Prayer to trust in Christ’s victory over evil
Written by Sophia Bricker
Bible reading:
“As children are flesh and blood, he also shared in their humanity, so that by his death he might defeat those who have the power of death, the power of the devil, and free those who were held in bondage all their lives by the fear of death.” – Hebrews 2:14-15, NIV
Listen or read below:
Have you ever wished you couldn’t see or hear something? I once met a woman who said she regretted watching a psychological thriller movie and that the footage continued to haunt her. As much as she tried to forget, the horror of the scene crept into her mind, creating a cycle of anxiety and fear. She talked about how much she didn’t want to see the movie and wanted to erase it from her mind. Is there a way to free her from the haunting image?
Most of us have been exposed to similar images or other sensory experiences at some point, such as while watching movies, television, or music. Even if you’re just watching the latest release on your TV at home instead of in a dark theater, the experience should be immersive. We know that the story we are witnessing was created by the filmmakers, but somehow the scenes affect us. Certain instances in movies can become imprinted in our minds and reappear in moments of terror at night or randomly as we go through the day.
Some people may laugh at such experiences and wonder why they are so influenced by just a movie or show. But the fear they experience is real, as in the case of the woman mentioned above who continued to feel anxious months later. The Bible never minimizes the reality of evil in the spiritual realm or in this world. There are many good reasons to be afraid of the dark. Crimes that take place in the shadows and spiritual attacks that can affect us. And depending on where in the world a person lives and the situation they are in, the oppression of darkness may feel heavier.
Although the Bible is honest about the existence of sin and the spiritual forces at work in the world, it does not leave us without hope. The Bible tells the shadow-shattering story of God the Son becoming man and entering the world. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews reminds us that Christ did not come to save angels, but humans, made of flesh and blood, whose lives are always covered by the fate of death. Jesus came to our world and gave himself up to death to defeat the power of sin and Satan.
Colossians 2:15 says: “And Jesus displayed them before the public, having disarmed the powers and authorities, and triumphed over them by the cross.” The devil thought he had won when he worked through Judas Iscariot to betray the Son of Man, and when Jesus hung in agony on the cross. But it was there that Christ demonstrated His victory. The earth shook, the tombs were empty, the veil of the temple was torn in two, and Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Christ proved through the cross and then through the empty tomb three days later that death and darkness no longer have power. And one day, when Jesus resurrects everyone who trusts in Him, they will be completely defeated.
So when I answered a woman’s question about how she could free herself from the terrifying images that were plaguing her, we discussed the benefits of therapy and taking steps to reduce anxiety. But what I emphasized was the power of Jesus over darkness and how meditating on his love and sacrifice can free us from fear. Nothing on earth or in the spiritual realm can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
We may not be able to watch the images or erase the memory of the disturbing experience from our thoughts, but we can experience the peace of Christ that protects our hearts and minds in times of hardship (Philippians 4:6-7). In Him we can find light in the darkness of the world.
Let’s pray:
Jesus,
You are the light of the world, and the darkness has never conquered you, nor will it conquer you. All the evil in this world that forces us into fear and discouragement was defeated by You on the cross, giving Your life in exchange for all who trust in You. Evil still exists in this fallen world awaiting rebirth, but you are still the victor and the ruler. Sin and death no longer hold us in bondage. we were liberated. May You give light into our lives whenever darkness becomes overwhelming or frightening images or memories haunt our minds. You are our Lord and Savior and we trust in your death and resurrection. Not even the shadow of death can separate us from your love.
Amen.
Please share your thoughts about today’s devotion in the “Daily Prayer” discussion in the Crosswalk forum.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/francescoch
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotions, and stories. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Christian Ministry, which included extensive study in the Bible and theology, as well as a master’s degree in creative writing. You can read her thoughts on literature and faith below. cross, pen, and page Visit Substack or Disciple-based Sites cultivatewhere she writes with her sister.
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