What with tomorrow being Halloween and all, several posts have come up on the Laughlin Wives Facebook page regarding paranormal activity.  Apparently it is commonly understood that a couple of the buildings on base as well as some of the housing are haunted.

I thought perhaps they might just be joking because it’s Halloween, but as I read some of the comments, I realized that some of these women have indeed experienced strange things in their houses.

Normally I am inclined to say that there must be a logical, rational explanation.  You probably locked the door yourself and forgot.  Maybe a family member turned the stove knobs.  But I must say that reading some of their stories freaked me out a little.  Although, I admit that the night I was scared I was overly tired and my imagination was running freely.

It has given me cause to think, though.  What do I think about such things?

Do I think that people’s ghosts come back and haunt things?  No, I don’t.  The Bible is clear that when a person dies, their spirit is either in heaven or hell.  (In the Old Testament there are accounts of mediums and spiritists bringing back dead people…but I believe that is another thing entirely.  In those instances, dead people were not around many times or long term, nor did they “haunt” anyone or anything.)

Do I believe in evil spirits/powers?  Yes, I do.  Jesus cast out demons during His ministry.  In Ephesians, Christians are told to put on the armor of God “that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”  (Ephesians 6:11)  And in verse 12 of the same chapter, it says that we wrestle against “the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  2 Corinthians 11 says that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  In Job, Satan is given power over Job.

Do I believe that Satan’s grip will remain?  No, I do not.  God is always greater than Satan….and not just in the final day, when God will once and for all crush Satan (Revelation 20:10).  God’s power over Satan is in this world as well.  1 John 4:4, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

It is clear that there is evil in the world.  It is clear that Satan is at work in the world attempting to destroy God’s work and God’s name.  It is clear that there are demons also seeking the same purpose.

Regardless of whether or not there are ghosts or demons or paranormal activity here on base, I know that God is the Victor.  I know that God reigns in the Pilot.  God reigns in me.  God reigns in this house.  Therefore, Satan has no power here.

Right when you walk in the door of our house, you can see the verse “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15).  This is God’s household.  Sometimes when I get scared or worried or guilt stricken, I will consciously remind myself of the truth.

Sometimes I pray out loud.

Sometimes I say a Bible verse out loud.

Sometimes I’ll remind myself of the gospel out loud.

I find that when I speak truth out loud, it helps to banish other thoughts from my mind.  It gets my heart back on track and reminds me of what’s really important.  It gives me peace as I rest in God.  I think that’s because when I speak, the words that come out are automatically louder than the thoughts in my head…and I have no choice but to listen and know that God’s word is true.

If you are truly a child of God, the Holy Spirit is in you.  God is with you.  The safest place to be is with God.

-Bonnie