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Modern technology exponentially multiplies the opportunities for that serpent whose very first target was Eve. The spirits of Nahash and Sennacherib and their proxies are at work today, and they have mastered the use of cognitive warfare.
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Even scientists recognize this. According to neuroscientist Dr. Sotirious D. Douklias,
“Cognitive warfare involves the exploitation of human psychology to influence perceptions, decision-making, and behavior. It leverages techniques such as propaganda, disinformation, and psychological operations to shape public opinion, sow discord, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Unlike conventional warfare, the battle in cognitive warfare is waged through the dissemination of information, primarily through digital platforms and social media. Its aim is to create a climate of confusion, polarize societies, and erode social cohesion.”
How are the sons and daughters of God to respond to cognitive warfare?
First, we draw strength from testimonies from the Word of God of how threats were handled.
The Holy Spirit came upon King Saul when he learned of the Ammonite Nahash’s threat and taunts against the men of Jabesh-Gilead. The men of Jabesh-Gilead were not even Israelites. They were aligned with and in relational covenant with the tribe of Benjamin and with Israel. When Saul heard about Nahash’s threats, the Ruach (Spirit) of God suddenly rushed upon Saul, sending Israel’s warriors into battle on Jabesh-Gilead’s behalf (see 1 Samuel 11:6).
Consider also King Hezekiah’s petition to God, following the Assyrian King Sennacherib’s mocking, taunts, and threats against God and God’s people. Despite Hezekiah’s original attempts to appease Assyria by stripping and giving all of the temple gold away, Sennacherib reneged on his word not to attack Judah. Then Sennacherib sent a letter full of threats and blaspheming God. Hezekiah set the letter before the Lord and cried out to the only One on whom he could rely. God then delivered a message of deliverance from evil to Hezekiah through His prophet.
These are testimonies and a shadow of what is our greater authority and power in Christ and what God will do through us, when we mount up with wings like eagles. Like Hezekiah, we can lay the lies before the Lord and seek Him fully. Hezekiah book-ends his prayer with words we can all use: “O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. … Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God, You alone.” We pray that God may be glorified.
Second, let’s remember whose and who we are. The Enemy and his proxies are continuously engaged in spiritual warfare against us and our eternal purpose. He began with his cunning attack against Eve’s mind in the garden and he continues to this day. But he is a defeated foe. When we pray, we can pray knowing that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:9–10).
Third, sometimes it is best to turn off, tune out, or otherwise give no room to the liar’s army of propagandists. Use the reclaimed time to worship, dance, and rejoice in the LORD. For when we take in more of Goliath’s taunts than we have faith to believe for our victory in the battle, the human tendency is to give in to wicked demands or to concede defeat. If we, like King David in Psalm 119:37, petition the LORD to turn our eyes from worthless things, we will be preserved by God’s Word.
Finally, let’s never forget that ours is a better covenant than Saul’s and Hezekiah’s. In our better covenant through Christ, let’s humble ourselves while also boldly declaring: “Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God, You alone” (2 Kings 19:19). God’s demonstrated glory and faithfulness to us is a most powerful evangelism tool for the harvest field.
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Mavourene Robinson began in full-time ministry in 2014, campaigning for the Howard County Public Schools’ Board of Education in 2017–2018, and for the Maryland Senate in 2022. A lifelong learner about the intersections of faith with international relations and domestic policy, Mavourene is actively engaged in intercession for family, government, education, and religion. She releases prophetic insight at Judgment Begins in the House. Photo Credit: PonyWang/Getty Images Signature via Canva Pro.