How to Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind

A Biblical Guide to Overcoming Strongholds

Standing at the helm of the Israelite army, Joshua could see the walls of Jericho towering before him—seemingly impenetrable, a fortress built to withstand any assault. With every brick and stone, Jericho symbolized an unyielding stronghold, an earthly symbol of spiritual barriers in the hearts of many believers. But God’s instructions were clear, though they seemed unusual: “March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days.” Afterward, “have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse.” The outcome of this obedience defied human logic. With shouts and the sound of trumpets, the mighty walls of Jericho fell flat, granting victory to Joshua and the people of Israel (Joshua 6:1-20).

This dramatic episode encapsulates a profound spiritual truth about overcoming strongholds in our lives. Much like the walls of Jericho, strongholds are deceptive structures that occupy and fortify the mind, creating obstacles between us and God’s truth. They are often built upon deeply embedded lies and fears, guarding areas in our lives where we may have unknowingly granted the enemy a foothold. As believers, we are called to break down these strongholds—not through human effort alone, but by relying on divine power, truth, and grace.

In this essay, we will embark on a journey of “stronghold busting,” exploring what it means to recognize, confront, and ultimately demolish the strongholds that may be holding us back. We will answer these questions: What are strongholds of the mind? Do I have any strongholds and if so, what are the signs? How are we transformed by the renewing of our minds?