Spiritual warfare refers to the biblical concept of struggling against evil forces in the unseen spiritual realm. It is based on passages in the Bible such as:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
The idea is that in addition to the physical world we can see and touch, there is also an invisible spiritual dimension where cosmic battles between good and evil are continuously waged. Christians believe that God and his angels are fighting against Satan and his demons.
Why Spiritual Warfare Matters
According to this worldview, the spiritual realm influences what takes place in the physical world. So spiritual warfare is about overcoming evil supernatural powers through faith, prayer, and righteousness. This protects believers from demonic attacks and oppression. Some key reasons Christians engage in spiritual warfare include:
- Thwarting evil supernatural influences over individuals, societies, governments, etc.
- Advancing the Kingdom of God against the kingdom of darkness
- Putting on spiritual armor to defend oneself against demonic attacks
- Using spiritual weapons to tear down evil strongholds
Engaging the forces of evil in the spiritual realm is seen as crucial for living victoriously as a Christian.
The Link Between Yawning and Spiritual Warfare
Demonic Transference Through Yawning
Some spiritual warfare practitioners believe yawning can be a conduit for demonic transference or spiritual oppression. The idea is that demons can use yawning as an entry point to afflict or possess a person. Consider the following views:
- Yawning opens up a person, making them more susceptible to demonic infiltration or attack. It may signal a lapse in spiritual alertness.
- Demons can transfer to people through the act of yawning. Some believe the contagious nature of yawning is demonically-influenced.
- Excessive yawning may indicate the presence of demonic oppression or possession. It can be accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, irritability.
As such, staying vigilant against yawning can be seen as a way to exercise spiritual caution and prevent demonic intrusion.
Yawning as a Spiritual Weapon
On the other hand, some advocates of spiritual warfare believe deliberate yawning can also be used to fight the forces of darkness in certain contexts. Consider these notions:
- Yawning with prayer or spiritual authority can release God’s power to drive out demons afflicting a person.
- Yawning by itself may dispel demons in close proximity to a Spirit-filled believer.
- Stifling yawns during intense spiritual warfare can prevent demons from entering through one’s mouth.
So from this perspective, yawning with intentionality can be a spiritual weapon to defeat the kingdom of darkness.
Practical Steps Related to Yawning
Here are some practical recommendations that are given on yawning in the context of spiritual warfare:
Caution Around Yawning
- Pray for spiritual protection when feeling a yawn coming on
- Minimize yawning as much as possible
- Be careful when seeing others yawn excessively – keep your mouth closed
- Cover your mouth with your hand when yawning
Yawning as a Spiritual Weapon
- Let out forceful yawns to fight off demons in others during deliverance sessions
- Yawn with authority to release God’s power to drive out demons
- After yawning, declare spiritual victory out loud with prayer
So in summary, yawning and spiritual warfare have connections in the minds of some Christians who view the spiritual realm as impacting what goes on in the physical world. Both the hazards of yawning and its potential uses as a weapon feature in some spiritual warfare teachings, especially in Charismatic circles.
