OPPRESSION
DEFINITION: Oppression is a feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.
FACTS ABOUT OPPRESSION:
Oppression is not the same as possession by evil spirits. Oppression is a spiritual attack from the outside rather than inward possession by demonic powers. Oppression is usually caused by an attack of Satan upon your mind with fear, doubt, worry, torment, etc., that results in a heaviness of spirit--almost like a cloud that surrounds you. A believer can be oppressed, but not possessed because the Holy Spirit cannot abide in the same vessel with a demon.
Oppression can include physical conditions. Read the story of the woman who was oppressed with a physical condition for years and was healed by Jesus (Luke 13:10-11). This woman was not possessed, rather she was oppressed by a demonically-caused physical condition.
How oppressing spirits gain access. Evil spirits of oppression gain access through what you hear and see, through circumstances, and through negative influences by media or people around you.
Jesus came to deliver those oppressed by the devil. That includes you! The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (1 John 3:8)
God has given you power over oppression--not only over oppression, but over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19).
DEALING WITH OPPRESSION:
Recognize that oppression is Satanic. In Luke 13:10-17, the woman's condition was caused by oppression of the enemy. Satan also creates difficult circumstances which cause oppression. These can be easily recognized because they result in confusion--and God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Recognize the signs of oppression. It may be a chronic sickness or a mental oppression that includes mental torment, confusion, doubt, restlessness, or an inability to reason. Emotional manifestations such as withdrawal and crying may also be present.
Determine how oppression is gaining access to your life. Satan causes oppression, but other sources contribute to it such as difficult circumstances and negative input from TV, Internet, music, and unwholesome literature. Deal with these issues and eliminate what is sinful.
Seek forgiveness for oppression that is the result of sin. Confess any sins that may have contributed to the oppression. For example, viewing pornography can result in shame and oppression by the enemy.
Praya prayer of deliverance. Focus your prayer on the specific problems associated with your oppression. Go to the root cause: Satan and his demonic forces. Bind the spirits of oppression so that they are unable to operate.
Praise and worship the Lord. Satan hates praise and worship and the power of oppression will be broken in the presence of your sacrifice of praise (1 Samuel 16:23). Do it whether you feel like it or not. That is the meaning of a sacrifice of praise.
Eliminate practices that contribute to oppression. These include television programs, music, literature, and negative associates that are contributing to your oppression.
WHAT GOD'S WORD SAYS ABOUT OPPRESSION:
He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, (Luke 6:17-18)
Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. (Luke 10:19, AMP)
Read the story of the deliverance of the oppressed woman in Luke 13:10-16.
How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38 AMP)
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (1 John 3:8)