Renewing the Mind: A Key for Lasting Freedom

When it comes to getting free and staying free from bondage and oppression, I have learned that there are often various factors involved. One key aspect to walking in lasting freedom is renewing the mind. Below is an excerpt from Keys for Deliverance that describes this dynamic:

One of the keys for walking in freedom after deliverance is the renewal of the mind. When a person is delivered from evil spirits, it is important that old and faulty mindsets are replaced with the truth. Some people are accustomed to walking in bondage and torment and have believed the enemy’s lies for many years. They may have thought patterns that are contrary to the truth of God’s Word, and must learn to recognize these patterns so that their minds can be renewed with truth. Romans 12:2 says that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. If we do not have our minds renewed we can fall into old habits and become vulnerable to the devil’s attempt to reenter our lives. But if we will allow our minds to be renewed, not only will we walk in freedom, but we will be truly transformed.

The mind is a primary target of spiritual battle, and we must not allow evil spirits to have any access in this area. If we are to walk in the fullness of freedom, not only must we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our mind, we must also learn how to take our thoughts captive.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Did you know that you do not have to be subject to every thought that comes into your mind? Not every thought that you have is from you. The enemy is constantly assaulting us and planting thoughts in our mind. We can’t always control the thoughts that enter, but we can control what we do with them. Learn to take charge of your thoughts instead of passively allowing whatever thought that comes in to remain and continue to have influence. If a thought enters your mind that is contrary to God, take it captive and push it out. Practically speaking, this can be as simple as praying a quick prayer or making a scriptural declaration that denies the thought.

One of the practices that can help in the process of renewing your mind is to make biblical declarations. You do this by taking a particular Scripture verse, personalizing it, and proclaiming it out loud. For example, if you have been delivered from fear and are walking out that freedom, you can make a declaration based on 2 Timothy 1:7: God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Or you can proclaim the truth found in 1 John 4:18, applying it to yourself: God’s perfect love has cast all fear out of my life. God’s Word is powerful, and we are built up in faith when we hear it and declare it over ourselves. Find Bible verses that are relevant to your situation and use the “sword of the Spirit” to stand against the devil and his demons.

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