Chasing Nightmares

Our son has been plagued by nightmares since toddlerhood. Almost nightly, he wakes screaming and crying. Recently, the two children have made a game of sleeping together, trading rooms every few days. I wonder if this is his clever way of coping, because he doesn’t seem to wake screaming when they’re together.

I’ve prayed before, but the nightmares have persisted. I’ve prayed against any memories that might cause nightmares, petitioned God for protection, and commanded spirits to leave in Jesus’ powerful name. Still, they’ve persisted.

“Maybe you need to cast out specific spirits from your home – actually name them.” a friend suggested.

“How am I supposed to know their names?” I imagined cracking open a dictionary and starting at the beginning… (armadillo?)

She then shared that her prayer warrior of a dad had interceded at her request and, shortly after, her son’s nightmares had stopped. Sometimes I wonder if others have more access than I do – more influence with God, you know?

But

While God may assign us different tasks He also has no favourites. I nestled under the covers that night, armed with that promise and trust in His power. In Jesus’  name, I prayed against any and all spirits that had ever been in this house, commanding them to leave and never return. I asked that His Holy Spirit fill this place, and His presence be palpable to all who enter here.

As soon as I began praying, it felt like… a rushing river flowed right in front of my face. The more I prayed, the more the river swelled, pressing against me. It seemed to bulge, threatening to burst and drown me… Eyes pinched shut, I continued praying, hanging on to God’s power – the only thing that could rescue me from whatever was going on. The only thing left, with this bulging, threatening river in my face – was to praise God for His power, and that He is in complete control. The moment I turned my heart to praise, the bulge receded and the river flowed away.

And there was peace. Space. Stillness.

It’s only been a few days, and the children are still trading rooms and sharing beds, so I don’t know the result yet. But something happened. Spirits did leave.

And the next day, as I laid down for a Sunday snooze, my bed seemed to transform into a hand (not literally of course... it's so indescribable...) – I was resting on God’s hand. I can’t tell you how spectacularly awesome it was to literally rest in the Lord. I slept for 4 1/2 hours! 

Longest. nap. ever.

Palpable presence alright…

LORD, there is no one like you! 
      For you are great, and your name is full of power. 

Jeremiah 10:6

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