What is a stronghold, and how do we tear them down? A stronghold is a barrier to experiencing God and His path and plan for your life. A stronghold is any and every system of belief, state of mind, or external circumstance that distracts from knowing God by turning your attention onto yourself.  A stronghold is a distraction, a burden, or a stumbling block. If the enemy can cause you to focus on yourself, your situation, your turmoil, or your emotional pain, the stronghold will effectively block your progress. If you expect to move ahead successfully in your life, keep in mind the advice in Hebrews 12:1 (AMPC), and -  “let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us.”