963 words, 5 minutes read time.
Not long ago, I shared a story called “I Lied and Said I Was Fine: A Hebrew Slave’s Confession from Egypt’s Brickyards.” In it, I imagined a man worn down by brutal work and silence, forced to hide his pain behind a mask of “I’m fine.” That mask—like Nahshon’s stubborn self-reliance and hidden doubts—can become a prison. The author’s note on Nahshon’s story reminds me how often men wear facades, thinking they’re strong enough on their own, only to find themselves wandering in a wilderness of loneliness and fear.
Nahshon never entered the promised land because he refused to fully trust God, clinging to masks of pride and self-reliance. That’s a sobering warning for all of us. When I look at my own silent battles—the hidden doubts and fears I try to push down—it’s clear that true freedom comes when I stop hiding behind a mask and start laying down those defenses before God.
That’s what I want to talk about today: the silent battles no one sees, the masks men wear, and how God calls us to step out of the wilderness into the freedom He promises.
Scripture
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
Reflection / Teaching
The pressure on men to be tough, steady, and reliable can be crushing. We get conditioned to swallow our doubts and fears, to act like we have everything under control—even when our insides are breaking. I’ve been there — the nights when my thoughts wage war long after the world’s gone quiet, when temptation, guilt, and anxiety feel like unrelenting foes. But here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t hide His struggles behind a mask. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He openly poured out His heart to the Father, honestly expressing anguish and asking, “If it is possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). He showed us that vulnerability isn’t weakness but true strength — strength found in honest dependence on God. Unlike us, who often try to fight alone, Jesus modeled the freedom of bringing our silent battles into the light and surrendering them to God’s care.
Ephesians 6:12 gives us a powerful lens on these struggles. Our battles aren’t always visible or physical; they’re spiritual and mental — fights against forces beyond human sight but very real in their impact. The enemy doesn’t always attack with a sword; sometimes it’s a whisper of doubt, a lie about who we are, or a memory that steals our peace.
I remember sitting in my truck one morning, exhausted from a night of wrestling with my own mind. I realized I’d been carrying masks just like Nahshon — stubborn pride, pretending everything was fine, and refusing to fully trust God with my pain. It was wearing me down, keeping me stuck in a wilderness of fear and isolation.
But Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:12 warn me — and you — to be vigilant: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” That means the moment we think we’re too strong for struggle or too good to ask for help, we’re in danger. Masks might protect us for a while, but they ultimately isolate us and keep us from the abundant life God wants to give.
Application
So how do you fight these silent battles when no one sees the war you’re waging inside? The first step is brutal honesty. Stop pretending you’re “fine” just because you think you need to be the rock. Tell God exactly what’s going on in your heart. He already knows — but He longs for you to bring it into the light.
Put on your spiritual armor daily. Start your day with Scripture, prayer, and truth. I keep verses like 2 Corinthians 10:5 — “We take every thought captive to obey Christ” — on my phone and mirror, reminding me to fight my mind with God’s Word.
Find a brother you trust, someone you can confess to without fear of judgment. I’ve found that temptation loses its grip as soon as I admit it out loud. Isolation feeds the enemy; accountability starves it.
And never forget to pray. Even the strongest men need God’s strength to stand firm. When I feel weak, I remind myself that Jesus faced the same kind of silent attacks, and He overcame them with prayer and reliance on the Father. If He needed it, I sure do.
Prayer
Father, I bring my silent battles before You today. You see the struggles that no one else knows about — the fears, the doubts, the temptations. Help me lay down my masks and stop pretending I’m stronger than I am. Fill me with Your peace and strength. Teach me to stand firm in Your truth and lean on You when I’m weak. Thank You for fighting these battles with me and never leaving me alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thoughts / Call to Action
If you’ve been carrying silent battles, I want you to know you’re not alone. Let’s break the silence together. Drop a comment or message me if you want prayer or just to talk. And if you want to keep walking through these struggles with me, subscribe to the newsletter — I’ve got more real talks and encouragement coming your way. Remember, the fight might be silent, but God’s power is loud and strong. Stay strong, brother.
Sources
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.