If you are wondering what to do about the spiritual stronghold in your life, a great place to start is looking for the Biblical definition. Negative strongholds can make it seem like you are unable to experience a relationship with Jesus Christ. These persistent challenges convince human beings that there is something wrong with them, when, in fact, they do have access to complete freedom because of the Gospel of Peace. The good news about strongholds of the mind is that the Bible teaches us how to have a strong defense against them.
What does the word stronghold mean?
A stronghold is a fortress that is hard to penetrate. It is kind of like the castle in a fairytale that is impossible to enter. So, a stronghold is usually an area that is not easily accessible.
For example, in Judges 6:2 we read about how the Israelites made dens where they could hide away from their enemies (of Midian)- “the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds.” Or, in 1 Samuel 23:14, we read about how David hid away “in the strongholds in the wilderness” while Saul was searching for him.
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Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good. He is a safe place to go to in times of trouble. He takes care of those who trust him.”
Therefore, a stronghold in the Old Testament was a safe place where people could hide away in times of trouble. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a stronghold as a fortified place for security and protection. But in the New Testament it has a different meaning.
What is the Biblical definition of strongholds?
The Apostle Paul used the concept of a stronghold as a metaphor for something else. Let’s read what he wrote in his second letter to the church in Corinth (the Bible book, 2 Corinthians):
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“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.We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor 10:4-5 ESV)
This is the ERV translation of the same verses, which makes it easier to understand:
“The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”
In this Bible verse (and many others) Paul spoke about spiritual weapons. The power of God that resides inside every believer (through the Holy Spirit) gives them a different perspective. Now, they can see the Kingdom of God, beyond human reasoning. They can see into the spiritual realm.
So, Paul spoke about spiritual warfare
Essentially, he was saying that we should not try to fight God’s fight with human weapons. Titus 3:9: “Stay away from those who have foolish arguments, who talk about useless family histories, or who make trouble and fight about what the Law of Moses teaches. These things are useless and will not help anyone.” It is unwise to try to do spiritual life with human reasoning.
In the 2 Corinthians verse, Paul talked about destroying the enemy’s strongholds in our lives. We should not try to destroy the enemy in our own power, but we need to know that God enables us to do so. At the end of this post, there is a collection of Bible verses for you to be set free from the enemy’s strongholds in your life.
In summary, the Biblical definition of strongholds is this. Strong holds are…:
spiritual
spots of temptation or weakness (places of sin)
long-lasting (or hard to uproot)
not stronger than the power of God
not impossible to overcome
Reflecting on strongholds in our own lives
There might not be physical walls keeping you from experiencing the abundant life that God has for you. But, what are the things that hold you back? Is it fear of the unknown, addiction and binging behaviors, bitterness and unforgiveness, pridefulness and selfishness, or sexual lust and impurity? All of these kinds of strongholds can make us sick and build walls around us, making us unavailable to people and leaving us feeling far from God.
At first, a stronghold can seem like it is just a really bad habit that is impossible to shake… It is probably something that has been the norm in your life for a long time. It is not a new problem, but a vicious cycle that seems to keep resurfacing. Strongholds are familiar challenges. Max Lucado said: “It’s as if the devil has fenced in one negative attribute, one bad habit, one weakness and constructed a rampart around it.”
7 truths to combat spiritual strongholds:
I admit that I need God’s help in order to live a good life. I cannot do it by my own strength.
I pray that God’s Holy Spirit will help me to identify the places or strong holds in my life.
I acknowledge that there is a spiritual enemy who is accusing me while Jesus says I am already free.
Nothing is stronger than the blood of Jesus and I believe that I can experience complete freedom.
If there is any evil spirit who has made its home in me, I pray that it would leave right now in the powerful name of Christ Jesus.
May my heart be fertile ground for good things to sprout, and may I have the wisdom to not indulge and water demonic strongholds and temptations when they come.
I will meditate on God’s love, God’s truth, God’s power, and God’s word instead of on evil matters
Bible verses for a spiritual battle
Understanding the Biblical definition of strongholds is a great place to start, when it comes to getting freedom. While it’s a good idea to meditate on and memorize these Scriptures for when temptation arises, you might also want to consider talking to a trusted friend. You were not created to walk this journey alone. Talking to someone can be like shining a light on the scary thing. More often than not, just the act of doing so makes it seem less scary.
Let’s add to our stronghold Biblical definition:
Put on the full armor of God: The Biblical definition of the armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18 (ERV)
Be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.
So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.
A way out of temptation and stronghold
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ERV)
The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.
No weapon will prosper, no stronghold will remain
Isaiah 54:17 (ERV)
People will make weapons to fight against you, but their weapons will not defeat you. Some people will say things against you, but anyone who speaks against you will be proved wrong.
Show you are God’s and defeat the stronghold
2 Corinthians 6:6-7 (ERV)
We show that we are God’s servants by our pure lives, by our understanding, by our patience, and by our kindness. We show it by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love, by speaking the truth, and by depending on God’s power. This right way of living has prepared us to defend ourselves against every kind of attack.
Made completely new and leaving the stronghold behind
Romans 12:1-2 (ERV)
So I beg you, brothers and sisters, because of the great mercy God has shown us, offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him—an offering that is only for God and pleasing to him. Considering what he has done, it is only right that you should worship him in this way. Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.
Victory and power over the stronghold in the Kingdom of God
Revelation 12:10-11 (ERV)
The victory and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah have now come. These things have come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown out. He is the one who accused them day and night before our God. They defeated him by the blood sacrifice of the Lamb and by the message of God that they told people. They did not love their lives too much. They were not afraid of death.
A Biblical prayer against your stronghold
(by Christin from Garments of Splendor)
Lord, I come to you with faith and confidence that you hear me. Thank you for forgiving my sins, and that I can now approach your throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16)
I come before you in the name of Jesus, and ask that you reveal to me any strongholds that are holding me back and keeping me from walking and living in the victory that I already have in you.
I thank you that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! (2 Corinthians 3:17) Through the power of your name I demolish, cast down, and completely shatter any stronghold that is keeping me from living in complete freedom and victory in you.
I destroy every stronghold of fear, anger, bitterness, and shame–they are obliterated in Jesus’ name!
Thank you that this is possible through the power of your Holy Spirit living in me. I abolish any other thoughts or negative patterns of thinking that are hostile to the Gospel and against your Word of truth.
I pull out every root of bitterness and lingering seed of despair. Help me to actively and forcefully take captive every thought that does not line up with the truth of your Word.
I will no longer dwell, consider, or ponder these things. Instead I will meditate on whatever is true, noble, good, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)
I choose to seek your face and renew my mind according to your Word.
Thank you that because of the finished work of the cross, these strongholds have no power over me, and I can walk in the fruit of the Spirit each day!
Eljoh Hartzer is combining theology and art to nurture faith journeys across generations. She is a Masters-level Practical Theologian with the University of Stellenbosch. She is also a writer and editor in the niche of Christianity and children's content and she illustrates children's books. Eljoh resides in the Swartland area in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
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