No Vacancy

Then he [an unclean spirit] says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. – Matthew 12:44-45a (NKJV)

This passage is talking about unbelievers. If the Spirit of Christ is in a person then a demon cannot also live there, however, I think the concept can be applied to believers too. Demons irritate Christians to make them fearful.

A fear of human opinion prevents me from letting my light shine but God prepared good works for me to accomplish. I need to work diligently toward the completion of His work, but I listen to those fears far too often: “You can’t do anything worthwhile,” “You’re not good enough,” and “God cannot use you.”

I recite God’s Word and the demons go away. All Scripture is inspired by God and it teaches me the truth. God uses His Word to equip His people to do good works. It also tells me that I can do all things through Christ, He strengthens me, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

The Word of God puts my mind in order but if I don’t continue to remind myself of these truths, the demons can return. I need to speak Scripture to sweep the area and keep that space filled with the Word so that when those demons return they’ll find a “No Vacancy” sign.

Lord, help me to fill up my mind with Your Word so I can be prompted by the Spirit to do Your good works. Amen.

© 2010 Jenni Hurst