Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotion written for Devotionals Daily by Philip Anthony Mitchell, author of Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within.
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Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. — Psalm 42:11 ESV
There is a time and place for contending publicly with the threats coming against the church and those who belong to Christ. Standing up for the Gospel and the saving grace of Jesus in the face of a hostile culture takes conviction, boldness, and confidence.
Even so, while external courage is important, it is not sustainable without the private, inward work of growing in faith. The problem is, nobody warns you about the battle that happens after you close the door. The one nobody sees. It’s just you, your thoughts, and a darkness that knows your name.
This battle is deeply private. It’s the daily, unseen work of bringing your thoughts and feelings under Christ when the flesh pulls away. It’s the teenager sitting alone in a crowded room, convinced nobody would notice if they disappeared. It’s the pastor shutting his office door after a Sunday gathering, wondering if anything he said resonated. It’s the mother sitting in a parked car in her own driveway, not ready to go inside and pretend she’s okay.
In those moments, the battle turns inward. Doubt assaults the heart, and shame tightens its grip. Despair quickly creeps in and tells you tomorrow will look just as bad as today. Most believers live this fight daily, but not everybody talks about it. What happens in that room shapes everything that happens outside of it. Your private struggle determines whether your outward witness can last.
Why the Inner Battle Matters
The Scriptures don’t leave room for confusion here. Jesus taught that
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. — Matthew 12:34
What flows out of a person—their words, decisions, leadership, or acts of courage—rises from their inner life. Proverbs reinforces this truth, commanding us to keep our hearts “with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
God cares more about the altar of the heart than whatever you’re doing publicly to look strong in faith.
When your inner life is nonexistent or grows weak, your public ministry becomes a performance.
During a season of deep depression, among the many lessons God taught me was my need to admit the struggle and resist the temptation to hide it away. Seeking help was one of the hardest things I had ever done, but my surrender was faith in disguise.
Five Ways to Keep the Faith When You Feel Hopeless
If you are struggling with any inner battle, as I was, I urge you, first, to let God’s mercy be your refuge. Mercy keeps you afloat when guilt threatens to drown you. When despair finds you, mercy will meet you there, reminding you that the darkest night is not the end of your story.
- Dawn is coming, and with it, the assurance that Christ will finish what He began.
Second, don’t shrug off your fight as meaningless. The enemy keeps whispering you’re doomed, but Christ’s mercy is on its way. Reject Satan’s lies and keep yourself in the love of God by staying close to Him, even if He feels distant.
Third, recognize the lies that might sound rational but are keeping you down. Such as:
“If I’m weak, I’m unfit.” When perfection feels like the only proof of faith, remember Psalm 103:13–14:
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.
“Everyone thinks I’ve failed.” When you feed into the lie that others’ opinions define your worth, recite John 12:43:
For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
“This will never change.” When despair paints a bleak future, declare Lamentations 3:22–23 over your thoughts:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
“Yes, but not for me.” When shame says that mercy has run out, cling to 1 Timothy 1:15–16:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life.
Fourth, keep this promise in mind: The One who calls us to fight is also the One who keeps us as we fight. Your Father holds you fast through every rise and fall. Every prayer you whisper through gritted teeth reaches His throne. He never slumbers.
Fifth, take heart: When faith gives way to sight, you will remember how your perseverance, fragile as it felt, was held up by His strength. The scars you thought disqualified you will shine as trophies of grace. The inward fight, brutal as it was, will shape you for glory.
You Do Not Have to Fight Alone
If you’re sitting in your own quiet room right now, wondering whether you will make it through, hear me: The God who carried me through my darkest night is the God standing with you in yours. He will not let you go.
Battles of mind and battles of heart are inevitable. Resolve to contend inwardly—to keep persevering through every mental and emotional struggle. When you feel hopeless and ready to give up, fight back and don’t relent or quit. God is with you!
Finally, healing begins when hiding ceases to be an option. If you are dealing with any form of these internal battles, I encourage you to reach out to a pastor, friend, or counselor for the help you need.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are very near me, present to help in my time of trouble. I cry out to You now, Lord. Meet me with Your mercy, grace, healing, and hope, I pray, in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
Written for Devotionals Daily by Philip Anthony Mitchell, author of Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within.
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Your Turn
Has hopelessness crept up on you? Do you feel alone, full of doubt, shame, or even despair? God Almighty is with you. Keep the faith by practicing Philip’s five steps. Christ will finish what He began. ~ Devotionals Daily