Do you feel nothing but despair? Do you think thoughts of defeat? Do you wonder why you keep struggling and stumbling with the same weakness, hardship, or sin? Do strongholds have a firm hold on you?

The Bible tells us that the enemy (Satan), who the Bible describes as a thief, comes to steal, kill and destroy. He wants us to live our lives in defeat, and one of the ways he does this is through strongholds. These strongholds can affect our attitudes, emotional state, and our reactions to different situations. They influence our spiritual liberty.

A stronghold is a false principle or idea that rejects God’s truth and promises. According to 2 Corinthians 10:5, strongholds are disdainful opinions raised against the knowledge of God and takes every thought to obey Christ captive.  In other words, strongholds attempt to magnify the problem and minimize God’s ability to solve it.

To help you understand a little more, here are a few examples:

• God will never forgive me. – The stronghold of guiltiness
• Bad things always happen to me. – The stronghold of depression
• I am far too good to have to put up with this. – The stronghold of pride
• I am not worthy of love. – The stronghold of rejection

Most Christians are not aware of strongholds in their lives, but you do not have to be among them. You have the divine authority to demolish any stronghold that is keeping you from God’s blessings, that is preventing you from experiencing spiritual freedom through Christ. Remember, you are a victor through Jesus Christ.

Are you ready to break the strongholds in your life? You must start by being transformed by the renewing of your mind!

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

As you renew your mind daily through the Word of God and prayer, your thoughts are transformed, and strongholds are torn down; false thinking patterns are corrected with the truth. Nonetheless, I would like to give you two tips to help keep the strongholds broken.

1. Submit to God in humility. Humility is one of the best weapons against pride. When pride is removed, strongholds are weakened. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:6-7)
2. Exchange every lie with God’s truth. For example, if the lie is “I am a failure, I can do nothing right”—memorize Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” The more verses you have committed to memory the stronger you will be when the enemy attacks your mind with negative thoughts.

Now you know the truth! Begin today to fill your mind with the amazing and loving thoughts of God. Start feeding your soul with God’s truths. Your health, your peace, and your prosperity will go to another level when those strongholds are destroyed.

Visualize faith rising in your heart and declare what God says about your future. Be determined that you will not be denied. Now, arise precious child of God, and go have a great day!