Most people are not conscious of demonic activities. When I tell you to be conscious of demonic activities or presence, I'm not referring to the consciousness of demons in fear—you must understand demons are real. If you don't know that, you will be a victim. The Bible says, "...we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). You must not be ignorant. And one of the signs of demonic activities is unhappiness, so ask yourself, Why are you not happy? Because without joy you can't be productive in our Kingdom. The Bible says, "for the kingdom of God is... righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17). What will you do without joy and peace? You can't even have faith without them.

The Bible says about Abraham, "he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;" (Romans 4:20). Strong faith rejoices and gives glory to God. If you lack joy and peace, what kind of faith are you exercising? Focus on these first. Because the peace and joy of the Christian is not dependent on what they are going through. James 1:2 says, "...count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;". Only the Christian can rejoice in trouble. Anybody whining about what they are going through, carrying a long face, trying to make people believe it is what they are going through that is the reason for their attitude—they are not honest. They don't want to admit it, and sometimes they may not even know it. They are suffering from demonic oppression.

There's a demon troubling your life, but you are blaming your unhappiness on what people are doing or are not doing. The Bible says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood..." (Ephesians 6:12). You don't want to fix the real issue. You don't want to turn to the Devil and tell him to get out. People waste time talking to people to gain peace. If you want people to make you happy, you will talk to many people. That is a long way. The shortest cut to happiness is to address the demon to leave.

Devils are real. Be conscious of demons from the standpoint of your authority over them. We are superior to devils. The Bible shows us Jesus dealt with devils. It says, "...having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:15). They are under our authority, Jesus defeated them and gave us the authority over them. He said "...In my name shall they cast out devils..." (Mark 16:17). You have the authority to stop those devils. There is grace available. You will not remain a victim.

Today, stop blaming people. Be conscious of your authority in Christ. Refuse fear and oppression. Stand in joy and peace. From the standpoint of your authority in Christ, command every influence not of God to leave your life.