A topic that is not often talked about despite its pervasive and destructive impact, is the role of demonic oppression in narcissistic abuse. The reality is, if you have been a victim of narcissistic abuse, you have experienced demonic oppression.
Healing the damaging effects of narcissistic abuse often requires a process. That process can become stunted until the spiritual ramifications of abuse are dealt with. Deliverance from demonic oppression is often the missing link to unlock true freedom and healing.
“We wrestle not with flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Ephesians 6:12
Abuse is Satanic in Nature
Abuse and how it operates is satanic in nature. Both the devil and abuse are characterized by oppression, control, deception, and lies. Both involve extreme selfishness, self-centeredness, and a quest for power and control that are never satisfied.
Narcissistic abuse is more than just harm inflicted on a person, it’s an open doorway for demonic oppression.
Oppression and Abuse
The definition of oppression is “a prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.” It also means “a sense of being weighed down; a sense of heaviness,” and “mental pressure and distress.” To be oppressed is to be weighed down by unjust treatment and deprived of something that is necessary for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
What is demonic oppression? Demonic oppression is simply oppression that gives access to evil spirits. It can be described as a heaviness that keeps you in bondage and afflicted by evil spirits.
Demonic oppression and abuse are often linked together, as both involve a lack of freedom that exploits another for personal gain. When you are a believer in Christ, the devil no longer has legal power over you. That means demonic oppression is an illegal trespass that you have the authority to revoke.
Four Ways We May Experience Oppression
As human, we are multifaceted and have various areas that make up who we are. We each have a body, soul, mind and spirt and all of these areas can be affected by the world around us and the things that we experience—like narcissistic abuse.
The following are ways we can experience oppression:
- Body – This is the place where abuse and demonic oppression can be expressed through sickness and various symptoms like c-ptsd, chronic fatigue, brain fog, trouble remembering things, sleep disruption, chronic hives, depression, anxiety, and even autoimmune conditions and cancer.
- Soul – The soul which is the seat of our will and emotions. It’s the place we wrestle with choosing bitterness or forgiveness; the place we often grieve and process pain. The place that needs mending after being shattered. It’s also the place where a forceful impingement of control by another can most often be felt and demonic captivity takes hold.
- Mind – This is where we store our belief system. Lies, condemnation, replaying of hurtful events, word curses, and strongholds often make themselves home here. This is what often needs to be renewed by the word of God and healthy belief systems.
- Spirit – This is where you may notice a hindered flow of the Holy Spirit, may feel heaviness, or dry in your relationship with God. You may feel that you have lost your first love for God or the chaos has clouded your ability to maintain your relationship with Him. You may feel confused about who God really is and if He can be trusted–especially if you experienced spiritual abuse. Some may even shut down their relationship with God entirely, which is exactly what the devil wants.
*Please note, this does not mean that every issue, symptom, or healthy processing of pain and grieving is demonic oppression. When there has been this level and severity of abuse, a healing process is often necessary and should not be labeled as demonic. I’m simply highlighting the area of deliverance from demonic oppression as a part of that healing process.
Demonic Influence Does Not Excuse Abusive Behavior
Those who abuse others are often under demonic influence and those who have been abused are often under demonic oppression. But just because someone may be operating in a demonic spirit does not mean that they have no control over their choices and behaviors. While demonic possession is real and someone can be driven to do horrific things, demons still need a human body and a cooperating will to carry out their warped agenda.
- Acknowledging the role of the demonic in abuse does not excuse your abuser from the responsibility of their choices and consequences of their behavior.
- Acknowledging the reality of demonic oppression as a result of abuse also does not mean that you are trapped and without hope.
If anything, this knowledge can actually give you hope and empower you as demonic oppression can easily be dealt with. You don’t have to needlessly suffer from something that Jesus gave us the keys to take authority over!
There is Hope and Freedom!
In order to remove the toxic effect of any residual demonic oppression that illegally entered through narcissistic abuse, deliverance is often the missing link and key to unlock true freedom and healing. If you feel that you may need deliverance from demonic oppression and would like to learn more, Jake Kail has a helpful message called “Freedom from Demonic Oppression and the Spirit of Heaviness.” I’d encourage you to listen to this message and pray along with the ministry time at the end.
I’d also encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on some projects we will be releasing this Fall to help support you, no matter where you are at in your journey.
I am praying that God would heal, restore, and free you completely from every effect of narcissist abuse. May Holy Spirit fill you and empower you to live a full and meaningful life that brings you joy.
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”
– Act 10:38
