“Truth brings freedom; deception brings bondage.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 6, 2024
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Do you have patterns of thinking you can’t seem to break? Perhaps you have thoughts that God doesn’t love you, that there aren’t answers for your problems, that you will never get free, that you’re a victim of your circumstances, that you’re shameful, worthless, unlovable, rejectable, unforgiveable, condemned or any number of other lies from the adversary. In short, there is a deeply ingrained spiritual stronghold in your mind.
These deeply entrenched patterns of thinking—or strongholds—can be built-up over time or happen in a moment through deception as the adversary lies to us. They can take root in our lives through childhood trauma, words spoken over us, illness, relational problems, or any place the enemy can gain a foothold through deception.
The word, “stronghold” is found once in the New Testament and Paul’s description of the Christian spiritual battle in the mind.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 says:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
A few weeks ago, as I lay in bed half asleep, a thought came to mind, “You need to break any agreement that is not of God that has come to you through cancer.”
Since a cancer diagnosis last summer, there have naturally been times when I have doubted if I would experience healing. I have battled fear as my body has battled disease. But through this early morning thought, the Lord was inviting me into freedom.
There are numerous ways to engage in the process of breaking spiritual strongholds in our lives. For example: fasting in prayer, rejecting lies, studying Scripture, repentance, and even deliverance from demonic influence can be effective.
But first to get free, we can start by asking God to help us to identify strongholds and ask him to reveal any lies we have believed that are keeping us bound in patterns of thinking that destroy our freedom. (Sometimes, it can be helpful to identify patterns of behavior first, as these can point to strongholds in our thinking since we always act out what we believe.)
The first step is humility and being willing to allow our struggles to be brought into the light. You may also find that talking with a spiritual counselor, pastor, or someone versed in spiritual warfare can help you identify where you are being held captive in a stronghold. From there, repentance is necessary to overcome ungodly thought patterns that are rooted in deception and lies. Also, it’s crucial to replace the lies we believe with God’s truth. The truth brings freedom; deception brings bondage.
Finally, be patient with yourself if you find that old ways of thinking return after you have sought to overcome them. Our accuser doesn’t give up easily. Stay diligent and hang onto God’s truth regardless of how you feel. Be mindful of your thoughts. Guard your mind and take your thoughts captive to make them obedient to Christ (See 2 Corinthians 10:5). Repent of believing the devil’s lies and receive God’s truth and love for you once again.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Prayer
Lord, please sanctify me through and through. Make my thoughts like yours. Give me insight to recognize thoughts that are not of you and grant me the freedom that comes from believing your truth. Amen.
Application
If you believe you are bound by a stronghold of ungodly thinking, take a first step today by asking God to help you get free.
Related Reading
Colossians 3:2; Colossians 3:16; John 17:17
Worship Resource
Jesus Culture feat. Kim Walker-Smith: Freedom
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