Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-17; Luke 8:27-39
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him. (Mark 5:6)
The word worshipped is translated from the Greek word proskuneo, which means “to prostrate oneself in homage to; do reverence to; adore.” The man who ran to worship Jesus was a very famous, demon-possessed man. That this tormented person ran to Him and not away from Him indicates that even demon-possessed people have free will, and Satan cannot control people without their consent.
Many battles have been fought over whether a Christian can be demon possessed. The Greek word translated possessed literally means “to be demonized.” The Bible makes no clear distinction between degrees of demon activity, such as oppressed, depressed, and possessed. The Word simply refers to people as being “demonized.” What we do know is that we all fight evil spirits, and if we don’t put on the whole armor of God, Satan and demons can certainly affect us or even control us.
The best way to administer deliverance from demons is through God’s Word. As we receive the Word, it sets us free and also helps guard our hearts and minds when the demon tries to come back into our lives with seven other spirits. In severe cases of being demonized, an individual needs the help of a believer, and that’s the reason Jesus equipped all believers with authority over evil spirits.
Anointed praise and worship will also drive off evil spirits. One thing reserved for God alone is worship, so the devil has always sought it. If he can’t be worshipped, then he will try to turn others away from worshipping God. Praising and worshipping our Father is such a powerful tool against all demonic forces!
If you feel at all oppressed, depressed, or just stressed today, praise the Lord and meditate on His Word. Worship Him in spirit and in truth. The Father is just waiting to lift all that pressure and darkness off of you.