The Battle Within You
The Battle Within You
Lord, why do I still have this inner conflict of wanting to please you while also wanting things that aren’t pleasing to you?
You know that nothing good lives in you, that is, in your sinful nature. You want to do what is right, but you can’t. You want to do what is good, but you don’t. But if you do what you don’t want to do, you are not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in you that does it.
Romans 7:18-20
How can I possibly overcome this inner conflict and truly desire to please you?
Who will free you from this life that is dominated by sin and death? The answer is in Jesus Christ. Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with me and new life for everyone. So just as sin ruled over you and brought you to death, now my wonderful grace rules instead, giving you right standing with me and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Romans 7:24-25; Romans 5:18, 21
What can I pray as I struggle to have victory over this conflict?
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.
Psalm 86:5, 12-13
The inner conflict we experience between desiring God but also wanting and doing things we know aren’t pleasing to him points to the fact that God doesn’t have our full loyalty yet. Since we are believers in Jesus, sin no longer has the power to control us, but it will still put up a good fight until Jesus comes again to rid the world of sin forever. Until then, we fight an inner spiritual battle every day. Do you sense this inner conflict in yourself? Read this evening’s prayer, allowing it to lead you to the one who provides ultimate victory over sin and grace for today’s mistakes.
From the book
