Only about 6% of people suffer from a frequent or occasional phenomenon called sleep paralysis. However, many people have experienced an episode at least once in their lifetime. Sleep paralysis is where a person partially wakes from sleep or thinks they are fully awake but are temporarily unable to move or speak. They may see, hear or experience things that cause fear. It can be a terrifying experience. While the Bible does not specifically mention sleep paralysis, it does give us tools that can be helpful, for any problem we face.
DO NOT BE AFRAID
Many believe that sleep paralysis is caused by harassment from the enemy, as fear is usually associated with this phenomenon. The enemy loves to make people afraid. When we read the Bible, there are instances when the Lord sends angels and the first thing they say is – ‘do not be afraid’. Because the Lord does not want us to be afraid.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:17
FEAR NOT
When doing research on this topic, there were a few articles that were condemning those who had sleep paralysis saying it was because they were living in sin and needed to repent. Although this is possible, some who experience sleep paralysis are trying very hard to walk with the Lord or are innocent children. Sometimes the enemy just wants to harass us. The devil is a bully and knows that if you don’t have the tools to fight back, you will get discouraged and afraid or feel helpless.
YOUR CALLING
The enemy has one goal and that is to pull us away from God. I have found that sometimes you can experience harassment from the enemy because there is a high calling on your life. Perhaps Jesus wants to use you to glorify His name. Maybe you are to help others know Jesus better, provide testimony about what you have been through or be a leader for Christ is some way. The enemy hates it when we are favored by God. He tries to stop it any way he can. Often he will use fear or doubt. If he can make you afraid and make you question God, then he can disrupt the calling on your life!
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
Fight against the enemy, using the tools God gave us in the Word of God and through prayer. We do not need to be afraid because Jesus is Lord! Even though we are still waiting for Jesus to return and make all things right, in the meantime we are to act as ambassadors for Christ and stand firm until that happens.
OPEN DOORS
Before we get to tools, it is always good to check in with yourself to determine if there are any open doors that are allowing the enemy to harass you. These open doors could include sin, participating in occult activities (crystals, tarot cards, energy work, yoga, psychics, etc.), un-forgiveness towards someone who hurt you, addictions, lies from the enemy (unworthiness, shame, worrying that God won’t forgive you, etc.), and family history of abuse or sin. If you think you may need help in any of these areas, talk to a trusted pastor or professional who can help you process through inner healing or provide resources. This is always the best place to start but you can still use the helpful tools provided in this article while processing through inner healing.
TOOLS
Below are 4 ways to stand in confidence if you are experiencing sleep paralysis. These suggestions can also be helpful when dealing with anxiety, doubt or stress, especially in the middle of the night.
- Remain Calm
- Pray for Yourself
- Recite Scripture
- Pray for Others
I know this may sound too simple, but hear me out!
1. Remain Calm
Remaining calm is number one because the enemy wants you to be afraid. Stay calm and remember God is with you. God does not want you to be afraid but at peace and with confidence in Him.
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39
Because of sin, we live in a fallen world. Since we live in a fallen world, we must learn to fight against evil. Remember that Jesus can calm any storm you face, which includes sleep paralysis. So, be strong and trust in the Lord and know that He desires calm and peace in your heart. We have strength in Jesus! Our confidence can rest in Him.
2. Pray for Yourself
Here are some simple example prayers to say for yourself. Make these your own, add in or take out what you need. These prayers will be said in your head if you are in the middle of sleep paralysis and are unable to speak. But I encourage you to say prayers out loud before you go to sleep as well.
Lord Jesus, I pray for Your protection over my mind and body. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and help me be calm and at peace.
In the name of Jesus – I cast out the devil. I belong to the Lord! He is my rock and my fortress!
I have dedicated my life to You Jesus and the enemy has no power over me. I thank you Lord for blessing me and giving me strength. I pray for Your wisdom and protection.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
3. Recite Scripture
There are many scriptures that are helpful when fighting against the enemy. Feel free to add your own. I encourage you to write down helpful scriptures on index cards and keep them with you or by your bedside or use the free printout provided. Try to memorize these scriptures if you can. When we are stressed it’s hard to remember scripture but if you make a habit of reading them, it will get easier. If you suffer from sleep paralysis and can’t think of scripture to recite, just pray the best you can and know God is with you. When you wake up, look at your free printout or index cards and say your scriptures out loud. Every time we read scripture it helps our memory hold onto God’s promises. Read scripture every day.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Ephesians 3:16
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place – the Most High, who is my refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. Psalm 91:9-10
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4. Pray for Others
So, if the devil is going to wake us up in the middle of the night, we might as well ruin his night too! What better way to do that than to begin praying for every person you can think of that needs prayers. Start with your own household, then pray for your friends and neighbors, then your church, then the city, your nation and then the world. The enemy hates blessings being spoken over others. This is one way I was able to get the enemy to stop harassing me at night. It was not fruitful for him at all! In fact, it went against his plan altogether because I was praying for everyone, even those who hurt me! So I was working on my own heart and blessing others. It’s a great way to defeat the enemy!
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
Remember how much God loves you! If you continue to get sleep paralysis, don’t be troubled. Spend that time with the Lord in prayer. Don’t let the enemy discourage you because you are loved by your father in heaven and He has big plans for you!
Always seek professional help if necessary.
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