“… though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish [take down] strongholds [fortress; protected place]. We demolish arguments [false thoughts] and every pretension [claim held higher] that sets itself up against the knowledge [truth] of God, and we take captive [control] every thought to make it obedient [conform] to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5,)

4 STEPS TO DEMOLISH STRONGHOLDS IN YOUR THOUGHT LIFE:

1.Write down a list of negative thoughts dominating your thinking.

2.    Replace these stronghold thoughts with scriptural truths. Note, some topics & scriptures are suggested below. Click on each scripture reference to activate the link. If you need a different topic or additional scriptures, use your computer’s search engine.

3.    Write an “I will” or “I am” statement that counters each negative thought, based on the scriptures you choose. (Examples: I am not controlled by my sinful nature; I am controlled by the Holy Spirit. I will not give in to anger; I am a wise man under control.)

4.   Over the next 21 days, declare these statements aloud to create a new pattern of thinking. Repeat another 21 days to stabilize God’s truths in your memory. Repeat a final 21 days (total of 63 days) to experience a permanent effect on your thought life. 

Anger
Psalm 4:4 | Proverbs 14:29 | Proverbs 29:11 | Psalm 37:8
 
Authority (Rebellion Toward)
Romans 13:1 | Hebrews 13:17 | 1 Peter 2:13
 
Condemnation
John 3:17 | John 8:7, 10–11 | Psalm 34:5 | Romans 8:1 |  Revelation 12:10

Depression or Heart Broken
Psalm 34:18–19|  Isaiah 54:10 | Lamentations 3:21–24 |  Psalm 34:18–19 | Matthew 11:28–30
 
Discontentment
Philippians 4:11–13  |  John 14:27 |  Philippians 4:7
 
Fear
Psalm 56:3–5 | Psalm 55:22 | Romans 8:15 |  Romans 8:31 | 2 Timothy 1:7
 
Financial Struggles, Debt or Greed
Ecclesiastes 5:10 | Malachi 3:10–12 | Matthew 6:24 | Philippians 4:19 | Hebrews 13:5
 
Guilt or Shame
Psalm 32:1 |  Psalm 103:12 | John 15:3 |  Hebrews 8:12 | 1 John 1:9
 
Impurity
Psalm 51:10 | Psalm 101:3 | Proverbs 4:23 | Romans 12:2 | 2 Corinthians 7:1
 
Loneliness
Matthew 28:20 | Exodus 33:14 | Hebrews 13:5

Past (Letting Go of the)
Isaiah 43:18–19 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Philippians 3:13–14
 
Pride
Matthew 18:4 | Matthew 23:12 | Philippians 2:3 | 1 Peter 5:5–6
 
Rejection
Psalm 27:10 | Isaiah 41:9 |  Isaiah 54:17 |  Ephesians 1:4
 
Sorrow
Nehemiah 8:10 | Psalm 30:5 | Psalm 51:12 | Romans 8:18 | James 1:2–3

Temptation (Recurring)
1 Corinthians 10:13 | Matthew 26:41 | 2 Timothy 2:22 | Titus 2:11–14 | James 4:7
 
Unforgiveness
Proverbs 17:9 | Matthew 5:44 | Matthew 6:14 | Ephesians 4:32

Unloved, Unworthiness
Psalm 139:17–18 | Isaiah 49:16 | Ephesians 3:17–18 | Ephesians 1:4–7