Battlefield of the Mind

Our actions are direct results of our thoughts, that is why our thoughts are so important. We need to keep our minds renewed according to the Word of God. However we need to be aware because the devil is a liar! Jesus called him "the father of lies and all that is false." (John 8:44) He tells us things about ourselves, about other people and about our circumstances that are just not true. He does not, however, tell us the entire lie all at once. He begins bombarding our mind with clever devised pattern of little nagging thoughts, suspicions, doubts, fears, wonderings, reasonings and theories. He moves slowly and cautiously (after all, well laid plans take time). Remember, he has a strategy for his warfare. He has studied us for a long time. He knows what we like and what we don't like. He knows our insecurities, our weakness and our fears. He knows what bothers us most. He is willing to invest any amount of time it takes to defeat us. One of the devil's strong points is patience. Through careful strategy and cunning deceit, Satan attempts to set up"strongholds" in our mind. A stronghold is an area in which we are held in bondage due to a certain way of thinking. Satan takes our circumstances and builds strongholds in our lives. Personal strongholds in my life have been worry, anxiety and doubt. There are many other areas that attack the mind like depression, anger and feeling of condemnation that the devil uses. Thank the Lord that He has given us weapons and ways to overcome these attacks and strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ"

How can we overcome strongholds? By getting the knowledge of God's Word in us and by renewing our minds with His word. (John 8:31-32)

We can use the weapon of the Word of God to overcome strongholds by abiding in His word and asking for revelation and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. 

We have more weapons than just the Word. We also have prayer and praise. Praise defeats the devil quicker than any other battle plan, but it must be authentic heartfelt worship. Praise and worship confuse the enemy. is also a great weapon that can be used at anytime. 

God never loses a battle! He has a definite battle plan and when we follow it, we will always win! When we take our position with God on our side we will see  the enemy's defeat! God allows trials and temptations to come our way and many will come especially when we are tearing down strongholds. However we are not alone! 

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

I shared some of this from a book that I just started reading and it already is such an incredibly learning experience. Its called Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers. I highly recommend it and I am only on chapter 2!!