Holy in the Daily

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How to Deal With the Accuser Living in Your Head

Could you be under demonic attack? Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like there is a little voice in your head telling you what a poor example you are of the human race?

Be assured that the little voice is not you. It may sound like you, but it is not. That voice is actually thoughts being thrown into your mind by someone known as the Accuser—and he is out to destroy your life. Here are some facts about the Accuser and some tips on how to deal with him.

Demonic attack tip #1: How to know you are being condemned by the Accuser

You will feel one or more of the following emotions: depressed, discouraged, guilty, shamed, inadequate, a failure, hopeless, stupid, unloved, disliked, rejected, blamed, useless, lonely, discarded or condemned.

You will think thoughts along the lines of the following: “I’m a failure.” “This will never change.” “I’m a jerk.” “There is no hope for me.” “No one likes me.” “It’s not worth it.” “Why me?”

Demonic attack tip #2: He is not flesh and blood!

The Accuser is not human. He is a type of spirit, and he has been around for a very long time. He goes by the names of Satan, Devil, Accuser, Adversary, Angel of Light, Father of Lies, Lucifer, Serpent and many more that describe his character and activities (see Ephesians 6:12).

The Accuser does what his name implies—he accuses. “For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night . . . .” (Revelation 12:10 NIV).

Demonic attack tip #3: What to do when the Accuser assaults you

1. Don’t agree with him! Recognize who is speaking. Even if the voice sounds like your own voice, don’t believe it!

2. Put on your spiritual armor and use your spiritual weapon (see Ephesians 6:13–18).

3. Apply the finished work of Christ through repentance if you have sinned (see 1 John 1:9).

4. Remind the enemy that the Lamb’s blood identifies you as sinless. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12:11 NIV).

5. Then speak your testimony to the enemy. “Yep, everything you say was once true, but in Christ that is no longer who I am” (see Revelation 12:11 above).

6. Reaffirm your total commitment to Christ and expect a little more practice in laying down your life (see Revelation 12:11 above).

7. Rebuke the enemy! You’ve been given authority—now use it! Just say something along the lines of, “Accuser, I rebuke you. You have no power over me. I have been bought with the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and he now owns me and has authority over my life. You have no authority to accuse me of anything. Take your accusations about me, and tell them to Jesus. Stop criticizing God’s property”  (see James 4:7).

Dealing with the Accuser can be an ongoing battle when we first realize who is attacking us. But the more we practice the above steps, the more we find freedom from mental torment and the tendency to believe the lies of the enemy.

What suggestions can you add that would help in dealing with the Accuser? Please leave your input in the comment link below. We would love to hear from you.

(For lots more detailed information on the demonic realm and spiritual warfare, check out Intercessors, God’s End-time Vanguard: How to Pray Effectively For the Things That Matter Most.)

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. Daniella

    No matter how attacked I am feeling, I sit myself down at my piano and start doing warfare with my worship! The accuser gets no credit when I lift my voice in adoration of the King! Having kids around makes this a double-whammy: my kids sing and dance and I picture the demons scattering as the joyful sounds of innocence join in praising Jesus. I don’t get up until I feel the oppression lifting!

  2. Jeremy Sizemore

    Thanks Sue… good words… and timely.

    For me, it is always hard to tell the difference between godly conviction and demonic condemnation.

    I personally have a hard time distinguishing between the voice of “Grace” and the nagging finger of “the accuser”… they can sound so similar sometimes. I know that the Holy Spirit empowers, motivates, convicts and even spurs us on to new levels of holiness and calling… to be world-changers… but then the enemy comes in as an “angel of light” and taints those words. I know I am called to a “holy discontentment”… but too often the enemy of my soul pollutes that discontentment and turns it to all those things you mentioned above: “depressed, discouraged, guilty, shamed, inadequate, a failure, hopeless, stupid, unloved, disliked, rejected, blamed, useless, lonely, discarded or condemned.”

    Again… thank you for your words. And, Lord help us to distinguish between the voice of Grace, calling us to the higher places… and the voice of the enemy, pulling us down to the depths of condemnation.
    -jer

  3. Kim Bagato

    I have recognized some of my weaknesses and vulnerabilities and searched for scriptures to strengthen me in those times of attack. I can remind myself with the “sword of the Spirit” to not be afraid, to be gracious, to use my words wisely, or whatever the need might be. I must admit that I may not be able to quote a specific scripture right this moment, but I have had the experience many times of just the right one encouraging me at just the right time. I am grateful that Jesus IS the keeper of my soul.

  4. Susan Gaddis

    Dani, what a wonderful example you are for your kids. Worship invites grace and is a mighty weapon against the enemy of our souls. I could just picture in my mind the hoopla going on at your house when you sit down at that piano! Yes!!!! You go girl!

    Jeremy, I think all of us can relate to your words and the difficulty of learning the difference between conviction and condemnation. Grace teaches us how to live godly lives, but so often we mishear and consider it condemnation because we are so used to the Accuser speaking louder than grace in our minds. However, grace leads and guides with conviction, while the Accuser demands and drives us.

    And Kim, knowing some of our weaknesses is important, isn’t it? Finding those Scriptures promises to speak into our weaknesses is a learned discipline that often requires many difficult situations faced and battles fought. I loved your last sentence: Jesus IS the keeper of my soul. May we never forget it!

  5. Erin

    Thank you…this helped me A lot! God bless you! <3

    1. Susan Gaddis

      So glad you found it helpful, Erin. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  6. lucy

    Thank you Susan you such a helper, this came as counselling word, was in real shambles when read this and a reason to share with my fellow congregation many are under the spell of condemnation,guilt and shame.

  7. Jennifer Van Patten

    This is so helpful
    An answer to prayer!
    Eye opening

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