The Battle is Won

Moments of darkness can feel overwhelming. We lie awake at night wondering if we can push through, if we will make it. The fear of unknown consumes us. The weight of darkness feels overpowering. The light at the end of the tunnel seems so far away.

In the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the Battle of Helms Deep depicts the overpowering weight darkness can bring. In the movie, the Fellowship (the good guys) lead their people to Helms Deep, a dark cave-like fortress, for protection against Saruman’s evil army. The Fellowship and their army begin to take their place, as evil arrives on their doorstep. Amid a cold, dark night, the battle begins.

As the battle continues throughout the night, hope seems lost. They are clearly outnumbered. Saruman’s army is too big and strong. The darkness is winning. They can no longer hold off the evil forces. Their barricades are not strong enough to protect the fortress anymore. Darkness is overpowering them. And the darkness believes it has won.

Now, if you’ve seen the movie, or read the book, you know this not how the battle ends. As night comes to an end, they remember what Gandalf (their leader) had told them, “At dawn, look to the east.” In a moment of sheer bravery, the Fellowship choose to open the barricades of the fortress and ride out, facing the dark and evil forces head on.

In a scene which can only be described as cinematic brilliance, they look to the east and see Gandalf with an entire army, known as “The Rohirrim”. As Gandalf and the Rohirrim ride down the hill into battle, a bright light follows them, piercing the darkness, and triumphing over evil. The Battle of Helms Deep paints a beautiful picture of how darkness can be overcome. It wasn’t easy. There was loss, fear, and sadness. In the end, evil was defeated. Well, at least until the next movie, The Return of the King.

The truth is, in Jesus, we have everything we need to fight through moments of darkness. It may not be easy, and it may come with fear, loss, and sadness. But we must remember, there is not a molecule in this universe Jesus does not have authority and power over. Every power, authority, dominion, ruler, and microbe in existence cannot mount a charge against Christ.

Jesus never promised us it would be easy. He says in John 16:33b, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We will all face moments of trials and tribulations. There will be moments where the darkness feels overpowering. In these moments, we must rest in the truth we see in this verse, Jesus has overcome.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:16–17 to not lose heart. Although our earthly bodies are temporary, our momentary pain is preparing us for an eternal glory beyond anything we can imagine. In times of darkness, uncertainty, or loss, we must ask ourselves, do we truly believe Christ is more powerful?

As silly as this may sound, take a moment and watch the end of the Battle of Helms Deep. You can find clips of it on YouTube. As you watch it, think of Jesus riding down in victory to crush and defeat any hardship you may be facing. We must remind ourselves daily of the victory of the cross, defeating all darkness and death.

The beginning of John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you will have peace.”

Take heart friends, the battle over darkness has already been won.