I have talked with different people from different walks of life that battle similar issues as I have; night terrors, bad dreams, and even sleep paralysis. These appear to be influenced by the devil as he tries to maintain some hold on their lives. For those that have no idea about any of this, there are moments of screaming, intense fear, and/or flailing while asleep. Rough nights can leave the individual exhausted the next day and afraid to fall asleep the next night because of what they experienced while dreaming. If this has been your experience, know that you are not alone, and there is no shame in reaching out for prayer and support. The Lord sees the fear that others cannot see, and He cares deeply about every sleepless night and every anxious heart. These dreams sometimes reveal just how much Satan wants to keep believers from God, as well as His love, joy, and peace. While spiritual warfare is real, we do not face it in our own strength, but in the strength and victory of Christ Jesus. There are a few different ways I have used to battle the enemy when they use these tactics of torment on me. (1) Call on the Name of Jesus. The devil and his demons hate the name of Jesus, so when you resist the enemy and cry out for the Lord, the demons will tremble (James 2:19) and flee (James 4:7). (2) Fight Back with God’s Word. The most powerful weapon we can wield against the enemy when going into spiritual warfare is the Word of God to overcome him (1 John 2:14) and conquer the enemy (Revelation 12:11). (3) Bring it Into the Light. Seek help from someone that you trust, someone who has spiritual maturity, a Pastor, a mentor, or a friend. Have them share Scripture with you (Titus 1:9), pray with you (Ephesians 6:18), and pray over you (Colossians 1:9). Many try to fight their battles alone, not wanting help because of shame and fear of not being understood. Recently, I have prayed throughout the night for certain friends that suffer with these types of spiritual warfare events. In the midst of praying I have experienced some of the same things I am praying against for others. God has given all of His children a support team; the problem is that most don’t want to take advantage of it. Sometimes the first step toward freedom is allowing trusted brothers and sisters in Christ to stand beside you in prayer instead of carrying the burden by yourself. (4) Sleep Worship. Listen to the Bible and play worship music in your bedroom through the night. It helps focus on the spiritual parts of your life (Colossians 3:16). These powerful acts of faith can fill your life with God’s presence, peace, and protection, forcing anything that doesn’t worship Jesus to leave. If you feel as if you can’t fight any longer, know that the Lord fights for you. It is written in *Isaiah 42:13 The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will stir up His zeal like a man of war; He will shout out, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail mightily against His enemies.* God wants to give profound peace to those who love and obey Him regardless of their current circumstances. At the same time, it is important to walk with discernment, testing every experience against the truth of God’s Word and seeking wise, godly counsel when questions arise. Not every difficult night has the same cause, but every circumstance can be brought before the Lord, who is faithful to give wisdom, comfort, and strength. As you continue to trust Him day by day, He is able to replace fear with peace, deepen your faith through the trial, and remind you that His light always overcomes the darkness. Warriors, take to heart that God is with you, helping you put on His armor and fight against the spiritual attacks, even in your dreams.

Additional Helping Scriptures:

Scripture #1: God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Scripture #2: When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

Scripture #3: For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

Scripture #4: Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3 

Scripture #5: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Scripture #6: I will both lie down in peace and sleep. For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 

Scripture #7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.