Overcome Mental Strongholds in 4 Simple Steps

One of the greatest possessions we have ever received from the Lord Jesus Christ is His peace! Although Jesus freely gives us His peace, it must be received and we must yield to it daily.

The world system is a system of worry and fear.  Therefore, most people have become highly developed to react to negative situations with worry and fear. The whole world lies under the sway of Satan, and he will give us plenty to worry about. We have to be taught to go against the flow of the world’s system. It doesn’t just happen automatically.

Because of wrong thinking, most people think they know what their needs are. They may think they need more money, or healing, or prayer. But in reality, the number one need of every believer is to renew their mind to think right.

Romans 12:2 says,

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Until we think like God thinks, it will be very difficult to live in peace. However, as you renew your mind to think God’s thoughts, you will gain more and more control of your thoughts, which ultimately leads to peace.

Here is the way Satan operates. He is aware that peace is our strong place. So his mode of attack is against the mind. He will suggest one wrong thought after another to get you to accept his doubts and deceptions. This way he can build strongholds of wrong thinking in your mind.

In the Greek, a stronghold is a fortress or castle with thick, impenetrable walls. Strongholds of the mind are places where a particular thought has repeatedly been pondered and accepted, and now forms a fortress of belief that is strongly defended. Every Christian has a stronghold in some area of their thinking but may be unaware of it. And although these areas are hazardous to our lives, people will often defend them in order to hold on to them.

People can have strongholds in virtually any area. Here is one example: Repeatedly thinking a negative thought that puts you in a state of anxiety. If anxiety continues, it will lead to a panic attack. Once you’ve experienced a panic attack, a stronghold develops that you will likely have another one. Now the original fear may disappear and be replaced with the new fear that you will have another panic attack.

Some people are so bound by fear and panic disorder that they won’t even leave their homes. I heard the story of a wealthy businessman who became convinced that if he ever left his house, he would die. This is called a stronghold. It’s a lie that is meant to keep a person locked in the fortress of deception.

Unfortunately, in time, some of these strongholds also become a false sense of security for the individual. These types of strongholds must be violated to escape them. It can be uncomfortable to let go of wrong thinking and embrace a new way of thinking and doing things. However, if we are willing to face the challenge, with the help of God these strongholds can be destroyed.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 from the Amplified Classic says,

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

The greatest weapon of our warfare is a mind that is renewed with the Word of God. Once we know the truth, we are in a position to refute arguments and reasonings that contradict the truth and cast them down.

These instructions from Philippians 4:6-8 help us to keeps our minds free of future strongholds:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.

1.     Refuse to be anxious or worried about anything.

We must make the decision to tell every worried thought to leave, in Jesus’ Name. Declare that you refuse to be anxious about anything.

2.     Pray and make specific requests to God.

Whatever it is you’re tempted to worry about is what you need to take to the Lord and pray about. The Lord longs to give us answers to navigate our way out of difficult situations.

3.     Thank and praise God that you have the answer before you feel or see it.

All requests should be stated once, but followed up with continual thanksgiving for the answer. One benefit of praising God out loud is that your focus will shift from your problem to the goodness of God. This is how we magnify Him.

4.     Meditate or fix your mind on the right things.

Always ask yourself if what you’re thinking about is lining up with the Word of God. “Is what I’m thinking true, noble, just, pure, of good report?” If the answer is “no”, it must be cast down! Then begin to meditate on what God says about the situation.

Always remember, your heavenly Father loves you and cares for you. He promised to provide everything you need and make a way when there seems to be no way. The more you renew your mind to these truths, the more you will live in God’s peace.

(I’ve been teaching out of my new book, UNTROUBLED: Conquering Anxiety, Fear and Depression. This book will truly help you to live a life that is untroubled. Click here to purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DDse08)

If you're in the Aurora/Naperville area and are looking for a church that teaches the uncompromising Word of God, we invite you to visit Abundant Life Family Church. As a Word and Spirit church, we are committed to helping believers grow in faith, experience the power of God, and walk in His promises. Our services are filled with dynamic worship, Bible-based teaching, and an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit moves. Whether you’re searching for a church home or seeking a deeper relationship with God, we welcome you to join us and be part of a thriving community of faith!