Do You Feel Like You Look Like You're Losing?

My wife hates it, but I like watching MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fights. At the end of the match they interview the combatants and by the looks on their faces (the cuts and bruises) it's not always apparent who the winner was. Sometimes the battle with the flesh and the world leaves us a little beat up. You may stop for a moment and look at yourself and feel pretty beat up and think you must be losing this fight. Remember, our salvation protects us. The battle is ultimately God's and he is faithful to bring us through. 

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
   may your salvation, God, protect me. 
I will praise God’s name in song
   and glorify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the Lord more than an ox,
   more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
The poor will see and be glad—
   you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The Lord hears the needy
   and does not despise his captive people.
Psalms 69:29-33 (NIV)

Thank you, Father, that you hear our prayers and you don't despise us. Praise be to you and the victory you give in us!