REFUTING STRONGHOLDS IN MY MIND

“…the weapons of our warfare are not physical…but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,…we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God;…” (2 Cor 10:4-5 AMP).

FATHER, I desire to sit before You for the purpose of identifying my strongholds. A stronghold is a fortified place. In my mind I keep certain thoughts at the ready to be quickly acted upon because I can trust them to get me through a particular type of situation.

These thoughts, turned to action, have worked for me. They have kept me independent. That’s why I consider them a stronghold and keep them fortified. More than anything I don’t want to abandon them for other thoughts that might not work.

But, FATHER, I know that these stronghold thoughts set themselves against the true knowledge of You for they are my thoughts, doing life my way, not Your way.  They require no faith or resting on You.  I do desire You transform me inwardly by a complete change of my mind (Rom 12:2) so I can take everyone of these stronghold thoughts and make them a prisoner capturing them and bringing them into obedience to CHRIST (2 Cor 10:5).

By faith I know that I can do this with Your help. My part in this process is to be willing to give strongholds up.

Stronghold thoughts that float into my mind when I’m idle, like prideful ones that serve to build up my ego, I can refute by willfully thinking of something else. So, FATHER, I ask You to call to my attention these stronghold thoughts so I can destroy them by neglect.

Thoughts though, put into actions that get me through frightening phobias, I’m not so willing to give up. But, by obtaining Your strength through faith I can also eliminate these self-preserving, strongholds. You give me the ability to do it when I willfully turn the thoughts toward You, for when my attention is on You I cannot initiate my self-preserving defenses. For it is impossible for two opposing thoughts to exist together.

FATHER, I desire to think upon You. You are true, worthy of reverence, honorable and just. You are pure, lovely and lovable, kind and gracious. You are excellent and worthy of praise ( Phil 4:8). With thoughts on You I lose the desire to think about my self-preservation and comfort at all. Strongholds vanish!