Naming the Demons

Yesterday, we reflected on expressing our anger our grief, and our questions to God. Faith that is able to do so, is often profound. It is also biblical. 

What happens if we bury our anger or grief? They have a way of reemerging, don’t they? Often in really unhealthy ways. Even by taking out on others…

Sometimes we’ll meet someone with a chip on their shoulder, or a boiling rage right under the surface… and it seems they are not even sure what they’re really angry about. And it comes in inappropriate situations. Way out of proportion. Or, it can be more like a constant silent seething.

The Desert Fathers have an interesting take on this. They said that you have to name the demons as they appear. If you name them, they lose some of their power over you. But to do that, you have to be aware enough to recognize them at the moment. “Okay, that’s anger I’m feeling. That’s jealousy, that’s resentment. That’s fear. I see you. I feel you in there.”

The wisdom of the Desert Fathers is that you don’t want to do battle with them. And you don’t want to repress them. You want to acknowledge them. And if you name them, and you allow them room, they won’t stay long. They will visit, but not stay.

Now I’m reluctant to call our emotions demons – but in my own experience, there is something to this. And I invite you this week to give it a try. Name the emotions as they arise. Acknowledge them to yourself and to God. Trust that they will run their course and that eventually, God’s peace will return to your heart. 

Let us pray: Loving God, help us see and name all that arises within us. In the seeing and in the naming, may there be the seeds of healing. We love you, Lord, and we trust you with our whole selves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.