3 Powerful Bible Verses When You Feel Defeated

Do you ever find yourself feeling defeated, like you just can’t win, or that the cards are stacked against you? Do you feel that you’ve tried and tried again, but you’re getting nowhere?

As a mom, defeat can show up for us in many ways.

It could be something like trying for another baby and, month after month, seeing a negative test. It could be that you have the desire to keep your house in order, but with all the kids, it’s just a never-ending battle of cleaning up. Maybe you feel like you’re in a battle with the clock and feel defeated when the end of the day comes and you find only a few things crossed off your to-do list.

But feeling defeated is just that — a feeling.

And all of our feelings, including feeling behind, stuck, disappointed, scared, worried, and defeated, come from our thoughts. But I want you to know you don’t have to stay feeling this way. If you’re thinking thoughts that leave you feeling defeated in your life right now, I urge you to rid yourself of these thoughts.

Because our mind is so powerful, we sometimes need a tool to help us overcome these thoughts.

To beat defeat, we have to focus on the opposite. We have to focus on what strengthens us, what gives us fortitude, and what will keep us resilient and committed.

So today, I’m going to give you three very powerful thoughts, which all happen to be Bible verses.

When you think these thoughts and relay these verses to yourself over and over again, they become a strong belief and give you an undeniable surge of power. When you choose to think these thoughts instead of the ones that bring you to defeat, you’ll find yourself feeling stronger and more capable.

Bible Verses When You Feel Defeated

Verse 1: Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This is one of my all-time favorite Bible verses. Christ is all-powerful. He wants the best for us. God created us, and when we think about Him by our side, giving us the strength we need because we’re calling it up, it gives you this surge of belief. 

So whatever mountain I see in front of me that seems insurmountable, it doesn’t look so bad when I’m thinking and believing I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Back in my professional ballet dancing days, I remember how much mind drama I had when it came to performing, especially when it was a piece that required advanced technique. I remember letting my mind just go to thoughts like, “I don't know if I can do this.” 

But when my mind looked at all the things that could go wrong, I was letting my brain run wild. When I chose to direct my mind and put it toward this phrase - I got to the point where I was saying it all the time while I danced - I believed I could do anything because Christ was strengthening me.

Every time He came through. I’m not saying that I hit those turns, moves, or sequences perfectly, but however it turned out, I didn’t doubt that he was there and giving me strength. And so, how it turned out was what was meant to happen.

I didn’t feel defeated if I didn’t make it because I had the belief that he was there and I was strong. My mind was occupied with something that made me feel better. No matter what, I was overcoming the fear. I was able to stand up to the obstacles and do something about them. I found out that I was more powerful when intentionally directing my mind.

Verse 2: Romans 8:31

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

I change that to, “If God is for me, who can be against me?” I found this helpful to empower me to recover from otherwise defeating thoughts. 

I visualize a battlefield where the obstacles or whatever you're trying to overcome are across enemy lines. I envision the troops all lined up against me.

You can insert whatever your obstacle is. Maybe it’s a pile of bills, a child that doesn’t listen, a dream in your heart that feels impossible to achieve, a tendency to overeat or drink that you believe you’ll never win. 

Then I picture myself on my side facing whatever the obstacle is. But the best part is that I’m not alone. God is standing beside me.

And then I think if God is on my side, who could be against me? Because He is on my side, and there’s nothing greater than Him, how could I lose at anything I tried to accomplish or overcome?

Verse 3: Mark 9:24

“I believe. Help Thou my unbelief.”

This verse reinforces two things: our faith and our humanness.

You have enough faith to be calling on the divine, but you are doing it from a vulnerable human place. 

The doubting side is the part of our mind that keeps us safe and protects us to make things easy and efficient. It’s not a bad thing, and we’re not broken. 

I remember finding this verse helpful when we had no success after months and months of trying to have a baby. I really did believe God was going to give me my heart’s desire at the perfect time. But I was also afraid and a little doubting. So I gave Him all of my true self.

Every time I would think the thought, “I believe. Help my unbelief,” I felt a surge of power that I could overcome my negative thoughts. By focusing my mind in this way, I was able to beat defeat.

The Power of Redirection

I encourage you to try these verses when you feel defeated when you have obstacles in front of you, whenever you think you’ve tried and don’t have the gumption to get up and try again. Redirect your mind to these verses. It’s all about the thoughts you think because they create how you feel. And those feelings drive how you’re going to show up and what actions you will take.

It does take practice and focus. Maybe you have to write them down on a Post-It or have reminders throughout your home. No matter what it takes, choose to think thoughts on purpose that have you feeling peaceful instead of defeated. Use these three verses as a starting point and find more thoughts that work for your life.

Seeking More Peace? I Can Help!

Need help finding more peace in your life? I’m here to help! Join me for a FREE peace strategy call, and in 60-minutes, you’ll leave with a plan for more peace in your life and more strategies like these to help you beat defeat.

If the idea of having a Catholic or faith-based life coach appeals to you, I’d love for you to join me on a free 30-minute consult. I can get to know you, offer coaching tools, and tell you about working with me to reach your life goals and help you make improvements.

>>Schedule your call here.

by Danielle Thienel @daniellethienelcoaching

Danielle is a wife, mom, member of the Catholic faith, certified life coach, host of The Peaceful Mind Podcast, and author of The Cyclone Mom Method. She is dedicated to helping moms live with more peace, balance, and joy and stepping into their God-given potential.