Feelings of defeat come to us all from time to time. Such feelings come from our Enemy and must be handled by remembering who we are and to whom we belong. If God is for us, no one can defeat us. I would love to hear your comments about how you face feelings of defeat.

2MefromHim Devotionals

Facing Feelings of Defeat

Facing Feelings of Defeat

God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 AMP

Facing feelings of defeat can be a daunting task for anyone, Christians included. Family, job, friends, relationships of all types, health issues, school, all play a part in our innermost feelings. Problems cause me to forget who I am and to whom I belong. Wrong focus depresses me, dominates my days and nights, interferes with other relationships, destroys my health, and distracts me from memories of what God has done in the past and will do again.

When faced with seemingly insurmountable trials that produce feelings of defeat, I focus inward. My eyes turn to the impossibilities, hurt, endlessness, and my own inadequacies. I need to face the facts God presents in his word. I need to focus solely on God and the victory he promises, the hope he offers, and his record of keeping promises.

If I am in Christ, I am a child of the King. My Father created all that exists by his word. No one and nothing can stand against my God. Satan may try his best, but he has already been defeated at the Cross and will someday be finally defeated. The enemy has no power over me unless I focus on failure and allow it. “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 AMP)

I am inadequate in my humanity and don’t know what to do or how the problem I am facing will be resolved, but God is never taken by surprise. He has known what I would face forever. His plan was never for me to be defeated, but to experience victory through him and his insurmountable power. “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, thought its waters roar and foam, through the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” Psalm 46:2-3 AMP)

God is with me whether or not I see him working or feel his presence. He will never forsake me. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 46:11 AMP)

I can rest in peace knowing God is in control and I need do nothing but what he leads me to at the time. The final outcome is in his hands. “He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; he burns the chariots in the fire. Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:9-10 AMP)

Feelings of defeat come from the enemy. I need not give in to them. I need only to allow the Lord to change my focus to what he has done, trust what he is doing now, and what he will do in the future.

© By Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, May 7, 2018

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.