We often think of spiritual "strongholds" as something non-Christians have.
But we should also examine our own lives for strongholds. They typically begin in our thoughts. That's why Scripture warns us to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
It might be a relationship problem we bitterly "debate" in our thoughts.
It might be an injustice or offense we've obsessively relived in our thoughts, memorizing each detail.
It might be an unrealistic fear that haunts us.
It might be an ungodly desire we enjoy pondering.
We need to take those thoughts captive:
1. Replacing thoughts with prayers - not prayers that rehash problems, but prayers that lift the situation to the Lord (Philippians 4:6). See 5 Ways To Process Problems2. Replacing thoughts with encouraging Scripture passages (Colossians 3:16). See I Can't Change
3. Replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts, praise and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:8). See Negative Self-Talk
Our thoughts create our mood and affect our actions (Luke 6:45).
Taking thoughts captive is a primary step in dealing with strongholds.
Think about it!
Thank you for sharing this. God bless you and I pray that this will help strengthen others who are struggling. The biggest part of the battle is in our mind. The word of God is are greatest defense. I'm so grateful for these devotions, I read them almost everyday and I am so encouraged.
ReplyDeleteReplace thoughts with praises to Him! Apparently, we unable to think 2 things at the same time. Therefore, when we fill our minds and mouths with praise, we are unable to think the wrong thoughts. So if you are unable to remember any other prayers, scriptures, etc., just praise Him until you do! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this one - it was right on target for me. I needed the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly the way to go about it! I do find, however, that hormonally driven EMOTIONS seem to override thoughts sometimes and derail them into the darkness. Just got to keep at it and carry on with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are lots of variables that make things worse, and women do have some special challenges due to hormones....I know that personally : )
DeleteSo glad God can help us through it.
God bless you,
Gail
Witchcraft is the biggest stronghold to confront it may be even the hardest but not impossible. Stop believing in that, that is witchcraft in train your brain, it's like a complete reversal, and the stuff in witchcrAft that you don't know what it is, denounce it am to together Satan would loved to take you deeper into the depths of Satan but dosent tell you that witchcraft brings death they simotainously,and then there's the perception of it the stuff made up from a person's own mental state it will flip you if you don't control it.control how much you hear, and how much you believe before you go over the border line or you'll be a 51/50, God is not coming back for a church in the underground not with spot or wrinkle start taking thoughts captive and tell Satan NO because he's created strongholds inbyoyr mind your mind is not the devels playground.
ReplyDeleteI struggled today looking for the correct word to explain my thoughts and feelings, and the Good Lord Jesus Christ led me to this devotional today. Today i am learning to take every thought captive, well explained to me with scripture. thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe over analyzing conversations thing is difficult enough when you are autistic, but when you have been raised by a narcissistic , gaslighting mother, it is even harder to stop. You blame yourself for everything and can obsess over how you may have been misunderstood or said the wrong thing unwittingly. It is common for autistics to begin a sentence mid way through , forgetting others do not know the context and so we can seem rude or not explain what we really mean. When you have been told no-one likes you and people only tolerate you because they are nice people, it is so easy to stay awake at night replaying conversations and even rehearsing them in advance. The only thing that stops me , is to stop focusing on me and those around me and just worship God.
ReplyDeleteHe will help you.
DeleteYou are amazing! You choose to praise God while being scolded like that. Keep doing so. He sees it. May He forgives your mother. Important notes, stay nice and strong my friend ;)
DeleteGod bless you
ReplyDelete