A Prayer for When You're in the Heat of the Battle
- Debbie McDaniel iBelieve Contributing Writer
- Published Jul 20, 2020
Some days get hard. We feel exhausted and worn. Tired of fighting and ready to give up. Feeling like we can’t go on or still struggling through defeat. The enemy seems to be hot on our trail, and we wonder if we’ve been left on our own.
But no matter what we find ourselves up against in these days, one thing is true – God is near. He will never leave us to fend for ourselves and try to fight our own battles. He reminds us through His word that He is the One who is greater than anything we may face.
When we choose to live as salt and light in a dark world, we will encounter obstacles. The enemy is stirred to action and will do all that he can to hurl attacks in our direction. And other times, just the struggles and uncertainties of daily life mount up high.
None of us are immune. Life can feel hard. And often there’s not even just one “big” thing, but lots of little battles that can drain us dry. Troubles in parenting and marriage, difficult relationships, fears, worries, illness, debt, facing loss and discouragement—it can all leave us feeling completely drained.
For those who are experiencing those tough struggles today, here’s a prayer to help you find strength again. Remember, you are sheltered safely in the refuge of our Almighty God.
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Richard Felix
A Prayer for When You’re in the Heat of the Battle:
Dear God,
The troubles that surround us feel like they’re pressing in. We feel overwhelmed and burdened down with so many cares. Please help us to find our strength in you again, renew our hearts, and turn our focus back to you. We need you today and every day.
The world seems dark and the spiritual battles we’re facing are real. Thank you, Lord, for your reminders, that you hold the victory over sin and death, and came to set the captives free. We’re so grateful for the redemptive work you’ve done in our lives, and for the freedom and hope only you can bring. Your Word reminds us to “stand our ground,” and that’s what we will do, in the power of your Name. We know the enemy we face has no control over us, and we bring your truth straight against his schemes. Thank you that we’re never alone, for you are constantly at work on behalf of your children—shielding, protecting, strengthening, bringing to light what needs to be known, and covering us from danger even when we’re unaware.
We ask for your wisdom and spiritual discernment to recognize what we’re up against and to live strong through your Spirit within us. We ask that you remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers. Please help us to stay alert in this world, to be salt and light, living a life of love and grace. We choose to put on your armor every day, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in the battles.
Thank you that you are far greater than anything we face in this life, and we have overcome, because you’ve set us free. We thank you for your truth that, “no weapon formed against you will prosper.”
Lord, we ask for your peace, for your protection to surround us and carry us through the most difficult of days. We trust you for your constant work on our behalf. We ask you to bring justice and extend mercy. We ask that you would bring light, knowing that you alone are able to expose the deeds of darkness.
Thank you for the power of your presence living in us and through us. Thank you that you go before us and you cover us from behind. May your name be glorified in our lives as you are building greatness through the heat of hard times. We love you Lord; we choose to hold fast to you alone.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
The Power of God’s Word When Facing Battles:
Praying God’s words back to Him is a powerful weapon against the forces of evil. It is truth going out. It reminds us that God knows our way and understands what we face today. It builds our faith and trust in God. It guards our hearts and focuses our minds back on Him.
20 Verses to Help You Find Strength in the Heat of Hard Times:
“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…” Psalm 91:1-4
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Isaiah 43:1-3
“The battle belongs to the Lord…” 1 Samuel 17:47
“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
“’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you…” Deuteronomy 33:27
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:11-13
“…Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
A Reminder for Those Facing Hard Times Today:
If you find yourself facing hard struggles today, please know you're not alone. Neither are you left to fight on your own. Many of us are in the battle with you, and God is the one who fights on behalf of His children, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening, even when we're unaware.
He's given us His word, that is powerful and true, so we'll have the wisdom to stand against the enemy. We never have to walk in fear, for when we belong to Christ, the enemy doesn’t have the final word over us. We’re secure in God's hands and He promises to give peace. We can stand firm in Him knowing this, without a doubt, we never fight alone.
He is with you. Always.
And He fights for you today.
Peace.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog debbiemcdaniel.com.