An undertow is: “A current of water below the surface and moving in a different direction from any surface current.” [1]
“Undertow” is a type of pressure that has been coming against many people. And if you can relate to feeling pulled under in any way today, receive this encouragement from the Lord!
He says, “I am overturning that work of the enemy, that has come so heavily against you! I am turning undertow into overflow!”
Today, we declare that every assignment of undertow is broken, in Jesus name. Any device of the enemy that has been hidden, is being revealed.
Hear God say, “You are free to go! You are free to move with Me!”
1. The Undertow of Circumstances
There are times in life when circumstances—or feelings that come with them—threaten to overwhelm us.
Yet there, in the dark and seemingly helpless place, buffeted by a situation that is beyond your control, you are not alone. Your Father is with you.
God wants you to know, He is Lord of the currents, and those waters will not overcome you.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” (Isaiah 43:2 AMP)
The God who parted the waters, who turned the sea into dry land, is your God.
“I am providing you with everything you need and more”, He says. “We will get through this together” (Psalm 23).
2. The Undertow of Spiritual Warfare
Undertow can be caused by spiritual warfare.
David wrote of a time when enemies were coming against them:
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” (Psalm 124: 1,4, NKJV)
Undertow was threatening!
But the God who was with them, was greater than those who were against them! (1 John 4:1)
David was able to declare:
- “He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.” (Psalms 18:16-17, NKJV)
You too can say, “My God is greater than that which has come against me. That undertow is turning into overflow!”
3. The Undertow of Negative Words
An undercurrent occurs when there is a feeling below the surface.
Gossip, criticism, or negative talk happening behind the scenes, will affect the atmosphere.
Not only this, but the enemy will try to project imagined undercurrents—a fear of criticism or threat, even when none exists!
These can become an undertow.
Today, declare that the power of every negative word being spoken against you, is broken in Jesus name!
The effect of words, and fear of harm through others’ opinions, is being cut away from you. Ties and bindings are being broken.
You are free to fly. You are moving into overflow!
Now, you can rise and let out a shout of praise to God:
- “The snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 124:6-7, NKJV)
4. The Undertow of a Python Spirit
“Undertow” can be related to the python spirit, or witchcraft. It may be accompanied by a feeling of suffocation.
When this takes place, you are assailed by fear or self-doubt. There may be fear (intimidation), confusion, threats of death, or other signs of demonic activity.
This kind of undertow may be sudden, or subtle.
You feel as though you are running out of air, and out of time.
You start feeling weak.
But this is a lie of the enemy.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)
At the very moment this work of the enemy is exposed, it loses its grip!
You can breathe again! You are free to make progress. [2]
5. The Undertow of Distraction
Undertow can be the enemy’s attempt to rob you of your peace and focus, when you are on an assignment from God.
Nehemiah is an example of someone who refused to be caught in an undertow!
His enemies were persistent. But, empowered by the Spirit of God, Nehemiah could not be swayed from his purpose.
Nehemiah recognized that his enemies were trying to distract him. But no matter what threats came against him, Nehemiah refused to be carried away by them. [3]
Today, receive the courage to stand firm against forces of distraction that have sought to come against you.
Divine resolve is welling up within you. You are free to focus, and to make progress in what God has called you to do, in Jesus’ Name!
6. The Undertow of Sin
Undertow can be a result of sin.
When someone yields to temptation, they may be carried away by that sin for a time.
This is what happened to Jonah. God sent him on a prophetic mission—but Jonah defiantly sailed in the opposite direction.
Until the Lord sent a storm—and the sailors shoved that unruly prophet out of the boat.
Deep in the waters, caught in the undertow of his disobedience, Jonah cried out in his heart to God.
Repentance is a powerful key, to breaking free of sin’s undertow!
“The waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me; Weeds were wrapped around my head…
“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple.” (Jonah 2:5, 7, NKJV)
The God of mercy heard Jonah, and the fish that swallowed Jonah, spat him out on a beach.
It was a humbler prophet who continued on his mission from God.
And through Jonah, the Holy Spirit brought transformation to a city.
7. The Undertow of Current Events
“Current” events can quickly become just that—a current.
Today’s news media can manipulate the tide of public opinion.
It fuels fear.
Regardless of the media’s viewpoint—actual threats, such as political instability, the economic crisis and the global pandemic, loom all around us.
Right now, no matter where you are, or what is happening around you, your location is this:
“And God…raised us up together [with Christ] and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:6, NKJV)
This is your Kingdom GPS!
This is your real-time location.
Now, your focus can be on what your Father is doing.
Here, set free from the undertow of current events, you are released into the move of the Holy Spirit.
Receive it Back!
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph 3:20 NKJV)
Undertow seeks to rob you of a treasure from God.
This could be your faith, your peace, your confidence.
It could be your direction, or your mission.
Today, a word is going out: “You are set free from undertow!”
Be assured that no place is beyond the reach of your Father’s hand.
As you rise up, you receive a reward far beyond that which you expected.
God says, “I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of the secret places.” (Isaiah 45:3)
And that which tried to plunder you, will be plundered by you.
Leave a Comment
Which (if any) of these types of undertow have you faced lately? (I can relate to 2, 4 and 7)
I’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment or your prayer request in the box below
Notes and Related Posts:
[1] Google search “define undertow” on 15/7/20
[2] See Breath Back: 8 Keys to Breaking Free from a Python Spirit
[3] See 3 Signs Spiritual Warfare is a Distraction
Spiritual Warfare Online Course:
More than ever, we need the Holy Spirit to stir faith within us!
I invite you to join me on my online video course, ‘Spiritual Warfare 101: How to Identify and Overcome Spiritual Attack’
- Are you interested in an approach to spiritual warfare that always leads you back to an attitude of worship?
- Would you like practical and actionable steps to combat spiritual warfare?
- Would you like Biblical tools to help yourself and others identify and overturn spiritual attack?
- Have you experienced oppression or pressure that you believe is from a spiritual source?
If your answer is “yes” to any of the above, and you’d like a faith-based approach to spiritual warfare that is focused more on worship and God’s supremacy than on the demonic realm, this course is for you.
This course includes around 30 mini lectures on video (self-paced learning), and is full of Biblical wisdom and faith-filled strategies to help you overcome in time of battle.
Use the course discussion board to ask questions and share stories.
There is also a downloadable full transcript in PDF version.
Once you’re in the course, there is no expiry date.
Find out more about the course, ‘Spiritual Warfare 101: How to Identify and Overcome Spiritual Attack’ here. Scroll down to see the complete list of lessons and PDFs.
© 2020 Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
Enliven Ministries
In the David McCracken Ministries family
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.

Thank you for the word. It is a personal note from God to me. This light shine, expose and set me free and reverse the affects from the dark undertow currents which chocked me and caused a set back from the vision. But thanks be to God, what the enemy planned for evil, God turned for my good and I am rebound to the perfect plan of God.
Very timely word at a time when I lost faith in God. I felt hopeless, doubtful, fearful because negative words are coming at me. I can identify with #s 1-4. I was weak yesterday into this morning. I was numb, felt nothing. It’s as if everything I believed in seem like a lie. But this word made me realized that I am facing pressures from undertow. But hallelujah my God is turning it into an overflow. I thank you woman of God. I was in a terrible state but this word has pulled me out.
May God continue to bless and direct your path.
This 100% my situation but Godd is faithful and I already see Him plundering everything that ttied to plunder me and working it for my good. God will never leave me nor forsake me and sticks closer than a brother. This prophetic word is 100% accurate and God’s voice has always been revealed to me here. God bless you and the works of your hands Sis. Calder in Jesus name.
Thanks very much woman of God, I thought you are not going to email me again, am very much encouraged, with me it’s just from (1-7) all of them are on me, after this prayer I feel free in Jesus Christ name amen!!!! I’m strong
My WhatsApp number is +260956004080 I love Jesus and please keep on praying for us here in Africa thanks and God continue to bless you amen.
Hi
I can relate to all the points especially 4&5 . Please pray for me that my saviour Jesus releases me and I experience freedom in Christ.
Father, thank you for Wynn. You can see the undertow that he is facing. Right now we stand on your promises and may these issues be plundered and restored, according to your will. Amen.
Karen Stuckey
Enliven Ministries Team Member
Thank you – I could relate very much to the struggle against spiritual undertow. Items 2, 3, 4 and 7 all resonated with me. Even as the current pandemic is unseen, so it is with many spiritual battles. The key is recognizing what is going on beneath the surface. Thanks for the reminder to see beyond the superficial, and find freedom from the things that entrap us. With God all things are possible.
Lord, we stand with Kerry and thank you for the battles that you have broken and will break in the future. Give her the “stones” to throw and remind her of your words in which she stands on. Amen.
Karen Stuckey
Enliven Ministries Team Member