How does trusting God strengthen us against spiritual "strong men" in our lives? Key Verse Psalm 28:7 — “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.” What Scripture Shows About Trust and Strength • Trust is the channel through which God’s own strength flows into us. • The verse joins three ideas in one breath: trust → strength → help. • Strength here is not mere stamina; it is God acting as both “strength” (inner power) and “shield” (outer defense). • Rejoicing and gratitude naturally follow, proving the victory is experienced, not just promised. Identifying the “Strong Men” We Face • Demonic oppression and temptation (Ephesians 6:12). • Habitual sins and addictions (John 8:34–36). • Paralyzing fear or anxiety (Isaiah 41:10). • Cultural or relational pressures that muzzle obedience (Galatians 1:10). • Intellectual strongholds—arguments that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Colossians 10:4–5). How Trust in God Binds the Strong Man 1. Shifts the battlefield – We stop wrestling in our own power and take refuge in God’s proven might (Ephesians 6:10). 2. Activates God’s protective shield – Faith places His armor between us and the enemy’s schemes (Psalm 18:2; Ephesians 6:16). 3. Invites divine intervention – Trust turns prayer into a battlefield supply line; God Himself “helps” (Psalm 46:1). 4. Breaks fear’s grip – Confidence in His character drives out terror, leaving the strong man disarmed (Psalm 56:3–4). 5. Releases sustaining joy – Joy is spiritual strength (Nehemiah 8:10); rejoicing weakens demonic intimidation. 6. Grounds our authority in Christ – In His name we “bind the strong man” (Luke 11:21–22) rather than negotiate with him. Practical Ways to Exercise Trust Daily • Speak the truth aloud: declare verses of God’s faithfulness morning and night (Romans 10:17). • Sing praise even before feelings change—rejoicing is trust in action (Acts 16:25–26). • Confess and forsake hidden sin; unrepented sin empowers the strong man (Proverbs 28:13). • Memorize key promises that confront your particular battle (Isaiah 26:3–4). • Stay in fellowship; God often channels strength through other believers (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Respond immediately to the Spirit’s promptings; delayed obedience feeds strongholds (James 1:22). Living the Promise Because our heart “trusts in Him,” God commits Himself to be both power and protection. That settled confidence does more than encourage—it binds every spiritual strong man that once claimed squatters’ rights in our lives and transfers the battlefield victory to the Lord of hosts. |