Have you ever thought that you had conquered something only to have it resurface? It could be fear, worry, anxiety, bouts of depression, bad temper, sensualism, pride, doubt, old habits or addictive urges. It could be years that have gone by but suddenly these issues will sneak up again out of nowhere. This happened to me recently. I was taken aback because I had not suffered with this issue for many years and out of the blue there was an attack on my thought life.
When old mindsets, negative thinking patterns, attitudes, lies and accusations pop back up know that they are not are not out of nowhere. They are strategic and are a direct attack on you, your mind, your life, and your purpose. These assaults, accusations, false arguments, these strongholds are to destroy you, discourage you and deter you from having the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ leads to godly thoughts which produce godly actions which catapults you to living out your purpose for which God created you, which is to be conformed to the image of Christ.
When the enemy brings up old carnal desires, lies, and wages war on our minds we have the ammunition to knock down and take captive every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. This is a real and intense spiritual battle and God has given us mighty spiritual ammunition. “For we are human, but we do not wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
Continually be renewed in our minds by the Word of God
Renewing our minds is a lifelong process that is based on the truth revealed in God’s Word. (Romans 12:2) When we read and mediate on Scripture it transforms our minds and our thinking begins to be aligned with God’s Word. When our minds are full of the Word of God it helps to combat the enemy’s lies, accusations and attacks. Continually immerse yourself in God’s Word, never take a break this war does not have intermissions. Knowing the Word of God help us to discern the truths of God’s Word and the lies of the enemy and transforms our minds to the mind of Christ. The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword and when studied, applied and on assignment it is a “deadbolt lock” on the door of your mind so the enemy cannot enter in.
Continually Pray
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) On the onset of an attack on your mind make prayer your go to weapon. It is imperative that we maintain a consistent faithful prayer life. The enemy walks around like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour and he is always walking, seeking and wrecking havoc so we must always be watchful and increasingly prayerful.
Going to the throne of grace strengthens us, gives us peace, increases our faith, helps us not to worry and be anxious, and paves the way for escape. Talking with the Lord encourages our heart and confirms His Word. When we cry out to God He hears our petitions and helps us in our times of need. Prayer with thanksgiving releases the power of God for us to overcome and tears down strongholds in our lives and gives us freedom and the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds.
Continually Submit
Sometimes when old struggles of the mind creep back in we must examine ourselves to be sure that we haven’t allowed an entry way by sin in our lives. We must be careful of what we take in through what we’re watching, what and who we are listening to, and what we spend our time doing. Once the enemy gets a crack in the door he will try to ambush his way all the way in. Instead of going our own way we must submit to God and to His will. When we fully surrender to God and His will our minds will be focused on Him and He promises to keep us in perfect peace. When we have areas of our lives not yielded to God is where we tend to worry, be anxious and struggle in. When we are weak the enemy will sneak but a life submitted to God will slam the door on his tactics. On the other hand, it could be a time of great victory and spiritual refreshing and the enemy will try to come in and back door you with an attack. Either way if we are submitted and prepared for battle our victory is secure.
Continually Resist the enemy
Resist the enemy and he will flee. (James 4:7) Keep resisting him, keep standing firm and be strong in your faith. When the enemy attacks your mind with old mindsets, old habits, bringing up your past, you have the power in you, the Holy Spirit to resist him. We belong to the army of the Living God! The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted God will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 1:13) Unceasingly resist and refuse to be moved. Stand your God-given ground.
Put on the Whole Armor of God
A final word: be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. Each piece of the armor must be put on and they work together so that we can win this spiritual battle and gain freedom and strength to endure temptation and stand. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loves us. Be fully convinced today that these strongholds in our minds will be torn down for good and we will not only breakthrough but stay through. "But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3) May we all experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding as we trust in Him. Nothing missing, nothing broken, and no more old stuff. Thanks be to God our strong and Great Deliverer who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or power or leader or anything else not only in this world but also in the world to come. ~Ephesians 1:19-20
