Fighting Phantoms

Phantom- a ghost or a figment of the imagination.


The dictionary definition only scratches the surface of what a phantom can be. In general, a ghost can be taken literally or figuratively. In this case, most people wrestle with ghosts from their past. Our minds create imaginations that we fight daily. A look from a co-worker can have you in a fit, your mind conjures up possibilities and thoughts based on an expression. Whether that interpretation is right or wrong, your whole persona changes. What is it about phantoms that get us? Why do we fight with them daily?

Phantoms are daily distractions from our God given purpose. It is a tool used to hinder us from moving forward. Some we create, some the enemy creates, some we were born into. The word of God makes it clear when it says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV We are living in the midst of a spiritual war and even in the best of times we must be aware and prepared. The word says this, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 What does that mean? It means that often our thoughts can be deceiving. Our flesh gets in the way of the Christ that lives within us. We try our best to do the right thing, but how often are we tempted to just do it our way? I know it’s a daily struggle for me. I may end up making the right decision but behind the scenes a war is going and that war is in my mind.


The fight against the phantoms in our life is different for everyone. Since we have established that this fight isn’t a physical one, but a spiritual, mental and an emotional fight, then we have to look at this whole deal differently. Let’s start with our past. Our past serves two purposes, one to be used as a testimony to others who have gone through similar circumstances and to grow us. Using our past as a testimony is an easier thing for most people to do, people often use the phrase, “been there, done that,” in short, to cover their life trials. It is the growing part that most struggle with. When you have been hurt, broken, abused, mistreated, it is hard to grow from that. Most people who have been hurt tend to stunt themselves in life. After having your heart broken, you decided you would never date again. You have just stunted yourself and the possible blessing of an amazing future relationship. After being betrayed by the one person you thought you could trust, you decide that no one is trustworthy. What does that do to you? It keeps you from connecting with others that are ordained to help bring you to the place God wants you. God uses people to bless you and uses you to bless people. For stunting not to happen, healing must take place.


Some of you believe that you can never be healed from what life has thrown at you. Why? Because often there is a person behind the pain you’re facing. For us to heal, we must forgive and forgiveness is a difficult thing to do. But remember forgiveness is not for the other person, it is for you. Hurt, anger and bitterness are chains to a person or circumstance that keeps you from living life to the fullest. The word says this, “I have come so that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 How can you have the abundant life God offers if you are holding onto your past. Open your heart to God and ask him to give you the strength to forgive and he will. The journey may be difficult but it is vital for a healthy future.


Another phantom is our imaginations. The thoughts that are evoked by what people have said, done or will possibly do. Some of our imaginations are brought up by our own insecurities and fears. These are phantoms we all face. It is a daily, hourly, minute by minute struggle to think right. You might speak words of wisdom and faith, but in your mind it is a contradicting secret. You feel dumb in your own circumstance, fearful and powerless. You wrestle with those thoughts, knowing the truth of God’s word but struggling to believe it yourself. Sound familiar to anyone? I know I’ve felt this way on occasion. It is a battle that will happen for the rest of our lives but know the battle is not yours it is the Lords. You are not alone in this. Giving your pain, confusion, your ever concern to God is what keeps us from losing our minds.



Finally, I leave you with this final word. The fight goes on and although some days we come out conqueror and other we crawl out in defeat, know that God is always with you. The words says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:13-15