Strongholds are fortresses, nearly impenetrable structures. Internal strongholds are built over a long period of time. They exist because the enemy has been at work, and with our cooperation, unrighteous beliefs have become firmly embedded in our mindsets, culminating in unrighteous deeds. Where there are strongholds, you can be sure that sin festers, uncontested. What does Paul say about demonic strongholds?

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4

The overarching message here is that strongholds can be demolished. The weapons that will take them down are not physical; we can’t see or touch them. Instead, they are spiritual and are divinely empowered. They are given to us by God’s gracious intentions so that we can live victoriously.

If I trust God’s love and believe His Word is true and life-giving, I will abhor sin and hurry to do personal housecleaning where strongholds are concerned.  I will know that without intentional introspection, I will continually be prey to Satan, a known spiritual felon.

Where does the enemy have a ‘strong hold’ on you? It need not be. There is another kind of stronghold you’ll want to run to, a beautiful divine alternative.

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalms 9:9

God promises to be our stronghold. We can run from demonic strongholds to the one God offers. It is not a structure at all; it is Him. He is the fortress! All who run into Him are safe. It’s His promise.