Imagine this. You're half-asleep and half-awake. You feel an eerie presence in the room. You want to open your eyes or move but you can't....
You're body froze.
You can't breathe.
You want to scream but no voice is coming out.
Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis? I lost count of the times I've had encounters during my sleep. And every time, I take refuge in the presence of God.
I can't explain why it always happens to me.
Refuge
I can't explain why it always happens to me.
Do I pray before going to bed? Yes.
So why do I still experience this? I don't know.
I can assume that it's guilt. When this happens, it's usually when I know I sinned and I feel guilty about it. Or when I feel emotionally distant from God.
Sin keeps us away from God.
When I know I did something wrong, I feel shame. I feel unworthy to be in God's presence. I think this is an opportunity for the enemy to step in and take advantage of my weakness.
But that's just me. I know God is merciful. I know I'm saved.
The enemy is deceitful. It makes us believe we are doomed.
Thankfully, I don't get this anymore. At least not as often.
Now that we're more aware of what could give the bad spirits an entry way into our home, my husband and I are more careful about choosing the media we consume.
I want to share this chapter in the Bible which I would read with my prayers before bedtime when I was getting these attacks.
Psalm 91
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."
Your turn
I can assume that it's guilt. When this happens, it's usually when I know I sinned and I feel guilty about it. Or when I feel emotionally distant from God.
Sin keeps us away from God.
When I know I did something wrong, I feel shame. I feel unworthy to be in God's presence. I think this is an opportunity for the enemy to step in and take advantage of my weakness.
But that's just me. I know God is merciful. I know I'm saved.
The enemy is deceitful. It makes us believe we are doomed.
Thankfully, I don't get this anymore. At least not as often.
Now that we're more aware of what could give the bad spirits an entry way into our home, my husband and I are more careful about choosing the media we consume.
I want to share this chapter in the Bible which I would read with my prayers before bedtime when I was getting these attacks.
Psalm 91
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."
Your turn
- What's your favorite Bible verse?
- Have you experienced sleep paralysis? Share it.
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