Spiritual Strongholds

Spiritual strongholds can result from being in agreement with a lie. They can prevent us from walking into the destiny that God has for us. When we allow ourselves to be controlled by incorrect perceptions, we risk succumbing to the negative side of Proverbs 23:7: “For as he thinks within himself, so he is”. For example, if we believe we are stupid or selfish or reprehensible or unredeemable, we are allowing the enemy to gain ground and establish a spiritual stronghold in our mind.

Not only do our thoughts ensnare us, but so do words. We advance the kingdom of darkness with critical, cruel, untruthful words, such as gossip. In Proverbs 6:2 we are warned, “You are snared by the words of your mouth” (nkjv). Many of us are in bondage because of words we have spoken or because of the words of others. We often speak word-curses over ourselves and over others by saying destructive things like, “You’re stupid,” “You’re so lazy,” or, “I’m so worthless; I’ll never amount to anything.” We can advance God’s kingdom with words of encouragement, edification, and praise. We need to learn how to speak as God desires to avoid harming ourselves or others.

Fortunately, it is clear from the following scripture that we have a supernatural arsenal with which we can demolish spiritual strongholds: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:4–5). This weaponry includes prayer, faith, hope, love, self-control, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit. This artillery can smash not only proud, worldly arguments that defy God but also false perceptions about who we are.

 Overcoming Spiritual Strongholds

One way a person can overcome spiritual strongholds is to stand on the promises of God and decree and declare them when a faced with moments of doubt or dispair. The promises of God which are found in His Word, let us know who we are and why we can be victorious in the battle.

When we personalize scriptures by confessing them in the first person, God’s Word comes alive in us. The following prayer can help you difficult times in your life.

Heavenly Father, I worship and adore You. In spite of the rejection I have experienced, I declare that Your eyes are upon me, and I am righteous before You through Christ Jesus. Your ears are attentive to my prayers, and everything You say about me in Your Word is true:

I am blessed with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

I am chosen by You, my Father; and am holy and without blame (Eph. 1:4).

I am Your child according to the good pleasure of Your will (Eph. 1:5).

I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7).

I am an heir (Eph. 1:11).

I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 1:17).

I am saved by Your grace (Eph. 2:5).

I am of Your household; I am a citizen of heaven (Eph. 2:19).

I am strengthened with might by Your Spirit (Eph. 3:16).

I am rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17)

I am more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37).

I am an overcomer (Rev. 12:11).

I am free (John 8:36).

I am victorious (1 John 5:4).

Everything You say about me is true, Lord. In Your Name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.