Before we can destroy or remove a stronghold from our lives we must recognize what the stronghold is. In this case, imaginings are ideas, stories, and thoughts held in your mind but that are not true or real. Things you imagined may take place or that may have taken place may or may not be real.
So how do imaginings become a stronghold? We know that when we create in any way, we need to imagine the project first. The bible talks about visions as the first step in a calling or mission, as in:
Habakkuk 2:2-3 “Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. 3 The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won’t be a lie. If it’s delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won’t be late.
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| NYC – Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Vision of Saint John |
The truth is that they aren’t bad when the imaginings are used to inspire, encourage, create, or otherwise glorify God with good. When do we recognize how this gift of imagination has turned into a stronghold against God’s will? The bible talks about vain, dark, empty-headed, vengeful, and evil imaginings.
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| Farmer plowing (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Of course we are human, but we don’t fight like humans. 4 The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments 5 and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.What can be done to avoid a stronghold of imaginings from entering our lives?
5 Biblical tips to overcome a stronghold of imaginings.
1. Be aware of your drifting thoughts? Are they pulling you closer to God and his will or further away? Do they glorify God? Or do they dishonor God?
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).2. Resist and rid yourself of any hateful, evil, vain, or hurtful thoughts which are the beginning of imaginings against God’s will.
James 4:7 So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.3. Replace any influence that may be encouraging your dark imaginings with positive, affirmative, joyful, loving, and godly influences available.
2 Timothy 2:21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.4. Be diligent in the things of God. When God has given you a mission or a vision, set your heart and life on it immediately. You know it comes from God if you have the peace of God and if it lines up with his word.
Proverbs 11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks [God’s] favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come upon him.5. Refuse to spend any more wasted time on vain imaginings.
Romans 1:21 Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and [a]godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.
