When You Feel Surrounded: How God Fights Our Battles

​Sometimes life feels overwhelming — like we’re completely surrounded by a battle we didn’t see coming. We feel under attack, unsure if we can hang on much longer. We know something’s not right, we know we’re vulnerable, but we’re not sure what we can do about it.
That’s where the psalmist finds himself in Psalm 3 — and I think many of us can relate.
He starts by crying out: “O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me…”

​Picture this: you’re completely outnumbered — there’s danger closing in from all directions — financial struggles, health issues, conflict at home or at work — whatever it might be. It feels overwhelming. It feels awful. And you’re wondering, Who’s going to come to my rescue?


The real battle
One thing Scripture makes clear is that our greatest battle isn’t against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6). Our greatest battle is against the lies we believe, disordered desires we chase, and a way of thinking that disregards God’s power and care.

• The first battle we face is self-deception — believing we’re all on our own, or that we’re not worth much, or that God isn’t there.
• The second is misordered desires — thinking happiness comes from something other than Him.
• The third is the way the world operates — a way of power and control that disregards humility, service, and peace.

Lift up your head — God is your refuge
In the chaos, we often hang our heads in shame, overwhelm, or pure exhaustion. But Scripture says:
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts up my head.” (Psalm 3:3)
Picture someone cupping your face, lifting your chin upward — that's what God does for us. He helps us lift our heads and see our struggles in proper perspective. We are not defeated; we are not without refuge. Our help comes from the Lord.
“I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.”

Our battle plan: Arise, Lord
When we’re battling overwhelm, we can follow the psalmist’s lead. We can call upon God:
“Arise, Lord… deliver me.”
This isn’t a weak or wishful prayer; it's a battle plan. We’re asking God to step into our struggles and do what we cannot do ourselves — to bring peace, justice, resolution, or whatever is needed.
Beth Moore put it powerfully: “Nobody appreciates deliverance like those who’ve nearly been destroyed.”
When we come through the fire, we appreciate God’s faithfulness all the more.

We know we’ve already won
This is the best news of all: we’re not battling toward a future win — we’re battling with a guaranteed win.
Through the cross, Jesus already defeated the greatest enemies we face — sin, death, and the power of darkness.
He’s gone before us.
He’s made a way.
He’s secured our future.
And we can rest in that today.

Whatever you’re up against — financial struggles, health issues, difficult relationships — you do not fight alone.
Your God is your refuge.
He lifts your head.
He answers your prayers.
He’s already gone before you — and through Him, we’re more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)

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