On a recent retreat I led, a woman approached me at the break looking for a little support.
She slowly and sheepishly shared with me that her dreams were overrun with demons, terrible, graphic visions of malevolent spirits overtaking people and possessing them. Sometimes she knew those under attack, more often she didn’t. She would awake filled with terror and dread, completely unrested. This affliction had been with her some time.
It was understandable to a degree. She was a victim’s advocate, and the kind of evil she experienced on a daily basis certainly would qualify as demonic. It wasn’t surprising or all that innovative on the part of those evil spirits to try to occupy her dreams.
Then she told me that the previous night, the first night of the retreat, a demon had tried to take possession of her in her dreams and she shouted it back with, “You can’t have me! I belong to Jesus!” And with that, the demon departed. How interesting. Let’s pay attention here.
Aside from the obvious tacks she might take—consecrating her sleep to Jesus, calling on Saint Michael to protect her, drenching herself in the Sacraments, and so on—it was important for her to remember to Whom she belonged and for her to claim this, pronounce this. That’s where the power was: in His Name.
John reminds us today, "You belong to God, children, and you have conquered [evil], for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (John 4:4).
Indeed; greater, mightier, more powerful, all powerful, all good, and with a heart set on you. Remember when Jesus says, "The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, and on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen," (Matthew 4:16) He means YOU, sister. You.
If you find yourself being harassed by evil, push back. You don’t have to put up with it. Christ's light has arisen upon you! Remember who you are, claim this, pronounce this, and send those stinking demons packing.
That’s where the power was: in His Name. // Liz KellyClick to tweet
Did you catch our podcast on spiritual warfare with this holy priest? Take a listen today.
Liz Kelly is a jazz singer who fell in love with Jesus. She writes, teaches, offers spiritual direction and retreats with a special interest in helping women to flourish in their faith. She’s written six books, including the award-winning Jesus Approaches, the Jesus Approaches Study Supplement, and Your Heart, His Home Prayer Companion. And she still sings jazz, but mainly in the tub and while washing dishes. Find out more about her here.
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