12 Bible Verses about Spiritual Battles
Spiritual battles are at the heart of every Christian life and can be a source of fear or confusion. Indeed, the presence of evil is very real in the world, and we all have to fight, at some point in our lives, against dark forces.
Saint Paul himself explained: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12). Spiritual battles are sometimes quite arduous, and it is not easy to know how to conduct them.
Here are 12 passages from the Bible on spiritual battles that fortify us in moments of distress and that assure us that victory is already acquired for those who remain with God!
12 Bible verses about spiritual struggles and the deliverance promised to us
Spiritual combat is at the heart of all Christian life
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
Spiritual struggle, path to eternal life
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)
Victory is already assured!
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8)
“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1:19)
We possess spiritual weapons to face the enemy
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
“He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18-19)
The Eternal watches over everyone, day and night
“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalms 121:7-8)
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
No evil reaches he who lives in God
“... One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.” (1 John 5:18)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
The strength of prayer when we are in distress
“and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalms 50:15)
With Hozana, pray in community to be assisted and saved in your spiritual battles!
Spiritual combat is a difficult reality that concerns every Christian. But for those who remain in God, victory is assured. So equip the weapons of spiritual warfare and ask for deliverance by joining the prayer communities on Hozana!
- Follow a 9-day spiritual path to become aware of the “structures of sin” and choose the paths of life!
- In a world where the forces of evil are strongly present, follow a path of healing twice per month with the archangel saint Michael!
FAQ About Spiritual Warfare
What is spiritual warfare according to the Bible?
Spiritual warfare is the inner battle we wage against everything that can separate us from God: our false beliefs, idols (meaning the things we prioritize too highly or in which we seek happiness and security—such as money, approval, appearance, etc.), our fears, and more.
Each of us must face this battle, and temptations are frequent. In the Gospels, Jesus goes into the wilderness after His baptism and faces the devil’s temptations:
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil.” (Luke 4:1–2, NIV)
He engages in spiritual warfare and emerges victorious—”filled with the Holy Spirit.” We, too, can ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to give us strength, courage, and discernment in life’s battles.
What are the 7 Psalms for spiritual warfare?
In the book of Psalms, many passages can aid us in spiritual battles. There are often references to 7 Psalms of warfare (the number 7—connected to the 7 days of creation—symbolizes completeness), just as there are 7 Psalms of protection. In reality, many Psalms can be recited when we feel weak, in need of guidance, protection, support from God, or deliverance from what binds us.
Here are 7 Psalms that can help in trials:
- Psalm 91 – Psalm of protection
- Psalm 130 – Psalm for crying out to the Lord for help
- Psalm 143 – Psalm of deliverance
- Psalm 35 – Psalm against persecution
- Psalm 27 – Psalm for regaining courage
- Psalm 23 – Psalm for restoring faith and hope
- Psalm 38 – Psalm of repentance
Which saint should we pray to in spiritual warfare?
The saint we turn to for help and protection in spiritual battles is St. Michael the Archangel. Indeed, Michael is the leader of the heavenly armies—the one who fights the dragon (that is, the devil) in the book of Revelation.
Here is a prayer to him:
“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
