There is a brutal battle that has been waged since the dawn of time. The fight is for the souls of men — for your soul. Your only hope to survive is to abide in a godly stronghold.
But, what is a stronghold and how do you get there? Think of a huge, fortified castle - a mighty fortress. Did you know there are spiritual strongholds? One is a beautiful, welcoming fortress where God Himself invites you in and lovingly cares for you. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
"He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress (my stronghold): my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence (virus)." Psalm 91:1-3
The other is an evil stronghold that appears beautiful but once inside the darkness and depravity (death and decay) are evident. The problem is, once you are past the enticing facade and the gates shut behind you—and you realize it's a trap—it may be too late. Ask Eve. "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 How do we end up in a wicked stronghold? Every evil act that has ever been committed on Earth began with a thought. Every sin begins in our mind and our heart. Our thoughts and imaginations—the meditations of our hearts—can be dangerous. "...the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6
Our mind is a strategic place. If Satan can capture our mind he has the potential to capture our soul — forever. Demonic strongholds are not a place of peace, love, safety or security. This stronghold is a place of misery and deception. Fear causes us to build walls to protect our hearts — impenetrable walls that eventually imprison us and keep us locked away from the love of God. " For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10 :4-5
The enemy must laugh at us as we build our own prison — brick by brick — by our own selfish thoughts and actions. We are drawn away and enticed by our own lusts — the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. They hold us captive and can eventually destroy our life. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
God's strongholds are designed to protect us.“The God of my strength, in whom I trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold (my high and lofty and inaccessible place) my refuge (my hiding place from the storms of life, my safe harbour, my place of safety, my only place of security); My Savior, You save me from violence.” 2 Samuel 22:3 God is a refuge for all who trust in Him.
If you want to live in God’s mighty fortress, you must allow Him to captivate your heart and your thoughts. “The LORD is a refuge (a place of safety) for the oppressed (those who are hurting and have been beaten down by life), a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9
The sons of darkness are fighting the sons of light. You did not choose to be in this battle but here you are. There are many casualties. Your only hope to come out of this battle alive is to “submit yourself therefore unto God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 When you submit to God the enemy’s power over you is broken. The strongholds are demolished.
You will never win this battle in your own strength. Strongholds are only defeated by looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Whatever your struggle—anger, fear, hatred, unforgiveness, rejection, alcohol, drugs, depression, porn, sexual immorality, etc.—there’s hope. God can transform your mind and your life. “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1God will give you strength and courage to overcome if you turn to Him. Jesus broke all curses against you when He carried your sins on the cross. You can live in the beautiful stronghold of the living God. “My goodness, and my fortress (my stronghold); my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust…” Psalm 144:2
"The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
You were not born to be held captive in a dungeon. You were born for so much more. If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior you are now part of a royal, eternal family. I pray you will "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh." Romans 13:4 Then you will be safe in God's mighty stronghold and His amazing plans for your life can be fulfilled for His glory.
"I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3 LORD, I pray for all who read this—may we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty. Please may all demonic strongholds in our lives be demolished for Your glory. ThankYou that You alone are our strength and protector. May we trust You. Amen. Blessings, Beloved of God.