Taking every thought captive.
Sometimes, it’s not what people do to us that traps us—it’s what we think about long after they’re gone.
Our mind has this quiet way of building walls. One thought turns into a brick. Another becomes mortar. Before long, we’ve constructed something we never intended—a stronghold. Not made of stone, but of fear. Not made of steel, but of shame, doubt, or anger.
Paul warned us about this in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (CSB):
“Since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
The Danger of Letting Thoughts Run Free
A wandering thought isn’t harmless. Left unchecked, it gathers companions:
- I’m not good enough.
- I’ll never recover from this.
- They don’t care about me.
- God has forgotten me.
And before we know it, those casual whispers begin to take control of the house. We hand them keys we never intended to give away.
Strongholds Start Subtly
Strongholds don’t appear overnight. They quietly build during seasons of hurt, disappointment, or delay. They grow stronger when we’re isolated, worn out, or spiritually starved. That’s why taking thoughts captive isn’t just a one-time act. It’s a discipline—a daily spiritual workout.
Taking Back Control—With God’s Help
You can’t argue your way out of a stronghold—but you can tear it down with the truth.
- Identify the lie. What are you believing that doesn’t line up with God’s Word?
- Replace it with truth. Speak what God says about you, even if you don’t feel it yet.
- Stay accountable. Talk to someone who can pray with you and remind you of who you are.
- Guard your input. What we feed our mind grows. Be intentional about what you read, watch, and listen to.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT) provides us with a model:
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Freedom Isn’t Always Loud
Sometimes deliverance comes with a shout. But often, it’s in the quiet discipline of redirecting one thought at a time. It’s responding to the mirror when shame speaks. It’s saying “no” to the downward spiral before it gains momentum. It’s trusting God when your feelings tell you otherwise.
The Good News
Strongholds may feel powerful, but they’re not permanent. The same God who set captives free in the Bible is still tearing down mental prisons today. Your job isn’t to be strong enough—it’s to surrender enough. Let Him fight what you can’t.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
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Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
