The War We’re Already In: Fighting Battles We Can’t See

Can I just be real with you for a second?

I forget this sometimes too…

But we’re in a battle. Every single day.

Not just when things are falling apart.

Not just when you’re having a rough week.

Every day.

Whether we realize it or not, whether we want to acknowledge it or not…

It’s happening.

The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat this. It actually spends a lot of time trying to prepare us for it. Ephesians 6 tells us straight up:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)

Why armor? Because we’re in a war.

And no, not a war with your boss.

Not with your spouse.

Not even with your anxiety.

This is deeper than that. This is about the enemy of your soul — the one the Bible says is prowling like a lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

The enemy isn’t creative… but he’s persistent.

And honestly? Most days the battlefield is right here …in our minds.

The War In My Head (And Probably Yours Too)

Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds daily. And if I’m honest, that’s where I struggle the most.

Because the enemy’s strategy hasn’t changed:

Temptation.

Deception.

Distraction.

That’s it. That’s the whole playbook.

He can’t make us do anything — but he sure is good at convincing us to want it.

I hear the same whispers you probably do:

“It’s just this once.”

“You deserve this.”

“God understands.”

“It’s really not that big of a deal.”

And if I’m not careful, I find myself overthinking, second-guessing, and honestly… talking myself into things I already know God said no to.

But here’s what I have to remind myself: God always provides a way out.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Temptation gets loud.

But self-control — the kind the Holy Spirit gives — gets louder when we let it.

The Armor I Have to Remember to Put On

God didn’t leave us to figure this out alone.

He gave us exactly what we need: His armor.

The belt of truth

The breastplate of righteousness

The shoes of peace

The shield of faith

The helmet of salvation

The sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) (Ephesians 6:14-17)

This isn’t poetic. It’s practical.

Because you and I? We can’t walk onto a battlefield unarmed.

You don’t fight overthinking with “good vibes.”

You fight it with truth.

You don’t win over temptation with sheer willpower. You win it with self-control — and that’s only possible through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we practice self-control, we close the door the enemy thought he had cracked open.

What I’m Learning to Do

1.Renew My Mind

Every day. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I think I’ve “got this.” I don’t.

I need God’s Word — not just my opinions, not just motivational quotes.

2.Call Out the Lies

If it’s rooted in fear, shame, doubt, or guilt — it’s not from God. Period.

I’m learning to call it out and replace it with truth. Sometimes out loud.

3.Pray Like I Mean It

Prayer isn’t background noise. It’s the strategy meeting for my soul.

4.Guard My Peace

I’m paying more attention to what I allow in — what I watch, what I scroll, what I listen to. Not because I’m being legalistic, but because my peace matters.

If You’re Fighting This Too

You’re not alone.

I’m still figuring this out.

But here’s what I do know: The enemy only has one weapon — temptation. He’s good at it. But God is greater.

You’ve been given authority.

You’ve been given armor.

You’ve been given the mind of Christ.

So even when it feels hard, even when it feels exhausting — we can win.

Not because we’re strong.

But because He is.

The battle isn’t going away.

But neither is the victory Jesus already secured for us.