“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
I think we’re all crushed in spirit these days.
If Jesus is “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3a), Who manifests Himself to us – and not the world – in a special way (John 14:22-23), why am I so miserable, you wonder.
As a former church secretary, a pastor I knew once commented he thought spiritual warfare was only for famous pastors. But what if you are the tip of the spear? Considering the abysmal failure of churches, if you’re willing to stand up for Jesus (Ephesians 6:13), you are the tip of the spear these days. And you are being targeted.
How do you know if grief is your own thoughts, or a demonic attack?
Martin Luther said all sadness was from the devil because it has to do with death. He said the fiery darts of Ephesians were bad thoughts. I’ve personally only known one theologian who’s translated the entire Bible, so I’ll take the Reformer’s word over lesser scholars disputing this.
Stop and think. Take it seriously. You MAY be the tip of the spear, not just some little nobody, in your corner of the world, as you probably think.
If what you’re feeling is a demonic attack, not just your own misery, what do you do? How do you know?
There is only one way to know. Say, “I command you to depart in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
I hail from a denomination that doesn’t teach this, so learned the hard way if the heartache you’re feeling is an attack, not your own thoughts, you will find out immediately. Because Jesus will INSTANTLY respond, and kick those filthy spirits to the curb.
Ex: I once felt this way, but rationalized it. I’m depressed because I’m “processing emotions” after an emotional reunion, I thought. Psychobabble.
I went walking, but kept thinking, Maybe this is spiritual warfare? But it doesn’t feel like it.
I shrugged, kept walking, and wondering.
Feeling silly, I thought, There’s only one way to know.
I pulled up my hoodie that cool June afternoon, to hide my face so neighbors wouldn’t think I’m talking to myself, and whispered, “I command you to depart in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
INSTANTLY the depression vanished (II Cor. 10:3-4). I felt God’s power FLOOD me, all around me. My confidence resumed. The thoughts – demolished.
Remember: you are the tip of the spear if you’re willing to stand for Jesus.
I’ve also rebuked my husband, put my hand toward him, saying, “I reject that as a fiery dart of Satan!” if he’s unwittingly said something that hurt my feelings. (Unclean spirits know how to throw the darts at you through others. Don’t be shy saying this when necessary.)
What if Luther’s right about the fiery darts of Ephesians 6? That the heartbreak is not your own thoughts? There’s only one way to know.
Kristen Collier is co-founder of Creative Motion Network Roku channel Creative Motion Online – Front Page, animator/co-founder of Collier Animation Studio https://www.collieranimationstudio.com/, and Xian Wear apparel: XIAN WEAR – Home (weebly.com). She is also an author Amazon.com: Kristen Collier: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle and volunteer producer at Studio 3:16, Home (stjohnstudio316.com).