7 Signs You Are Dealing With a Spiritual Attack

Every believer struggles at different times with spiritual attacks even though we don’t always recognize it as from the devil. We blame our circumstances, family, friends, and sometimes even God, for our troubles. Yet Satan is a master deceiver who instigates problems and disappears before anyone recognizes his influence.

The Bible instructs us in Ephesians 6:10 that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”. If we recognize the signs of a spiritual attack, we won’t waste time blaming the wrong people—instead we focus on dealing with the devil and overcoming him. What are the 7 signs that you are dealing with a spiritual attack?

Sign #1) When you struggle with random thoughts that go against biblical teachings

If we haven’t learned to discipline our minds according to God’s word, our thoughts can wander to the wrong places. Yet even with discipline, it’s possible to find ourselves struggling with adverse thoughts. We must first recognize that sinful, evil thoughts don’t come from God and likely are planted by the evil one. Our responsibility is to deal with those thoughts promptly. One of the best scriptures to memorize and use against this attack is 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

Sign #2) When you struggle with overwhelming feelings of discouragement

We are often tossed to and fro through the waves of adversity. Many times we pray, fast, and study God’s word to find peace in the midst of it. Yet sometimes we have moments when we feel overwhelmingly discouraged and without the strength to keep going. In those times we must call out to God to provide the grace we need to move forward. It’s especially helpful to begin with thanking the Lord for His many blessings one by one as we make our way out of discouragement.

Sign #3) When you struggle in your relationships

Even when we strive to live at peace with everyone, we may have to deal with people who cause division, distraction, and disputing in our lives. These could be family members, coworkers, or even fellow believers. Most of the time, they don’t realize that they are being used by Satan to cause trouble. We overcome this struggle by praying for them and asking God for the wisdom to deal with them in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Sign #4) When you struggle with sleeping because of interruptions or nightmares

We are usually at our best when we are healthy and get rest at night. However Satan can cause us to be awaken with troubling dreams or interruptions throughout the evening. It’s best to seek out the Lord in prayer especially using the Psalms as a method to get you through. Psalm 3:5 “I will lay down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me” and Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” are especially helpful.

Sign #5) When you struggle with past temptations that you’ve overcome

Just when you thought you were over a past temptation—it comes back with a fierce determination to draw you back in. This tactic of our enemy is to make us forget our freedom from the power of sin. We must hold fast to our first love, Jesus Christ, and not make excuses for fading back into former ways of living. The Lord makes a way for us to escape if we are willing to trust Him according to 1 Corinthians 10:19.

Sign #6) When you struggle with worries, doubts, and fears every day

Worry, doubt, and fear are always available if we let them infiltrate our hearts and minds. We live in a fallen world where there’s an abundance of trouble to deal with. Yet our hearts and minds must stay completely focused on God’s word and His faithfulness in spite of the hardships we face. An everyday fear, worry, or doubt needs regular treatment of God’s word such as 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:4-8, and Matthew 21:21 for meditation and memorization.

Sign #7) When you struggle with praying regularly

There’s nothing Satan wants more than for the people of God to stop praying with regularity. Our prayers hinder his work in the world. Many times we underestimate the power of prayer and begin to neglect the fervency and consistency of it. We must never forget the amazing works of God in our lives through prayer. Our prayers are powerful and effective to bring down the walls of deceit and lies built by our enemy.

Knocked Down, but not Knocked Out

“Life is a hard fight, a struggle, a wrestling with the principle of evil, hand to hand, foot to foot. Every inch of the way is disputed.” (Florence Nightingale)

Many times we want out of the struggle. We want to give up and walk away—hoping to find a calmer, more peaceful life. Yet the kingdom struggle remains until Jesus comes back. We must fight on like worthy and faithful soldiers of Christ. We were created for this moment of struggle so that the Lord would be glorified as we tear down Satan’s kingdom winning over one person at a time. Fight on!

Related reading: The Sword of the Spirit

Tagged as: Christian tips and advice, Spiritual attack, Spiritual Warfare