Understanding and Handling Spiritual Attacks

How do you know when you're under a spiritual attack? Here are some signs and ways to understand if you might be experiencing one and how to overcome it through faith and reliance on God.

1. Feeling Condemned

One clear sign of a spiritual attack is feeling condemned despite being a believer in Christ. The Devil, often referred to as the accuser, seeks to plant doubts in our minds. John 6:37 assures us, "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." This promise means that anyone who comes to Christ in faith is secure. The Devil lies, suggesting that our sins are too great for forgiveness, but 1 John 1:9 declares, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Remember that feelings are subjective, while God's Word is objective truth. Trust in God's promises rather than the Devil's lies, for in Christ, we are declared "Not guilty!"

2. Loss of Purpose

Another indication of a spiritual attack is a sense of purposelessness. As members of the Body of Christ, each of us has a unique role and purpose. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Feeling purposeless often means relying more on feelings than on the truth of Scripture, which clearly states our purpose is to glorify God and spread His Word (Matthew 28:19-20). Embrace your God-given purpose and reject the lie that you have no meaningful role.

3. Famine of the Word and Prayer

A spiritual attack can make it difficult to pray and read the Bible, leading to spiritual dryness. John 15:5 emphasizes our need for Christ: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." When you struggle to pray or read the Bible, it's the very time you need these practices the most. Ask God to reignite your passion for His Word and prayer. Set a specific time and place for these activities daily, ensuring you stay connected to your source of strength.

4. A Restless Anger

Increased irritability and anger can also signal a spiritual attack. Small things can provoke strong reactions when we're disconnected from God and feel condemned or purposeless. This irritability can rob us of our joy and effectiveness in serving God. Psalm 28:7-8 says, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me." Combat anger by practicing gratitude. List things you're thankful for daily, and you'll find it hard to remain angry. Sharing this practice with your family can further reinforce a spirit of thankfulness.

Conclusion

Spiritual attacks can manifest in various ways, including feelings of condemnation, loss of purpose, spiritual dryness, and increased anger. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward overcoming them. Remember, Satan was defeated at the cross, and we have victory in Jesus. Romans 8:37 reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Embrace this victory and stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is with you.

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