The Bible refers to angels and demons, messengers from God who appear and disappear suddenly, and evil spirits that possess people. They aren’t mentioned often or in much detail, but these beings definitely exist, according to God. In fact, they are often referred to quite casually, as if the author expects the reader to know what he’s talking about, and no explanation is needed.
I’ve always been quite curious about, and sometimes unsettled by, this “behind the scenes” realm of creatures. But I don’t recall there ever being a sermon or a Sunday School class on that subject.
Then, in high school, I read a novel called “This Present Darkness” by Frank Peretti. It was one man’s idea of what that shadow realm might be like, and how its denizens might affect us humans — and how our prayers, activities, and attitudes might affect them.
The book’s title comes from today’s verse. And to date, I haven’t really heard anyone else come up with a better idea of what is going on with demons and angels.
One reassuring idea I did get from that novel, and from the Bible, is that my prayers are very powerful in my battle against evil — the evil I can see and the evil I can’t see. Only by staying in close contact with God — through prayer and studying His word — will I have the tools necessary to defeat evil in every form.
Dear God,
I know I don’t really have a clue about what goes on in the spirit world that you created. I can’t see or sense any of it. But I trust that you have given me everything I need to know to defeat the evil I am confronted with every day. Thank you for the reminder that there is much I don’t understand, and that’s OK because you have already conquered evil. If I trust in you and rely on you and talk to you, I am able to repel any attack from all enemies of good, both seen and unseen.
CamDevo 