The other day my wife and I were in Seattle for another routine appointment following her eye surgery.  (Everything looks great, thanks be to God!  And pardon the pun.) 

On the sidewalk near the medical facilities was a man who was boxing the air. 

We’ve all seen similar things; it’s not uncommon for people to sometimes throw a few jabs at an invisible opponent.  But typically when we witness this, it is either a person goofing around or making a demonstrative show, or it is an actual fighter mentally rehearsing technique.

But that wasn’t the impression I got of this man on the sidewalk in Seattle.  It wasn’t just a swing or two for show, and he certainly didn’t seem to have the smooth and defined appearance of someone in training.  No, this man swung clumsily and wildly.  Over and over and over again.  And he showed no sign of stopping.

I couldn’t help but wonder, “Who or what is he trying to hit?  Who is the foe he is attempting to fight off?”

We’ll never know what he was seeing in his mind.  But we can safely surmise that at its most basic state, it was Satan or his spiritual henchmen. 

My heart went out to him.  The man was swinging but missing.  It was a battle he could never hope to win on his own.  Not when his opponent was both powerful and invisible.

Solomon wrote about people like him: “Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed — and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors — and they have no comforter” (Ecclesiastes 4:1).

Paul’s well-known description of the spiritual foes of humans also comes to mind.  “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).

The flailing gentleman on Seattle’s sidewalk isn’t the only person punching at powerful and unseen foes.  He may have been an extreme example – a physical illustration of a fruitless spiritual battle – but he is not alone.  Every single one of us is punching blindly too.

Perhaps our enemy is an addiction.  Perhaps a health issue, whether physical, mental or emotional.  Maybe a secret and repeated sin; maybe an open one that continues to trouble us and others.  Perhaps an attitude learned via environment or one fostered by circumstances.  Undoubtedly, there are sins of the mind that afflict every one of us … worry, greed, lust, discontent, dislike (or even hatred), despair, scorn (for self or others), self-righteousness … and the list could go on-and-on.

In short, we are all afflicted by unseen but potent oppressors.  We may not physically swing at the air, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually we do.  We detest our spiritual tormentors and want to beat them off!

And like the sidewalk boxer, it is a battle we could never hope to win on our own.  Not when we are permeated with a sinful nature and our other opponent is both powerful and invisible.

But unlike the swinging man versus his enemy, we have a Comforter – one who fights for us!

Our primary solace comes not through a self-help book or podcast, or a psychologist or person who cares (though these can all be helpful.)  Rather, “our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).  He is the “refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).  And he is the One who brings spiritual victory; the One who always perceives the invisible enemies and whose power is unmatchable.  So “do not be afraid of them [whether physical or spiritual enemies]; the LORD your God himself will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

How do these spiritual truths become engrained in us and empower us in our spiritual battles with the powerful unseen?  Through regular exposure to God’s word!

Notice how Paul surrounds the description of our spiritual foes in Ephesians 6:10-13:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

“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.”

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

We become “strong in the Lord,” wearing “the full armor of God” which enables us to “stand our ground” during spiritual conflict (and still be standing afterwards!), when we are immersed in the Scriptures.  That is how the Holy Spirit empowers us and brings our unbeatable God into battle on our behalf against our spiritual enemies.

Without the Lord, we are punching at powerful and invisible foes.  With the Lord, battles are won.  If not completely on earth, then ultimately when the Lord brings us home to heaven.

The victory is always the Lords.  But thanks be to him, we are the benefactors!