Overcoming Strongholds

Fear, Stress and Anxiety

Have you ever had someone you trusted, who should have played a friendship role in your life, deeply betrayed your trust, and hurt you? As a result, the enemy lied to you that no one could be trusted and you are on your own. You in turn then become fiercely independent, so much so that you have trust issues, which has then resulted in you struggling to trust God’s promises in your life!

Any wound we experience, hurt or disappointment makes our heart fertile ground for seeds of lies to be planted. On this foundation, the enemy then begins to build brick by brick, a wall of lies, inaccurate ideas about the person of God, erroneous interpretations of Scripture, prideful thoughts, and distorted perceptions of how God sees us and feels about us when we sin. Sometimes the enemy is so subtle in your thoughts, you have a tough time figuring out which is which. You just have to be careful to guard your thought life. Whatever you agree with, you give your power to that thought and it forms a stronghold.

What exactly is a stronghold?

A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that has molded itself into our way of thinking. These strongholds have the capability to affect our feelings, how we respond to various situations in life, and they play a large role in our spiritual freedom.

Strongholds are built upon deception and error. These errors and deceptions which form strongholds can come from a wide variety of sources, including our environment, those around us, our parents, or even demon spirits. A person who has a demon behind their stronghold(s) may find it nearly impossible to tear them down and keep them down. This is because the demon will be working hard at rebuilding and holding those strongholds in place. They will be countering that person’s efforts to tear them down. It will seem as if they are hitting a brick wall, and even if they seem to make progress, it seems like their efforts are in vain because it keeps coming back.

How do you tear down strongholds?

We know that strongholds and imaginations must be cast down, but how? By being transformed through the renewing of our minds: Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

As our minds are renewed, we may prove (discern) what is good, acceptable, and perfect, and the will of God. These things are some of the very things that strongholds rise themselves against! Many people who are caught up in shame-based thinking do not realize that it’s God’s will and it is good for them to disassociate themselves from their past. Their minds need to be renewed, and as those strongholds come down, they will be able to see God’s will and respond.

Our minds are renewed and cleansed through the Word of God. Spending time and meditating on the Word of God washes our minds and corrects our false thinking patterns (strongholds). Ephesians 5:26-27, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

As we meditate and wash our minds with God’s Word, we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and we will come to know the will of God and discern what is right, perfect, and good. Our strongholds, which are based upon error and deception will not stand a chance as the light of God’s Word (truth) is shed upon those areas of our minds.

Prayer to break strongholds:

Father, I ask in Jesus’ Name that you forgive me for agreeing with any strongholds of fear, stress, and anxiety. I renounce the agreement and break the lies that formed a stronghold. I agree with the Word of God, “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed,” John 8:36. I receive freedom and forgiveness from all strongholds. I bless myself with the mind of Christ and decree, “I have defeated strongholds by the blood of the Lamb and by my testimony,”  Revelation 12:11. Thank you, Father, for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen.