Five Daily Battles
The Five Daily Battles
Every single one of us is engaged in a battle every day, whether we realize it or not. This battle isn't just against external forces but also against ourselves and the world around us. The small, seemingly insignificant battles we face daily ultimately determine the course of our lives, affecting our mental health, relationships, families, and finances.
What is the spiritual battle we face as Christians?
Ephesians 6 reminds us that "we're not fighting a battle against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world." As Christians, we believe there is an unseen realm where spiritual forces operate. But not every battle is purely spiritual.
First John 2 tells us that "all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." So our battle is threefold:
Against the enemy
Against ourselves
Against the world's influence
Why do our daily choices matter so much?
These little battles, temptations, and struggles we face every day are connected to our lives as a whole. There's no escaping the fight, so the question becomes: how will we respond?
According to God's Word, every trial isn't just a struggle—it's an opportunity for God to take ground in our lives. Each struggle offers a chance to grow in character, love, freedom, and Christlikeness.
The fight isn't a sign that you're failing; it's a sign that you're alive and that God is working in your life.
How does our mindset affect our spiritual battles?
Our mindset is the first line of defense in this fight. It's our mental filter—the lens through which we perceive and respond to the world around us. Your mindset determines your experience of life.
Two people can go through the same trial, yet one emerges stronger and more faithful while the other becomes hopeless and defeated. The difference lies in their mindset—how they perceive what's happening to them.
For those anchored in Christ, we understand that God can use all things for our good and His glory, giving us hope even in despair.
What are the five daily battles we must fight?
1. Self-Reliance vs. Surrender
In God's kingdom, surrender is the pathway to victory. As we surrender our will to God's will, we find true freedom. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" (Matthew 6), and He modeled this in Gethsemane, saying "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).
But surrender isn't passive—it's an active choice requiring action. Romans 12 calls us to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" and to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." God won't do it for you, but you can't do it without God. As you make new choices and surrender to Him, the Holy Spirit provides strength to continue.
2. Comfort vs. Joy
James 1:2-4 tells us to "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds." Why? Trials produce perseverance, which leads to maturity and completeness.
When triggered or facing trials, it's easy to run back to familiar ruts for comfort. But we need to dig new trenches toward joy. This means making new choices—perhaps confession, changing phone habits, joining recovery groups, or finding new friends who point you toward Christ.
New habits and actions lead to a new life. That's what surrender looks like—picking up a shovel and digging a path toward freedom.
3. Distraction vs. Attention
Jesus said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light" (Matthew 6:22-23). What will you give your attention to? Who is forming your opinions and shaping your worldview?
We live in an "attention economy" where your focus is one of the scarcest resources on the planet. Companies and influencers know that if they can grab your attention, they can affect your life—your spending, choices, and values.
A simple practice that can change your mindset: Scripture before screen. Before checking news, social media, or messages in the morning, open a physical Bible. Start your day by surrendering your attention to God, and watch what happens to your mind and heart.
4. Shallow vs. Deep
Just focusing on external behaviors doesn't work—you must address root causes. Proverbs 4 says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
If you find yourself caught in destructive patterns, ask yourself why you keep returning to them. Take time to reflect, journal, or seek counseling to uncover what's driving these behaviors. Is it anxiety, fear, insecurity, or past trauma?
Our vices and addictions aren't the problem—they're symptoms of deeper issues. We must bring these things into the light and seek healing for the root causes if we want lasting change.
5. Shame vs. Grace
Ephesians 2:4 reminds us that "God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ."
When you put your faith in Christ, you move from death to life. Though the journey of sanctification continues, you never graduate from needing the gospel. You'll never reach a point where you're not fully dependent on Jesus.
The beauty is that even while we're in process, God sees us through the perfect lens of Christ. His perfection counts for us, and His blood has washed away our sins. We fight from a place of victory, not to earn God's love but because He already loves us.
Life Application
This week, I challenge you to identify which of these five battles is most prominent in your life right now. Is it surrendering control? Choosing joy over comfort? Guarding your attention? Going deeper instead of staying on the surface? Or accepting grace instead of living in shame?
Take one practical step to engage in that battle differently:
Start each day with "Scripture before screen."
Journal about the root causes behind a recurring struggle
Make one new choice that digs a trench toward joy instead of returning to old ruts
Practice surrendering a specific area to God daily
Ask yourself:
What old ruts am I continually returning to, and what deeper needs am I trying to meet?
Where am I giving my attention first thing each day, and how is that shaping my mindset?
In what area of my life do I need to move from self-reliance to surrender?
Remember, the fight isn't a sign that you're failing—it's a sign that you're alive in Christ, and He is working in you. You fight from victory, not for victory.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Joy- Chandler Moore
Bless God- Brooke Ligertwood
See A Victory-Elevation Worship
WFC Speedway
My Testimony- Elevation Worship
House of Miracles- Brandon Lake
Same God- Elevation Worship
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong United
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
