Strongholds are not just the obvious evil and sinful thoughts as many may believe.
Strongholds can be very subtle and hard to detect. They can range from thoughts of unbelief, bitterness toward life or people, unforgiveness, jealousy, criticism toward others, and even thoughts of justifying behavior that doesn’t display the fruit of the Spirit.
Any thought that causes us to think, act, or behave in a way that does not think, sound, or act like Jesus stems from a stronghold; a thought pattern that is in opposition to the Word of God.
If we find ourselves saying phrases like, “Well you don’t understand,” or “Yeah but…” and we instantly rationalize our belief systems, we cut off the ability to potentially uproot and cast out a stronghold that is keeping us locked into our old nature. And let me tell you, that old self is a prison that blocks us from living in the fullness of peace and joy that Jesus came to bring us!
We must confront these belief patterns and get our thoughts lined up with what God says.
Here’s a quick self-evaluation I have used in my own life for many years:
Am I filled with joy and peace like the Bible says is mine? I can trace those feelings to thoughts that are consuming my mind, and from there, I can check to see if those thoughts are in agreement with the Word. If they are unloving, critical, fearful, or worrisome thoughts, leading me to inner turmoil, they get cast down immediately, and from there I renew my mind in TRUTH!
The freedom, joy, and peace that I’m living in, regardless of what may be going on around me, IS the fullness and abundant life Jesus paid for!
It’s real.
It’s available.
It’s for YOU!
Pray with me:
Holy Spirit, help me identify and remove all thought patterns that have set themselves up against your knowledge. Help me come out of agreement with all thoughts that are keeping me locked into my old nature and help me renew my mind in your Truth. Show me where I’m struggling with unbelief, justifying my thoughts and actions that don’t look like you. I want to live in the freedom your Son paid for; fully transformed; a new creation; a reflection of you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
