Is there a valid biblical explanation of sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon that has puzzled people for centuries. It is a condition where an individual is temporarily unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. Many cultures worldwide have developed their explanations for sleep paralysis, often attributing it to supernatural forces.
In this article, I will offer a biblical explanation of sleep paralysis, drawing insights from the Bible to shed light on this mysterious and often frightening experience.
Sleep Paralysis in Modern Understanding
Before delving into the biblical perspective, it is essential to understand the scientific basis of sleep paralysis. According to modern science, sleep paralysis occurs when there is a temporary disconnect between the brain and the body during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. This disconnect prevents the body from moving or reacting, even though the mind may be partially awake.
Individuals experiencing sleep paralysis may also report vivid hallucinations and a feeling of pressure on their chest, making it an unsettling experience.
What is the biblical explanation of sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis is to a great extent related to the spiritual world through dreams. It often happens when experiencing nightmares. For example, you may dream of being chased by a cow, and you accidentally slip and fall. In the dream you may try to wake up to continue running, however, your legs fail to respond, making it impossible to move. Your spirit is trying to communicate with your body to react in a certain way, but your body fails to submit causing a state of paralysis.
So, what is the spiritual explanation of this state of being in a dream?
1. Your body is disconnected from your spirit
This is evidence of a disconnection between your body and spirit, as your body is failing to respond to your spirit. In simple terms, your body is failing to submit to your spirit, as you have not trained it to do so.
2. You are a spiritual being
As a Christian, you should be aware that you are a spiritual being hosted in a human body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 states, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
You are responsible for training your mind and body to submit to your spirit. The Bible declares “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7-8).
Learn to bring your whole being under submission to the authority of Christ. You function from your spirit, therefore, learn to cooperate with your spirit (especially if you have injected your spirit with the word of God).
Is sleep paralysis the result of a spiritual attack?
Demonic entities can easily manipulate a weak Christian in the spiritual world, and cause all sorts of different spiritual bondages. The presence of evil spirits in your dream or your surroundings can lead to a temporal state of paralysis.
Remember we have the power to control our circumstances and overcome every demonic influence in the name of Jesus.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Sex dreams are a common way demons manifest in dreams.
