Overcoming Strongholds

In the previous devotional we discussed a few practical ways to identify potential spiritual strongholds in our hearts, minds, and souls. Even still, we might be blind to our own strongholds. In that case, here are a few additional questions that we can ask ourselves each week as we strive to surrender all strongholds over to God:

Are there any reoccurring patterns in my life that continue leading to negative results?
Am I having any repetitive, destructive thought patterns that suppress the truth of God over my life?
Am I engaging in any irrational behaviors while expressing a defensive attitude to justify these behaviors?
Have multiple trusted Christians tried to approach me about a certain pattern or behavior in my life?
Am I giving in to any destructive, unGodly, or unfruitful lusts, cravings, appetites, or addictions?

For some, strongholds come in the form of thought patterns. For others, strongholds come in the form of behavioral or relational patterns.  Addictive strongholds might present through drugs, substances like alcohol, harmful emotional out bursts, patterns of abuse, impulsive spending habits, etc.

No matter what the expression of our stronghold is--financial, sexual, verbal, mental, emotional, relational, etc--all strongholds are rooted in one thing: LIES from the enemy of our soul. If our stronghold roots are tethered with the "father of lies" (John 8:44), it makes sense then, that the only way to find true freedom from their hold, is by utilizing the resources given by the Father of truth (Isaiah 65:16, John 14:6, John 17:17).  Self-help methods and will-power can only get a person so far with behavioral changes. But strongholds are matters of the heart, not merely external behaviors or expressions. God alone holds the power over our enemy; His power and authority are provided to us through His Word (Jesus), and His Spirit (the Helper).

And while only God can truly free us from, heal us from, and transform us from our strongholds, there are practical ways that we can tap into His divine resources: fasting, intentional prayer, praying scripture out loud over unclean spirits, receiving prayer from Godly people, meditation on God's truth, spending time in God's Word, surrounding ourselves with God's community, feeding the Holy Spirit with God's presence.

God, the Father of all that is true, assures us that in Him, we can experience freedom from strongholds as we walk in newness of life through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.