A stronghold is defined as a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack or a place where a particular cause or belief is strongly defended or upheld. Strongholds are designed to be a safe place. As believers in Christ, we need to make the Lord our stronghold. He is our safe place and refuge (Psalm 27:1). A spiritual stronghold is anything that opposes or elevates itself above the knowledge of God, such as arguments, thoughts, or beliefs that keep us from fully trusting in Him. The Bible teaches that we must battle these spiritual strongholds using God's divine power, not earthly weapons, relying on truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10–18). By trusting fully in God's love and power, we can destroy these barriers, allowing Christ to reign in our lives and helping others experience freedom in Him. Ultimately, Jesus has already won the victory, and our task is to walk in that victory, tearing down spiritual barriers through the weapons He has given us.
There can be both carnal and demonic spiritual strongholds in our lives, families, and churches, but Christ's power enables us to be free from them. God also gives us the ability to operate in His power to help others be free from spiritual strongholds. Instead of depending on ourselves and being in bondage, we can fully place our trust in God and His love for us and make Him the only stronghold we have. Even though we will experience resistance when we begin destroying spiritual strongholds, we can remain confident that in doing this we are being used by the Lord to build His Church, and He will not allow Satan to triumph in the end (Matthew 16:18). Jesus has already won the war. Psalm 144:1–2 says:
"Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me."
In Christ, we can stand firm against spiritual forces of darkness using the weapons God has given us. Though we are in a fierce battle, we can be confident knowing that we are on the winning side.