Demonic activity

Are demons real? And if so, will they attack or possess you? When going through Catechism, my pastor did not touch on the subject of demons, other than to explain they were real and to be wary of them. And if they are real, are there ways to protect myself from them? When I was young, I used to have nightmares about a dog-like beast, and sometimes I thought I could see or hear it, and these experiences didn't stop until my house and room were blessed by my mother and my very religious therapist. Is this just crazy ideology, and I'm an overly imaginative person, or is the possibility of a demon tormenting me real?

Demons are real (Luke 8:26-33). We know from Job’s life (cf. chapters 1 and 2 of the book of Job) and the apostle Paul’s life (2 Corinthians 12:7) that Satan and the rest of the fallen angels can, under God’s control, create problems in the lives of Christians.

Demon possession is a complex subject. It can be useful to differentiate between spiritual possession and physical possession. Judas is someone who exemplifies spiritual possession. Physical possession is the kind that Jesus often encountered during his earthly ministry when he cast demons out of people (e.g., Mark 9:14-27).

Scripture explains to us that Satan is furiously going about his fiendish work because he recognizes the time is rapidly approaching (Revelation 12:12) when he will be confined to hell forever and be tormented forever (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:10).

In the Bible God gives us this instruction and promise: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Martin Luther illustrated his confidence in that promise in the great Reformation hymn: “Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us, We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow’r us. This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done! One little word can fell him” (Christian Worship 200:3).

I encourage you to speak to your pastor about your situation. He can provide biblical guidance and suggest other resources that may be helpful.