It was a dark and stormy night. Olivia tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her mind was plagued by intrusive, disturbing thoughts that tormented her relentlessly.
Thoughts of self-harm, doubts about her faith, and an overwhelming sense of rage consumed her.
She felt like a prisoner in her own mind, trapped by forces beyond her control.
These weren’t just passing thoughts – they were compulsions so intense that she struggled to resist acting on them. Depression and irrational fears hindered her daily life.
What Olivia didn’t realize was that her torment was caused by the influence of an evil spirit – a demon sent by satan himself to oppress her.
Olivia’s story is one faced by many today. The signs of demonic oppression are not always obvious, but they can manifest as uncontrollable dark thoughts, depression, anger, doubts, and fears that cripple one’s life.
The key is recognizing these signs as symptoms of a deeper, unseen battle…
In this post, I’ll explore: the reality of what demonic oppression looks like, 10 signs that you may have a demon tormenting you, and how to get deliverance through the power of Jesus Christ.
Recognizing the Signs of Demonic Intrusion
27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!”
Luke 8:27-28 (NIV)
biblegateway.com
This passage describes a severe case of demonic possession. Such cases are rare today, but many people suffer from lesser degrees of demonic oppression and attack.
Here are 10 signs that a demon may be influencing your life
- Compulsive, uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors: Constant, obsessive temptations toward things like blasphemy, lust, hatred, suicide, or murder. You feel unable to control your thoughts and actions.
- Deep depression: Overwhelming sadness, despair, and low self-esteem that cripple your life. Medication and therapy don’t help.
- Irrational rage or anger: Frequent bursts of violent anger, hatred, or hostility toward others, sometimes without cause.
- Crippling doubt: Inability to trust in God even when you rationally know the truth.
- Perverted desires: Sexual attractions and desires that are unnatural, compulsive, and bring shame, yet you cannot resist them.
- Occult fascination: An unhealthy attraction to astrology, psychics, witchcraft, New Age, or other spiritual practices.
- Confusion and forgetfulness: Frequent inability to think clearly or recall events and memories. Mental fogginess.
- Violent, terrifying thoughts: Persistent graphic thoughts and images of homicide, rape, or other evil acts of violence. They repulse you but continue regardless.
- Nightmares and insomnia: Frequent, vivid nightmares that invoke fear. Lack of sleep and you feel fatigued all the time.
- Irrational phobias: Panic, dread, or paralyzing fear with no real cause. The most common is fear of Christian worship, prayer, and deliverance.
If some of these symptoms describe your life, you may be suffering some degree of demonic oppression.
However, take heart: Jesus has authority over evil, and His power can set you free!
Getting Free Through Deliverance in Jesus
12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
Luke 13:12-13 (NIV)
biblegateway.com
Jesus did not just heal. He delivered people from demonic spirits that caused mental and physical ailments. Come to Jesus to receive peace and freedom:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Mathew 11:28 (NIV)
biblegateway
Here are 7 keys to freedom from demonic influence through deliverance in Jesus:
1. Worship and pray: Set aside time to sincerely worship God. Sing praises aloud and meditate on Scripture. Ask God to reveal any areas of demonic stronghold in your life.
2. Confess your struggles: Be completely honest with God. Confess any ways you’ve opened doors for the enemy, such as occult activities, addiction, bitterness, etc.
3. Stand on God’s promises: Claim Bible verses about your authority in Jesus (Luke 10:19, Ephesians 6:10-18). Plead the blood of Jesus over your life.
4. Cast out the demons in Jesus’ name: While in prayer, directly command the oppressing spirits to leave you in Jesus’ name. Be persistent.
5. Cut off their ‘supply’: Eliminate any habits that feed the demons, like porn or substance abuse. Starve them through Scripture reading, prayer, and worship.
6. Seek support and accountability: Join a church community for prayer and deliverance ministry. Surround yourself with strong believers who can support you.
7. Maintain vigilance through spiritual disciplines: Be watchful against demonic attacks after a deliverance. Continue in worship, God’s Word, prayer, fasting, and obedience.
Key Takeaways
- Look out for compulsive or irrational thoughts, deep depression, rage, crippling doubt, and perverted desires. These are signs of demonic influence.
- Come to Jesus for deliverance through worship, confession, prayer, casting out demons in His name, cutting off their supply, and seeking support from mature Christians.
- Maintain vigilance after deliverance by reading God’s Word, prayer, fasting, worship, and obedience.
- Self-deliverance can be risky – seek help from Christians experienced in deliverance ministry.
- Jesus obtained victory over Satan and his demons at the cross. Walk in that power and freedom!
Final Thoughts
Deliverance in Jesus brings true freedom! If you see signs of demonic oppression in your life, take steps toward wholeness and breakthrough.
Jesus defeated the powers of darkness – walk in the victory He purchased for you.
Jesus’ death and resurrection purchased our freedom from Satan and his demons. But we must walk in that authority and actively fight against their influence.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will get your victory!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I know for sure if I have a demon?
A. Look for multiple signs of demonic oppression and intrusive attacks on your thoughts and behavior. Record patterns over some time.
Also, seek confirmation from mature spiritual leaders. Deliverance ministers can identify demonic manifestations.
Q. What does demonic possession look like?
A. Demonic possession is very rare. It exhibits completely non-human behavior like levitation, telekinesis, superhuman strength, trances, convulsions, and voice alteration. Most cases today involve demonic oppression.
Q. Can Christians be demon possessed?
A. No, the Holy Spirit resides in a true believer. But Christians can suffer from demonic attacks, oppression, attachment, and deception if they open the door to the enemy.
Q. Is mental illness caused by demons?
A. Not always. Most mental disorders have physical causes in the brain. But demons can exploit certain illnesses, so deliverance can still help. Pursue medical treatment as well.
Q. How do I get a demon out once I know it’s there?
A. Confess your sin, renounce any dark activities, pray deliverance prayers, and command the demons to leave in Jesus’ name. Seek support from Christians equipped in deliverance ministry.
Q. Can I perform a self-deliverance?
A. Self-deliverance is possible but not recommended. You need spiritual support and authority from other believers. Seeking professional deliverance is best.
Q. What happens after deliverance?
A. You will feel lighter and freer, but also exhausted. Rest physically and continue spiritual disciplines to keep demons from returning (Luke 11:24-26).
Meet regularly with other Christians for accountability, healing, and growth.
