Hope in the Darkness: A Reflection on Spiritual Warfare
There are seasons in life when everything feels like it’s unraveling. The weight of anxiety, grief, discouragement, and confusion presses so heavily that even getting out of bed can feel like a battle. In those moments, we cry out, “Where is God?”
We may not realize it, but what we’re experiencing is more than just emotional or mental distress—it’s often the front lines of a spiritual battle.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12
This verse pulls back the veil. It reveals a reality that’s easy to overlook: our lives are part of a greater, invisible war between light and darkness. But even in the deepest valleys, there’s a hope that never fades—not just a vague optimism, but a living, breathing hope anchored in the power and presence of God.
1. Understanding the Nature of the Battle
Spiritual warfare isn’t just for theologians or missionaries—it’s for every believer. The moment you gave your life to Jesus, you entered a battlefield. And here’s the hard truth: the enemy doesn’t attack those who aren’t a threat. If you’re feeling the heat, it may be because you carry a purpose that terrifies hell.
The enemy’s mission is clear:
“To steal, kill, and destroy.”(John 10:10)
He targets your identity, distorts your view of God, and whispers lies that feed fear, shame, and despair. His tactics are subtle—discouragement, spiritual fatigue, toxic thoughts, and strained relationships.
But there’s power in recognition. Once we realize the battle is spiritual, we stop blaming people or circumstances and start standing in spiritual authority.
2. You Are Not Alone in the Darkness
One of Satan’s most effective lies is isolation. He wants you to believe you’re the only one going through it—that you’ve been abandoned. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Consider these biblical examples:
David cried, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1)
Elijah, overwhelmed and burned out, asked God to end his life (1 Kings 19).
Even Jesus felt crushing sorrow before the cross (Matthew 26:38).
They all faced dark nights of the soul. And God did not abandon them—and He won’t abandon you.
Faith doesn’t deny the pain. It clings to God through it. Hope whispers, “Even here, He is with me.”
3. Equipped for the Battle: The Armor of God
God doesn’t send us into battle unarmed. In Ephesians 6:13–17, Paul lays out the spiritual armor available to every believer:
Belt of Truth – Ground yourself in the truth of who God is and who you are in Him.
Breastplate of Righteousness – You are covered by Jesus’ righteousness. Grace still holds you when you stumble.
Shoes of Peace – Let His peace steady your steps, even in chaos.
Shield of Faith – Protects against doubt, fear, and spiritual attacks.
Helmet of Salvation – Secures your mind with the truth of your identity and eternity.
Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) – Your only offensive weapon. Use it boldly, like Jesus did when tempted.
This armor isn’t just metaphorical. It becomes real as we draw near to Christ and walk daily with Him.
4. Prayer and Praise: Your Greatest Weapons
Too often, prayer is our last resort. But in the kingdom of God, prayer is the first line of defense. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.”
Prayer changes things. It brings clarity, authority, and breakthrough. When you pray, you invite heaven to move on your behalf.
And don’t underestimate praise. In 2 Chronicles 20, when Judah faced an army, Jehoshaphat put worshippers on the front line. As they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever,” God confused their enemies and gave them victory.
Praise doesn’t deny the battle. It declares who wins.
Praise when you feel like giving up. Worship when your heart is breaking. There is power in your praise.
5. Light Always Wins
Here’s the truth the enemy hates: he cannot overcome the Light.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5
Jesus doesn’t just bring light—He is the Light. And when He steps into your situation, darkness has no choice but to flee.
No matter how dark it feels now, this is not the end of your story. Your breakthrough could be one prayer, one worship song, one act of faith away.
6. Holding On to Hope When You Feel Like Letting Go
Let’s be real: sometimes hope feels like a hollow word. When you’re numb, exhausted, and overwhelmed, hope seems far away.
But hope doesn’t mean denying reality. It means believing in a greater one.
It’s holding on to the promise that:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
When you’re too tired to fight, whisper His name. When you can’t see the way forward, just take the next faithful step. The Spirit of God within you is stronger than what’s coming against you.
Hope is not passive. It’s a bold, defiant declaration that God is not done yet.
Reflect and Respond
Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:
Where in your life do you sense spiritual resistance or warfare?
What lies has the enemy been whispering—and what truths from God’s Word can replace them?
Which part of the Armor of God do you need to put on today?
Are you isolating in silence or reaching out for help?
What does it mean for you to choose hope today?
A Prayer for Hope in the Battle
Father, I come before You weary and sometimes overwhelmed, but not without hope. I thank You that even in the darkest places, Your light is never far. Teach me to recognize the battles I face and to stand in the strength of Your Spirit. Help me to wear the armor You’ve given me—not in fear, but in confidence. Remind me that I am not alone. Fill me with Your truth, clothe me in Your righteousness, and steady me with Your peace. When I can’t find the words, let praise rise up in my soul. I declare that You are greater than every enemy I face. My hope is in You, Jesus—the Light that the darkness cannot overcome. In Your mighty name, Amen.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5
You may be in a battle now, but take heart—it’s not your final chapter. The war has already been won. Stand firm. Suit up. Pray boldly. Praise fiercely. And never forget: even in the deepest darkness, you are never without hope.
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3. Embrace Your Victory in Christ
“As a born-again child of God, you are not defined by your past, but by the forgiveness, cleansing, and supernatural authority granted to you by His grace….”- Dr. Hephzibah Christly, TheSpiritualWarrior
Commandant-Spiritual Warfare and Tactics Squad-SWATS
In 1 John 1:9, God promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, the penalty of sin was fully paid (Romans 5:15),
Today, I had the privilege of ministering by video to a congregation in Pakistan.
They were all sitting on the floor. There were lots of women and children in that congregation. A growing church. Their pastor is so blessed.
So much love, joy and peace.
Which brings me to the Apostle Philip. He was very evangelistic. (Acts 8:26-40)
He never hesitated when Jesus called him and he went right ahead and invited Nathaniel to join with the team (see John 1:43-51)
Philip was a great soul winner and was actively involved in all the major aspects of our Lord’s earthly ministry.
After the resurrection, Philip and the other apostles were working in the desert of Samaria, when he was called out and given a special assignment to Gaza.
He was divinely appointed to meet an Ethiopian Eunuch, a high official in Queen Candace court.
Philip explained scriptures to him and later baptized him.
The next we read about Philip in scripture is about his 4 daughters who were prophetesses in Caesarea!
From the desert of Samaria to Caesarea, a wealthy town! What a transformation,
Indeed, the Word is profitable!.
After ministering to the Ethiopian Eunuch the Queen’s treasurer, hardship vanished for Philip.
God rewarded his faithfulness in ministry with supernatural favors.
#MyPrayer4you:
I pray for you that your labors in the service of God will be richly rewarded in the here and hereafter, in Jesus’s name.
You will have supernatural favors, and unlimited goodness in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D.,#TheSpiritualWarrior, February 14th 2025
Bible Base: Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing…
What Are Anxiety Attacks? When unexpected fear and panic overwhelm you, you’re experiencing anxiety attacks.
In today’s world-with rising living costs, job insecurity, family separations, and even fears surrounding immigration enforcement, anxiety is more common than ever.
While these are truly challenging times, remember:
anxiety is a part of life, but how you handle it can determine whether you thrive or suffer.
Understanding Your Anxiety
Identify the Triggers: Take a moment to ask yourself,
“Why am I anxious?” Pinpointing the source of your anxiety can help you process and manage the unfavorable outcomes.
Reflect Like the Psalmist: Consider the words of the Psalmist: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me?”
After discovering the cause, he encouraged himself, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.”
Facing Your Fears
Visualize Outcomes: Imagine both the worst-case and best-case scenarios.
Remember: confronting your fears diminishes their power, whereas avoiding them only allows them to grow.
Scriptural Assurance: The Bible reminds us in 1 John 4:18 that “perfect love drives out fear,” and 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
Do Not Run: Facing your issues head-on prevents the enemy from exploiting your fears (see John 10:10).
Choose the outcome you desire-likely the best-case scenario-and work toward it with courage.
Strengthening Your Faith Confront your fears with unwavering faith in God. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Ask yourself:
Do I believe that God is for me?
Do I believe that God loves me?
Do I believe that God can change my circumstances?
Do I love God? (Remember: perfect love casts out fear. If you love God, you can confidently trust that He’s got you.)
Hinging Your Faith on Who God Is
God’s Promise: Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
Never let worst-case scenarios dictate your fear.
God’s Faithfulness: 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us that whether our faith wavers or not, God remains faithful.
Victory Through Faith: Let your faith in God be your spiritual therapy. It brings peace and empowers you to confront challenges as a victor, not a victim (1 John 5:4).
A Born-Again Reminder: If you are born again, remember 1 John 4:4: “The One who is in you is greater than the one in the world.” And as Romans 8:31 asks, “If God is for you, who can be against you?”
Nourishing Your Mind Your mind is a major battlefield in spiritual warfare. Feed it with the Word of God:
Daily Bible Reading: Let Colossians 3:16 inspire you to allow the doctrines of Christ to dwell in you richly.
Pray Without Anxiety: When your thoughts are grounded in Scripture, you won’t be overwhelmed by anxiety. Instead, you’ll present your requests to God through prayer and supplication.
Remember, fear comes in when you anchor your thoughts on negatives. And fear has torment. So, do not fear. Confront your fears with faith in God.
Prayer Points for Deliverance
Thankfulness: Thank God for the gift of your life.
Acknowledge & Declare: Admit your anxiety, then declare that God’s peace now floods your soul.
Use your Authority in Christ: In the name of Jesus, command the spirits of torment, fears, anxieties, and their relatives, to leave your space and world of influences.
Affirm that you have been given the spirit of power, love and self-control and are now bold and brave.
Present Your Requests: Bring your heartfelt prayers and thanksgiving before God.
Closing Blessing I speak peace to your soul. I pray that God who works in you, will perfect all that concerns you, Be well-in your mind, body, and spirit, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D, TheSpiritualWarrior, February 7, 2023, Revised February 10th 2025
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Subject: Transformation 6: Deliver our children from trauma O God.
We respond differently to intensely stressful situations.
Children who were involved or who witnessed distressing events such as sexual abuses, accidents, natural disasters, etc. can be overwhelmed emotionally or physically.
Because their coping skills are not yet developed, what happened to them or what they witnessed, can have long term effects on them.
Which reminds me of the traumatic event that defined Absalom’s life.
Absalom, David’s third son, had a sister named Tamar.
Tamar was raped (sexually abused) by her half brother Amnon. He humiliated her further by throwing her out.
In her shame and pain, she cried out to Absalom who was her full-brother. He took in his sister and cared for her, for her reputation was ruined!
For two years, their Father David never confronted the issues, and never did.
And for those 2 years, Absalom seethed in anger against both dad and brother.
Eventually, he arranged the cold blooded murder of his brother, and exiled himself, in fear of repercussions from dad.
After an intervention by his uncle, both son and dad were partially reconciled after 3 years.
But the underlying issues were never confronted.
Even though Absalom was pardoned, he was not restored. David refused to have any relationship with him.
For an additional 2 years he lived in disgrace in the same city that the events happened.
Which further fed his deep seated anger and resentment against his dad.
In revenge, he began to stealthily undermine his father’s rule, to attract attention. But dad ignored him.
After 4 years, he cracked fully. There was full-blown rebellion and he declared himself king.
A war ensued, and Absalom was killed. Read the bulk of the story in 2nd Samuel, chapters 13-19.
Although David regained his throne, but, at what cost?
Many of us as parents may have traumatized our children further by our inactions and actions, thereby, deforming their personalities for life.
1). Can you relate to the issues raised in this narrative?
2). Are you currently isolated by your children?
3). Are you ready to
restitute, reconcile and restore your children or be restored by them and lead a transformed life?
4). Are you ready to pray?
We must learn from the mistakes of others and not perpetuate them.
The Bible says, in 1 Corinthians 10:11, that these things happened to them as examples, and are written for our admonition.
Call to Action: #PrayerPoints4Today – Christian Spiritual Therapy
*As a parent, you need to ask God’s forgiveness for your bad parenting skills.
* Forgive your children for all the annoying things they did to you. (Which effectively disable all demonic activities)
*Ask God to intervene supernaturally to reconcile you with your children.
*Command all evil spirits of anger, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, deception, and fear, to disassociate and go at once to the feet of Jesus Christ.
*Command also the spirits of rejection, lying, perversion as well as those influencing the rejection syndrome, and hard-heartedness, to leave your bloodlines at once, and go to the feet of Jesus Christ, with all their relatives.
*Release to yourself and your children, the anointing of God’s Spirit that brings forgiveness, restitution, reconciliation, restoration and transformation.
*Speak peace to your children. Bless them from your heart.
*Address all the areas that they are struggling with, and bless them to succeed and prosper.
*Declare that your children shall live a long healthy and prosperous life.
*Reach out to your children and apologize to them for all the traumatic experiences in their childhood.
*Bless yourself, and thank God for these teachings.
Although the Psalmist, while facing some unrelenting issues, cried out to God for healing, but he cried all the more for mercy.
[2] “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
[4] Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: Oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.” (Psalm 6:2,4 KJV)
What is mercy?
Biblically, while Grace refers to God giving you what you do not deserve, Mercy speaks of God withholding from you what you deserve, such as judgment, condemnation, etc, and giving you undeserved kindness, compassion, and His righteousness.
#Testimony:
Which reminds me of my early years as a Missionary in a rural community in Africa.
I had no sponsorship, and had to minister God’s grace to a very poor community, from nothing.
I was always hungry and sick. The poverty and hardship was unbearable and frustrating.
I kept praying but it seemed God was too far away to even hear me.
Then, one day, it dawned on me to stop all those religious prayers and humbly ask God to just show me mercy.
That changed everything for me.
You must learn how to pray correctly.
You may be asking God for money or material things, with the thinking that these will solve all your problems.
Although material blessings might solve some problems, temporarily, only God’s mercy endures forever.
Therefore, if you are going through unrelenting health or marital issues, or whatever else is plaguing you, just cry out to God for His Mercy to prevail over judgment.
One of the things that I did when I was experiencing so much resistance against my progress in life and ministry, was to do a topical study of mercy. In order to understand what mercy involves, so that I could pray from a place of faith and conviction.
Never give up on yourself nor accept negatives as God’s will for you.
Fight the good fight of faith.
Fight your problems. Refuse to accept bad theological arguments, that positions you for unnecessary troubles.
It is true that scripture says that ‘the poor you will have with you always’, but nowhere in that scripture was your name mentioned!
Reposition yourself for victory with what Christ accomplished for you!
Keep asking for your miracle until God’s mercy manifests miraculously.
Read Psalm 7 for tomorrow.
I pray that God’s grace and mercy will speak and work for you, in every aspect of your life and ministry, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D., #TheSpiritualWarrior, January 6th 2025.
As we draw nearer to the end of our 40 days of self humbling spiritual exercise, it is important to clearly define who our Leader is.
Scripture says in Romans 8:14, that all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Again in Proverbs we are instructed to lean on God, and to trust in Him with all our hearts, acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will show us which path to take. (Read Proverbs 3: 5-6).
If in previous years, you relied on family, friends, and secular professionals to lead you, how well did it work for you?
It is foolish to keep on doing the same thing and expect a different result.
You may not realize it, but anything that you exalt above the knowledge of God in your life has become your idol.
You are challenging the authority of God in your life, by that behavior, if you are born again.
Can a person play with fire and not get burnt? Can a person quarrel woth his/her Maker and not face defeat?
If you really desire for the course of your life and circumstances to change, you need to renew your mind, and take a stand today, to cast down all imaginations and all high things that are exalted above God in your life.
In Jeremiah 17:5, this is what God says: “Cursed [with great evil] is the strong man who trusts in and relies on frail man, making weak [human] flesh his arm, and whose mind and heart turn aside from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5 AMPC)
If you sincerely want to know who or what you trust, answer this question to settle it for you.
Question:
Who, or what comes to your mind first, when you have a problem?
Your answer is the person or thing you trust.
Effects:
That is the reason for the hardships and destitution, rejections and consecutive failures, as well as barrenness, sterility, unproductivity, and related evils that you are experiencing. (Read Jeremiah 17:6)
The Christian who enthrones ideologies, philosophies, personalities and anything else that contradicts God’s Word, is a magnet that attracts negatives.
Check your life and make the necessary corrections- repent, and cast them down (Read 2 Corinthians 10:5), and make God the King of your life.
Give God all due the respect. He loves you, saves you, and never fails.
GOD loves you with an everlasting love and draws you with unfailing kindness and continued faithfulness.( Read Jeremiah 31:3)
When your life is in alignment with God’s Word and His ways, you ”shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8 AMPC)
In summary, in order to enjoy the benefits of salvation, experience, and display the AWESOMENESS OF GOD, you must humble yourself and be led by our Holy God.
Read your Bible. Know God for yourself. Search the scriptures and apply it to your real-time.
#Prayer4Today:
Our Prayer today is from Psalm 5:8, which says;
“Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way level (straight and right) before my face”(AMPC), in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
For tomorrow, proceed to Psalm 6, we are stopping this fasting series with Psalm 9.
Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D., #TheSpiritualWarrior, January 5th 2025
We had a great meeting and time went by so quickly. Please accept my apology for posting this content so late.
We serve an Eternal God who continues to do good, and who is absolutely trustworthy.
One of the ways to grow in your faith-walk with God is to review His past dealings with you.
If He showed up for you in the past when you had trouble, be rest assured that He will still show up for you 💯 in this time of trouble. Because that is who HE is.
Back in the era of the Judges in the Bible, there was so much lawlessness in the land, and everyone did what seemed right to them (See Judges 17:6).
And surely as God is God, He showed up from when they rebelled, through when the enemies took advantage of their rebellion to torment, torture and terrorize them. And He was always quick to deliver them from their strong foes, when they repented and realigned with Him (God), and He will quickly rescue them again.
Although it was a circle of sin, discipline, repentance, restoration and sin; God never failed His people.
Again and again, He showed up strong for them.
Run with that knowledge this year, that God will never fail you when you call out to Him for help.
Just as our meditation verse for today says;
“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. THOU HAST ENLARGED ME WHEN I WAS IN DISTRESS; Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1 KJV, emphasis mine)
The Amplified Classic rendered the highlighted sentence as, “You have freed me when I was hemmed in, and enlarged me when I was in distress…” Psalm 4:1b AMPC.
#MyPrayer4you:
I pray that God, our righteousness and justice shows up in His awesome glory in your life.
I proclaim your liberty from all cycles of defeat, frustrating circumstances , helplessness, addictiveness, marital troubles, unrelenting health issues and financial challenges.
As it is written that whatever we lose on earth is loosed in heaven, I hereby lose the goodness of God, and command all injustices to stop, and I affirm that sin no longer has dominion over you.
For Surely, goodness and mercy follows you, all the days of your life, and you will continue to develop Christ-like characteristics, in Jesus’s mighty name.
We continue tomorrow with Psalm 5.
Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D., #TheSpiritualWarrior, December 4th, 2025.
You may have come a long way, but eternity which is longer, is still way ahead.
So, this year is the time to be effective in displaying the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), as you look forward to eternal life with Christ Jesus.
As you begin this journey into this new season, be rest assured and know that,
“All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV.
Therefore, grow in the love of God, and work at your calling.
So that, you will fulfill God’s purpose for your life effortlessly, with the cooperation of everything in creation.
Refuse to be distracted by the rumors, political gymnastics, religious bigotry, and socio-economic drama.
Because, if you observe those lying vanities, you will forsake your own mercy. (See Jonah 2:8), and share in the iniquities of others.(1 Timothy 5:22)
Instead, focus on the AWESOMENESS of God who forms light, creates darkness, makes peace, creates evil, and never lies.
If He said it, He will do it.
He is God alone, and He created this vast universe, all by Himself. (See Isaiah 45:7, Numbers 23:19, Nehemiah 9:6)
I encourage you this year to commence a journey of knowing God more, and start a daily Bible Exercise to help build up your Spiritual muscles.
Set a goal to go through Genesis to Revelation within six (6) months. You need to push yourself and leave your comfort zone.
I pray that from this year on, you will experience God’s awesomeness in new ways, and become that person that people will see, and their eyes will have respect for God, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
Have an excellent great year displaying the AWESOMENESS of GOD.
Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D., #TheSpiritualWarrior, January 1st, 2025.
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