give him any. And it doesn’t hurt to throw in some insults like that he is the father of lies, a jealous and bitter angel who failed to usurp God’s power, etc. Following such declarations, I then shift gears and begin to praise and exalt God ,which I happily give my time and energy to do!
I really think your best bet is to follow the advice of an earlier comment and do what Christ did when he was being tempted in the wilderness. He recited the Word of God. If it worked for Him then why wouldn’t it work for us. Even if it didn’t work for Him, it’s what He did and that is the key here. Praising God is another great idea already mentioned. I’ve done that and it really has an immediate affect.
I shut up his nonsense with Psalm 91, the same place I go with all my fears, worries, and insecurities. Over and over I pray those wonderful words: He is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust. I am so comforted by the image of God covering me with His feathers, granting me refuge under His wings. After a time spent here, those unimportant voices – spouting hate, lies, doubts, whatever – and wherever they come from – fade away, and I am left in awe at God’s love and faithfulness. How many times have I walked away from Him? And yet there He is – every time.
Wrote a little today…
I’ve got nothin’ in my bank account that saves
Nothin’ in my hand to part these waves
No one left who thinks I’ll make it through
Ooh, but I’ve got you. I’ve got you.
I’ve got demons gathered ’round; laugh it up
Spreading doubts a plenty I can’t drink this cup
Got no more might left to muscle through
Ooh, but I’ve got you. I’ve got you.
Good good. Glad to know I’m not the only crazy one out here.
kristiapplesauce?s last blog post..What do you eat there in South Africa?
You’ve been storming the gates of hell. The enemy of your soul is furious because you’re doing such effective work for the Kingdom.
As Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan.” A simple “In the name of Jesus, go to hell” will send him fleeing. The power of quoted Scripture will protect you.
You’re surrounded by lots of people who will now be praying for you.
Linda Stoll?s last blog post..Alexa Charis
Well I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels like im going crazy. It seems to be a nasty cycle of the screaming devil that just will not give up!
Angie?s last blog post..Equipping. Excellence. Standards. Criteria.
@James Becker – I love that Psalm. I love the picture that He is our refuge. That place of safety!
God gave me those words once when I was at my lowest. Then He allowed me to share it with someone else who was struggling.
NLT, verses 14-16:
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love Me.
I will protect those who trust in My name.
When they call on Me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them My salvation.”
Faye?s last blog post..lessons
I hear you — the evil one prowls around like a roaring lion and he wants to destroy you and me.
I think we all struggle with this and I always think I struggle more than others, but don’t we all think that? Here are a couple of things that are working for me:
I AM who God says I AM (eph2:10)
I CAN do what God says I can do ( Phil 4:13)
(the statements are from Believing God bible study)
‘There is therfore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.’ Romans 8:1-2
I just picked up a new Bible study, Jennifer Rothschild’s, Me, Myself & Lies, and it’s about making over your ‘Thought Closet’ and it’s great. The study addresses how we think about ourselves and contrasts it with what God’s Word says about who we are. Lots of good stuff in this that makes me think, dig deep and consider who am I in Christ.
Mary?s last blog post..Blown Away by His Grace
Sing
Louise?s last blog post..Sunday Setlists – May 3rd, 2009