All across the world people live in dread of evil spirits, especially those who are animists. Animists believe that all of nature—rocks, trees, rivers, etc.—is inhabited with spirits. Many of the spirits are hostile to humans. People must take action to placate the spirits through sacrifices, prayers, and other offerings.1
The Bible teaches that, indeed, there are many malicious spirits dedicated to our destruction. This realization leaves people with anxiety similar to those of animists: “I am afraid of Satan! He is out to get me.” Several legitimate questions come from these anxieties, such as “Should I be worried about Satan and demons attacking me and my loved ones?”
The Scriptures respond both yes and no. Yes, we all should be concerned about demon attacks. Satan and his host really do hate us. They are out to get us. Unprotected, we stand little chance against such an imposing foe. We need to face that reality soberly.
But on the other hand, no, we have no reason to fear demons if we belong to Jesus Christ. As powerful and evil as Satan is, God is the one who calls the shots. And evil spirits know it. James helps us to understand in his short letter: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:19).
The apostle Peter reassures us of God’s protection against Satan:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7–11
The apostle Paul tells us that God relieves all our worries when we bring them to Him:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7
Best of all, the Lord Jesus Christ comforts us with the promise He gave the night before He died. His followers were worried when Jesus told them that He was leaving them. But Jesus gave them, and us, something to believe in: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The resurrected Christ stands by all those who belong to Him. We have nothing to fear as long as we keep following right behind the King, the Lord Jesus Christ.