What does it mean to “cast out demons”?

“I’m struggling with my demons,” I’ve heard people say. They’re talking about a mental struggle or wrestling with some inner turmoil. It’s not uncommon for these “demons” of fear, anger, or sadness to appear during difficult times. But are such struggles inevitable? Can people ever be rid of their “demons”? 

I’ve been comforted to know that these difficulties can be overcome. This message is promoted throughout the Bible, and especially through the teachings of Christ Jesus, who asked his disciples to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons” (Matthew 10:8, Amplified Bible). Not only did Jesus expect his original disciples to follow in his footsteps, but he said that those who believe in his resurrection would be able to heal others, too (see Mark 16:17–20). 

According to what Jesus taught and proved, these difficulties—or “demons,” as the Bible described them—were not seen as part of the individuals themselves. For example, when Jesus was confronted by a troubled man who said, “Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us?” Jesus commanded the “unclean spirit” to “come out of him,” and it did (Mark 1:23–27). If the mental distress were a natural part of the man, would Jesus have told it to “come out” of him?