What can we do when the enemy is constantly talking trash?

3 min read

Have you ever noticed in the Gospels how Jesus dominated the demons? If not, next time you read through one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John), pay special attention to how the demons cowered in the Lord’s presence.

Especially in a time when it seems that spiritual darkness is more pronounced than ever, it is soothing to remember that Jesus had/has the power to tell demons where to go.

When Jesus showed up, it was game-over for the demons . They panicked and trembled at his arrival. Like the scene from the old western movie, when the new sheriff would come through the swinging doors of the saloon and the bad guys would dive for cover, so the demons would react when they saw Jesus.

While everyone else debated as to who exactly Jesus was or wasn’t, the demons weren’t the least bit confused. They recognized him as the Son of God and nothing less. As the Gospel of Mark says of the demons, “they knew him.”

Chatty

Even more impressive, when Jesus told the demons to stop talking, they stopped talking. You see, one of the things that gives demons power is their sheer volume. There are a bunch of them and by nature, they are chatty.

Not that you can hear demons with your ears. In fact, to us they are presently invisible and inaudible, which makes things pretty complicated. Their chatter is on a spiritual wavelength. Just as there are high-pitched frequencies heard by dogs but not by humans, so there is metaphysical, spiritual messaging from the spiritual realm that we don’t necessarily pick up with our five senses.

What do the demons say? In sum, they mimic their leader, the devil, with lies, lies, and more lies. Theology professor R. Lucas Stamps explains:

“All of the great spiritual writers in Christian history—from St Antony and the other desert fathers to the medieval spiritual writers to Reformers themselves—have recognized that the Christian life is a battle with the demons, who are constantly suggesting sinful thoughts (logismoi) to our imagination.”

Because demons are genius at getting into people’s heads with impressions and ideas that are contrary to the Gospel and denying the kindness of God, vigilance is required.

Shhhhh

But lest we give the demons too much respect, notice how Jesus, our Leader, firmly silenced them. In Mark 1:34, for example, it is documented that Jesus not only drove demons out of people who were weary of them; he also kept the demons from talking:

“Jesus healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.”

Just as he commanded the waves to be still, so Jesus also commanded the demons to be quiet. As they prattled on, he shut them down with just a finger to his lips.

Don’t you wish you could do that?

Well, there is hope. Though we may not be able to subdue the demonic realm exactly as Jesus did, by his Spirit, we are empowered to resist. We do have the means to put the demons on mute when necessary.

Here are a few helpful counter-measures when you find that the adversary is louder than usual:

1. Fill your life with the Word of God. Nothing exposes the lies of the deceiver and sets our minds right like God’s Word. Even a minute in the Bible has a way of canceling noise and restoring peace and perspective when needed (Ephesians 6:16-17; Hebrews 4:12).
2. Run a fact-check on your thoughts. What’s rolling around up there? Is it true? Is it compatible with Jesus? If not, then show it the door (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:8).
3. Seek cover in the Lord’s Name. As mentioned above, the demons shreaked and retreated at the sight of Jesus. By the Spirit, that same Jesus is present with us today. Referencing him by one or more of his many names and titles can only help when you are struggling (Proverbs 18:10; Romans 10:11-13).

There’s more, but these three steps are a good start toward utilizing your spiritual mute button.

By the way, this isn’t written in a spirit of provocation. We want to be on point, but we’re not trying to be cute. We are not the least bit interested in starting a fight or provoking the enemy. However, given that the battle is already underway and that we are trying to mitigate the damage, this is offered in a spirit of love, support, and encouragement.

Blessings.

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.