Gain a strategic understanding of spiritual oppression, how to recognize it, as well as tips and prayers on how to deal with demons in affliction
Spiritual oppression comes in different forms, but no matter how it comes, it is seen for what it is; a trespasser. Since Satan fell like lightning from heaven, he has been seeking to devour and make life terrible for God’s children on earth.
However, they do not fear him. This is because Christians have been equipped with all they need to battle and have consistent victory over him and his followers.
To go into battle, however, you need to understand your enemy and have a particular strategy.
This article aims to enlighten you about demonic oppression, its signs, and how to deal with demons and dark spirits of affliction. By the time you’re done reading, you would be armed with enough wisdom to wage war against the enemy.
What is Demonic Oppression?
Ephesians 6:12 begins to explain it by saying,
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
To understand spiritual oppression is to first realize that the world we live in is more spiritual than it is physical.
There are powers of evil, not humans, who have made it their aim to fight against the children of God.
Demonic oppression is simply when you fall prey to targeted attacks from these powers.
They try to influence your actions, deaden your spiritual life and keep you in bondage to sin so that they can have free rein over destroying your life.
You must note, however, that this is different from possession.
Let’s take two case studies from the Bible to help you understand better.
According to Luke 8:2, Mary the Magdalene was possessed by seven devils which Jesus cast out of her. This means that these spirits dwelled inside her, dictating or controlling her actions to a very large extent.
Biblical evidence suggests that Christians cannot be possessed because of the seal of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them.
On the other hand, 1 Samuel 16:14 tells us that an evil spirit tormented or oppressed Saul. The spirit did not live in him but influenced his moods and actions from an external environment. Another example is Job who lost everything he had due to spiritual affliction.
From these examples, you can see that while demonic possession is more of control of a human body by a spirit, spiritual oppression is a question of influence over the person’s life.
What Are Signs Of Demonic Oppression
The symptoms include:
- Hopelessness.
- The sense of being cursed.
- Strong feelings of hatred or apathy towards God, people, or the church.
- An out-of-control thought life.
- Physical manifestations like insomnia, addictions, unexplainable sicknesses, interest in sexual perversions, or gluttony.
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm.
- A sense of being ‘blocked’.
- Unending difficulties.
- Setbacks in career or finances.
- Deadened conscience.
- Sudden interest in false religions, occultic concepts, or heresy.
How to Overcome Demonic Oppression
A person under such an affliction may experience many difficulties as Job did. If they cannot resist it, they may fall deeper under the influence of the evil spirit seeking to wreck their life. However, Christians have been given tremendous power over the devil and his agents through Jesus Christ. He showed us during his lifetime how to deal with demons by setting people free from them.
You too have the same authority as he did on the earth and here’s how you can exercise it:
- Evaluate your life and repent where you have erred
The only thing that gives the devil a foothold in your life is continuing in unrepentant sin. Ask for forgiveness and plead the blood of Jesus to atone for your sins and submit yourself afresh to God.
- Use God’s Word as a weapon
Take Scriptures like Luke 10:19 that speak of the authority you have in Christ and use them to arm yourself for spiritual warfare. Take out time to look out for scriptures that talk about that situation you’re in. God’s Word is the silution to every problem human beings face.
- Break the yoke in prayer
With God’s Word, take charge and rebuke the afflicting spirits over every area of your life. Stand on the authority of Jesus Christ and be emboldened.
The Bible says in James 4:7 to submit yourself to God and resist the devil so he will flee from you. This should be your confidence. You are far greater than any force troubling you.
- Make prayer and studying God’s word a habit
The forces of darkness will always try again, but a lifestyle of prayer and arming yourself with the Word of God daily leaves no room for their wiles. When the attacks come, you face them head-on with the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:13-18.
- Get accountability
It is always important to talk to someone more spiritually mature than you are to guide you and keep you accountable on your journey to overthrowing affliction. It could be your church pastor or another experienced believer.
Prayers For Demonic Oppression
Prayer For Freedom From Spiritual Oppression
Father,
I am going through some oppression from the enemy. My life may have been afflicted, but Your Word tells me in 2 Corinthians 3:17 that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. When You were on earth You went around healing the sick and freeing the demon oppressed. This is the confidence that I have that whatever circumstance I am going through right now if nothing before Your mighty power.
All authority on earth, under the earth, and in the heavens has been given to You and You are Lord over it all. You through Your death have also given us this authority by extension. Standing on this, I exercise my authority and bind whatever force of darkness that troubles me.
I rebuke them over my life right now. Lose your hold in the name of Jesus! Let the peace of God that passes all understanding flood my heart and life right now. I ask that Your Spirit reigns in my life. No other influence apart from the Holy Spirit. I belong to You, so there’s no room for the devil in my life.
Thank You for deliverance in Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Warfare Prayer Against Oppression
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for my life, for in every situation, I choose to bring You praise. There’s no limit to what You can do with my life as long as I live, so I thank You for keeping me still. Thank You for the power in the name of Jesus and the right You have given us by Your sacrifice to cast out unclean spirits. Through Your life on earth, You have shown us how to deal with demons.
First of all, I come in repentance for any way I have broken the hedge and given these familiar spirits access to my life. I come out of every agreement with them, whether intentional or not. Have mercy on my sins, cleanse me of them and give me the grace not to go back to them.
Right now, I take authority over every force of evil trying to hinder my life. Every spirit of oppression, be sent to the abyss now in the name of Jesus!
You have no power over me! Any foul spirit trying to mess with my mind, my finances, my peace, or my loved ones, I bring judgment over you right now!
I decree total freedom over myself and my family for Isaiah 49:25 says that even the captives of the mighty shall be set free because the Lord contends for me.
I declare restoration and healing upon my life from Joel 2:25. All that they have stolen shall be returned in double folds.
Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer For Deliverance From Demonic Oppression
Father,
I declare right now according to Psalms 17:9 that You, Lord God are delivering me from the oppressor and his agents that seek after my soul. I command every monitoring spirit, familiar spirit, and the like to go in the name of Jesus! I declare that I will no longer be tormented by them as of this very moment in Jesus’ name.
Father, I ask that You open my eyes to see the things in my life that give these spirits ground over me. Be it movies, music, objects, or anything else that I feel my mind with so that I may rid myself of them.
I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind, my home, my altar, and every other thing that concerns me. From the crown of my head to the sole of my feet, I am covered by His blood.
Let Your hand of protection be over me, my mind, my soul, and my household.
Seal this deliverance with Your Spirit. Let every corner or crevice of my life be filled and influenced by the Holy Spirit.
Thank You Father for freedom.
In Jesus’ most powerful name, I pray, Amen.
Conclusion
Being on the receiving end of spiritual oppression may seem a bit scary, but the power for victory is always available to the believer.
1 John 4:4 constantly reminds you that you have overcome because “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”
As a Christian, you never have to worry about how to deal with demons because Christ has already defeated the enemy. Only stand strong and intentionally build your faith by consistently feeding on the Word of God, persistent prayer, and godly fellowship. The power of God at work in You will always be victorious over every attack.
by Ted Atkins
https://bestdailyprayer.org/
used by permission
About Ted: As a religious leader and keeper of sheep, I have the duty to educate my community in the faith in God. In our fast-paced society, finding time to go to church and dedicate to our Lord is nearly impossible for some people. I want to show how technology can be used in the service of God to strengthen our faith.