Ever get in your own head?

Internal versus external battles.

Internal battles rage within your mind, your family, your organization. Many times these battles are not expected. These are areas that are normally unified. These are areas that we all need unified for a life of peace. But, nevertheless, we all have these internal battles going on.

Now, the external battles are more expected. The competition, the rival, those that seem to be always against us, antagonizing. These battles will be perpetual, and should be expected. Like internal battles, we also all have these battles raging in our lives.

The apostle Paul, who lived about 2,000 years ago, was no different.

Paul’s first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13 and 14. Every city he visits, he faces extreme persecution and resistance. He expected it. Jesus had predicted it.

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. Acts 14:19-20

In this example, Paul was stoned. Other times, he fled, as he was ran out of town. But, Paul kept at it, never backing down. He had a mission, and he expected resistance from those external forces.

But, Paul also faced internal battles, the unexpected ones.

After returning from his first missionary journey, celebrating the great successes, in Acts 15, the internal battle happened.

Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” Acts 15:5

This particular chapter and verse points to an internal battle within the church. People that should have been shoulder-to-shoulder in unity, celebrating with Paul, pointed fingers. They called him out for what he was doing.

Not only did Paul have to do battle with external forces, he had to battle internal forces as well.

Our lives are no different. We should expect those external battles. They will happen, and they can’t be controlled. Individuals that antagonize, point fingers, the competition, rivals, you name it, we will always have external battles.

But, those internal battles are different. These are the battles that we can manage. These are the battles that we must avoid. These are the battles that can suck the life out of us.

Three of the top internal battles are the mind, a family, and a company, and I think most can relate.

Within our mind, we draw conclusions about life, about people, about, you name it. Our mind’s conclusions are not facts, leading us to paranoia, lack of peace. The worst thing about this battle is that it never leaves, it is always with you. When you lay down at night to sleep, the battle ensues. When you try to relax, there it is. The battle has a tendency to always rage.

Internal battles can also impact a family. A family should be unified. When the world is against you, we should be able to go to our families for peace, for solace, for unity. Our homes should be a safe haven for our kids. But, families have their share of internal battles. From different points of view to different personalities, these battles can wreak havoc on lives. There is a tendency to promote these battles, when peace is easily found.

And, finally, battles within companies. Jealousy, title, power, unrelenting views, politics, you name it, and companies have internal battles. They all do. Walk the halls of large companies, hang by the coffee pot, and you will hear the battles. And, the negative travels the hallway faster than the positive. When a company can unify against the competition, there is power, peace, and joy. People will stay with that company.

So, yes, there will be external battles always. But, our goal in life should be to extinguish those internal battles, and we have a constant solution.

God is an anchor in the storm. This is true. He is the only One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Consistently acting, consistently present, consistently ready to listen, consistently ready to help.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

The Psalmist says it this way.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

God is present always. Prayer is available always.

In those times when you have a raging battle in your head, call Him. He provides peace. When the family is in turmoil, humbly call Him. You may be the problem, so call humbly. Maybe it will not be immediate, but He will provide peace. And, the company. What a joy to work for a company that can focus on external battles. Pray. Promote peace, as there will be many that promote division. Be different.

Impact others. Live generously.

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