OVERCOME EMOTIONAL STRONGHOLDS (2)

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” – 1 Peter 4:12

The knowledge of their root and variety will enhance our ability to OVERCOME EMOTIONAL STRONGHOLDS: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Pet.4:12). Emotional strongholds do not come in a typical mold, but in diverse forms. 1 Peter 1:6 assures the Believer: You can “greatly rejoice, though ‘now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by VARIOUS TRIALS.” Pastor Tony Evans in Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle, identified three broad categories of emotional strongholds, which we examine briefly as follows.

First, are those strongholds rooted in our past. That is, when emotional damage happened during our developmental years either through trauma, neglect, or some other negative factors. These situations create emotional grooves in the mind that eventually become part of a person’s normal mode of thinking and perceiving. In the Bible, Joseph for example, had past emotional strongholds to overcome as he was envied and hated by his brothers, eventually betrayed, left for dead, and then sold into slavery as a youth (Genesis 37).

Next are those strongholds that are part of our present; trials and tests we’re currently facing which result in continual emotional fatigue. This may be due to a strained relationship, an unstable work environment, health problem, financial dilemma, or trials with children or spouse. These daily challenges relentlessly attack our emotional well-being. Paul the apostle faced situations that could trigger emotional strongholds in his life and ministry. Beaten, imprisoned, hungry, facing physical ailments, and often in danger of death, he laboured through diverse emotional trials, boasting only of God’s strength evident in his weaknesses (2 Cor.11:23-33).

The third category of emotional strongholds involves the Fear of the future and Worry, which has been defined as interest paid on trouble before it is due. Worry means being scared about tomorrow. “Worriers” often ask themselves negative “What if” questions that may relate to: an unexpected loss of funds, fear of a failed marriage, future diagnosis of a terminal illness, a possible heart attack, or sudden death of a loved one. The Bible commands us not to be anxious for tomorrow (Mt.6:34). A person bound by an emotional stronghold for the future becomes paralyzed today. Esther had every reason to be held hostage to a fear of the future, being fully aware that the king gave an irreversible decree to completely annihilate all of her people in the land. Nonetheless, Esther did not cower to a fear of the future, so she was able to walk victoriously in her present (Est.4:16).

Our Lord Jesus says that in this world we will face trials and the effects of sin, but despite these, we who are “in Him” and have His Word are to “be of good cheer” because He has “overcome the world” (Jh.16:33). Our emotions are based on choices we make, which in turn are based on what we believe. If we truly believe that Jesus has overcome all that we’re facing and that we’re fully accepted and made complete in Him, our faith will alter how our emotions respond to life’s trials. The cure for emotional stronghold is not to deny that it exists, wish it away, or distract oneself out of it. Distraction can at best provide temporary relief. In fact, distractions such as entertainment, eating, spending, drinking, or sexual pleasure can eventually develop into their own strongholds, leaving one with more to overcome than at the beginning.

The key to overcoming all emotional strongholds is to understand and address their root. The root of all emotional strongholds is found in what we think and believe to be true. Emotions are dumb. They don’t think. Emotions merely respond to borrowed thoughts, even if those are false! FEAR is simply: False Expectations Appearing Real! Whatever or whoever controls our thought life controls our emotions (Pro.23:7). The Solution: Be led by the Holy Spirit and let God’s Word control your thoughts and by extension, your emotions!