Unseen Captivity

Do you ever wonder how many people live in captivity in the world?  Another overwhelming thought or question is how many people live in an unseen captivity, a condition of imprisonment of their mind?

I think many people have lost some form of freedom because of the following conditions that have been imposed on them or that they helped create:

Public opinion or thinking they know what people are thinking about them

Fear

Anger

Demonic oppression

Pornography

Materialism – in debt

Worry & Anxiety

Addictions

Unforgiveness

Not being able to let go of things.

Many of these things can take over our life and even though we are walking around physically free. we are held captive to the way they manipulate us.  Hmmm, I wonder who is behind it all?  Not God, but the father of lies himself.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 I struggle with food and I want so badly to just be able to eat something once in a while and not have consequences.  It’s just food, right?  Not a sin?  But it’s food that is harmful and addictive.  So, when I think about it then I’m not sure; harming my body keeps me from the good life the Lord has planned for me.  Wouldn’t everyone like to just be able to dabble in any of the above behaviors once in a while and not be in captivity again? I’m afraid It doesn’t work that way.  An open door is a decision to allow something back in or to come in for the first time.

To be in this type of captivity, would mean that these behaviors control our thoughts and often our actions, many times causing a separation between us and the Lord.  When a person is controlled by something, then they are not free to be healthy, spiritually free, mentally free or to live a joyful existence.   

Here are a few things that have helped me in the past:

Say NO to yourself, begin to say: “No, I don’t need it.”  “No, I don’t want it.”  Change your mind with your mouth, fake it till you make it.  No is a powerful word in the spirit realm.  You may have to say, “No! In Jesus’ name!”

Distraction, distract the need to go eat or think or do bad things by getting busy doing something else that’s enjoyable like a hobby or beneficial like a walk/exercise or a project.  Maybe call a friend or go see them.

Read scripture and other positive books.  Post scripture and quotes where you can see them.

Pray.  Take a second to pray for help to get you over the hump and out of the temptation.

Seek professional help if necessary, but never let go of a relationship with God through the process.

I wish I could say this is a one and done but it’s not usually.  Just like tasting candy again, taking a drink, looking at something or deciding to let anger and other foolish thoughts take hold of our mind, it may be something we need to take captive before it takes US captive. Remember this is Earth not Heaven.  Some day those battles will be over.  I do believe though that there is a spiritual barrier we can break through so we don’t have to battle so hard.  I’m studying and will have more next week.

Next week, The Road to Freedom.

Prayer

Lord, here we are again, needing your help.  We can so easily get into things that take over our mind and our peace.  Often Lord, they keep us from being free to come to you or spend time with you.  Lord help us break the chains of bad behavior and addictive things.  Help us forgive others and ourselves.  May we continue to pursue you and to find solutions.  Thank you, Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.

God Bless,

Sally