The Exorcist
When I was young, unbridled, and careless with my mind and what goes in it, I made the foolish mistake of watching horror movies. There was something that drew me into them – only to after watching them, having sleepless nights.
What was I thinking? Watching those films tempt us to take our eyes off the beauty and faithfulness of Jesus. I remember watching “The Exorcist” years ago and for a very long time, I was kept from rejoicing in God’s GOOD NEWS! Instead, I kept double-checking my locked doors.
There are real things that can cause fear in our lives, and we add to it by watching horror aka negative, fear-filled movies that rob us of the joy, peace, and contentment that are ours through Christ Jesus.
If you are still keen on horror movies or books – I’d like to recommend going to the Good Book aka the Bible. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus is seizing “Legion” from a man possessed. Verses 3-4 says: “This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. He had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself with stones.”
Jesus, in His authority, cast the demons into the swine. Now, that’s what I call a scene straight out of a horror film. We can practically hear the swine squeal as they plummet off the steep bank and into the sea.
Let’s picture those pigs squealing and us doing a little cheer, please! This is by far the best exorcism recorded in Scripture, and I celebrate it by serving my husband a plate of bacon!
We can focus on the evil that possessed the man, OR we can focus on my favorite verse from this Gospel, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in His pity has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)
Let’s focus on the miracles (not the chaos of the enemy), that Jesus performs in our lives! He freed this man from a legion of demons! A legion is an armed regiment of nearly 6,000 Roman soldiers, so this was a massive departure of evil spirits from this man’s soul!
Pray tell that we don’t fall into the traps of preferring drama over healing, fear over peace, conflict over freedom. I know how easy it is to dwell on the “horrors” in our lives. BUT. DON’T!!!
Even when God performs great miracles in our family, careers, friendships, health, and spiritual lives, we tend to focus on what isn’t! BUT. DON’T. Rather, focus on celebrating God’s mercy, truth, and love for us!
I have renounced Satan’s tactics that cause fear, woe, negativity, and concern in my life. I have learned to guard my heart from those “horror” stories. I have built absolutes into my life. The absolute peace that passes understanding that keeps my mind on “Whatsoever things are lovely and of a good report”. I think those things ON purpose! (Philippians 4:8)
Care to join me? I promise freedom from fear, horrors, and dread when our minds STAY on Him!