Right off the start, I would like to ask you something. Now I realize that I will not hear your answer, but I will feel better if you reply with a resounding, “Yes!” (I shall sense it in my heart!)
Do you ever wake up in the night and begin to fret and worry? Does your mind take off like a rocket when you are supposed to be sleeping peacefully? Okay, that was two questions, but you get the idea. I confess that I am a light sleeper, and there are instances where my eyes open in the darkness and my brain revs into high gear. Please pray for me!
This anomaly occurred a few nights ago at 3 a.m. in the morning, and it was not fun. I woke up and my thought processes kicked in with their own nefarious plans to deprive me of sleep. I began to worry about my children and grandchildren, my wife, and her ongoing health struggles. I stewed about friends going through intense conflicts of their own. I fretted about the state of the world and then switched to all the things I had to yet accomplish at work and around my home. My brain was boiling over in a cauldron of faithless turmoil at the worst time.
As I laid in bed and tried to pray; even that task felt exhausting and ineffective. It seemed the devil was trying his utmost to attack my sanctity and rest. And just when his ploy seemed to be succeeding, I decidedly went on the offence by repeatedly calling upon the name of Jesus. Why? Because I have learned that there is far more clout wrapped up in this one name than you may realize—that in repeating Jesus, therein lies the power to overcome any obstacle—big or small.
Jesus is a praiseworthy name you can apply to every aspect of your life. Need proof?
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 NKJV)
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;” (Mark 16:17 NKJV)
“He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13 NKJV)
Did you know that you can stand your ground upon the name of Jesus—that when an evil spirit tries to bring sickness, poverty, anxiety, and panic attacks into your world, or lobs any other formidable garbage at you, that you can readily point both of your index fingers at him and very sternly say, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” To my way of thinking, that is akin to whacking his face with the entire word of God! And some printed bibles can be very heavy because I have one!
The moral of the story dear friend is this…
We need to declare the name of Jesus above all other names when the devil invades your thoughts, your home, your peaceful night’s sleep, and mine. I for one am not willing to tolerate such nonsense, nor do I appreciate the evil one attempting to steal what is rightfully mine—the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.
So, the next time the devil tries to break into any area of your life, I urge you not to wait for things to go from bad to worse. SEND HIS BUTT PACKING!
And do it with the name above all names—JESUS!
Paul Smyth
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada