Are there certain people who drain you -- cause an oppression or sudden loss of energy, who drag you down, who put something negative on you? We all go through this (and should make sure we're not the ones draining energy from others!).
When we pray, a lot, we unleash energy -- instead of taking it from others; we give more than we receive. That's because what we receive comes from the Holy Spirit. It's when we strive to do something out of accordance with God's Will that it strains and drains us. God's work may make us tired, but not totally and suddenly depleted.
Why do some people or activities cause a loss of energy?
It may be that they are negative. Negativity seeks energy. They could be depressed. They may be angry. They may be angry at you -- or at God. Most probably they are angry at themselves. They may wish you less than the best (which is a curse). They may have a spirit around them (this occurs frequently).
When someone bears ill will toward you, or is jealous, this can cause depletion of mental-emotional strength. You're on edge. It's an effort to be around them. Quickly should you pray for any such person -- authentically love them ("bless those who curse") -- and head for the refreshment of your "inner sanctuary" (the deepest regions of the soul for the most direct communication with Jesus).
If you don't have a sanctuary, build one; here is your fortress, as well as treasury!
When Jesus Christ, Son of God, Redeemer of the World, is standing in our midst -- when we specifically invite Him, when we request a personal relationship, when we are connected, there is all the power we need and a new closeness; the curse is reversed; it doesn't matter what others think of us. Humility and love form a bubble around us. Whereas:
Negativity, criticality, and laziness cause folks to be spiritual parasites.
We are also drained from the battle that transpires in our minds. This struggle goes on the entire time we're on earth.
"Demons have a desire for us," notes K. A. Schneider in a splendid new book, Self Deliverance: How to Gain Victory Over the Powers of Darkness, which even those experienced in deliverance will find valuable. "Demons look ceaselessly for somebody to torment. If we miss the fact that demons will interject their own ideas into our brains, if we assume that their lives are their own, then we will take ownership of those thoughts. We will let the demons and their lies fill our heads, and we will walk in defeat."
This is why -- says Schneider -- that we must monitor our every thought: Too many forget that Satan can intrude into our consciousness.
Suppose you are gaining victory over a certain fear. You're doing fine and then a thought comes winging in and if you let it take root, it digs deep fast, so that soon you are back to a cycle of fearing something. How Satan -- as tormentor -- loves this! How it drains us!
The key, notes Schneider, is to reject the thought immediately -- not to hover over it for a moment. If it is a thought of lust, not to "enjoy" it even briefly; if it is a thought of anger, giving it not a moment more. If it is envy, wiping this away instantly.
Instead of "owning" it, speak the positive.
Declare your freedom. Note the simple fact that Jesus is more powerful in every circumstance than Satan. Think of Him in the desert.
When you make progress in this and the devil shifts tactics, be ready for new mental games. Be vigilant, as Scripture says, for he is a "roaring lion, seeking to devour." But be assured of victory with Christ.
Once you have trained yourself to reject his lies, and recognize it when a demon speaks thoughts into your head (which he does with everyone, sinner or saint, on a constant basis), command the spirit to leave and fill your thoughts with the pure, the holy, and the positive. Say, "I reject you Satan, in the Name of Jesus, get out of my thoughts." Memorize that line. Say it frequently -- even if it's just something like the temptation to eat what you should not.
This brings peace because peace arrives when the enemy is gone and it explains why Jesus could be the "Prince of Peace" yet also a fighter, battling evil.
Peace only comes (and inner strength -- energy -- only builds) when we have banished the enemy, who drains like nothing else.
"Self-deliverance is not like waving a magic wand," writes Schneider in the book. "It is not something that is taken care of once and for all because someone drove a spirit off you. That can happen, but that is not the general model. Rather, we move step by step into a new place in the spiritual realm that the Lord opens for us, as we continue to fight and ascend in the heavenlies. We have to do warfare; we have to keep on fighting to maintain deliverance." It is a lifelong battle. It will go on the rest of your days. "Fight the good fight." Don't be deceived into defeat. Deliver thyself.
As Schneider notes: thoughts of "self-condemnation, self-rejection, hatred toward somebody, accusation toward somebody, fear or pride" can all be sent by evil spirits. Recognize this fact and take action against it. When the mind is clear the spirit is free. The action is simple. "I reject you Satan, in the Name of Jesus, get out of my thoughts."
[Resources: Self-Deliverance: How to Gain Victory Over the Powers of Darkness]
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