This song is very close to my heart. It’s the first worship song I’ve ever written specifically for spiritual warfare, and all the glory goes to Jesus. I was just the instrument He used to bring this song to life—from writing to production. It came together through an incredibly close collaboration with the Holy Spirit.
Some of you might wonder why I even wrote a song like this. Those who know me know that I’ve struggled with moderate to severe depression for almost my entire life. There were times when I simply wished I were dead. I had lost all joy, and life felt like one long, unbearable pain. I couldn’t understand why we have to live in such an unjust world, or why God allows all the evil that exists. I couldn’t grasp what the point of life on this earth was. My deepest longing was to leave it all behind and be with Jesus in heaven.
But Jesus had other plans. He showed me that He has a specific plan for my life—and that it’s no accident that I’m here on earth. I am wanted by God, deeply loved, and priceless. And the same is true for you. Instead of answering my desperate prayers by taking me out of this life early, Jesus began teaching me how to become free and whole. He showed me the importance of surrender and that sin must consistently be removed from my life. He showed me that I need to clean up not just my own heart, but also my home. It’s hard to imagine how easily certain things we bring into our homes can open doors to dark forces and almost serve as invitations for them.
Jesus also taught me the importance of spending regular time in prayer with Him, to get to know Him better and better. Step by step, He began leading me into spiritual warfare so I could experience true freedom. Because Jesus wants us to be free. He did everything necessary for that. He has given us authority—real, divine authority—and He wants us to recognize it and use it.
One day, a deep desire arose in me to write a song that would support me exactly in this spiritual battle. And I can tell you: this song has helped me tremendously. I am so thankful to Jesus for it—I don’t want to be without it. The song is full of God’s words, and God’s Word is powerful. It tears down strongholds and drives the enemy away. Jesus has given us an incredible gift: the ability to live in victory. Why wouldn’t we gratefully accept this gift? It’s not a walk in the park—it requires real perseverance—but it is so worth it!
Please note: this song is not a magic formula. It is an additional tool meant to remind us that we have authority from Jesus. It is meant to encourage, strengthen, and give courage. Personally, I can tell you: this song continually gives me courage, hope, and strength. It reminds me of the authority Jesus has given me, so that I can stand firm and fight against the powers of darkness.
I want to encourage you: try it yourself. When you’re down, in the dust and mud, get up. Put on the full armor of God and fight like never before. Let the words FREEDOM and VICTORY wave like a banner before your eyes.
One important note: sometimes we can’t walk this path alone—and that’s completely okay. There are situations where we need the support of other brothers and sisters in faith: people who pray with us or for us, helping to drive away—or, when necessary, expel—dark forces. In some cases, additional pastoral care can be a crucial step to truly become free.
If you desire real freedom, ask Jesus intentionally for strength and guidance. Ask Him also to send people into your life to walk alongside you and support you—whether through deliverance prayer, pastoral care, or simply faithful prayer support. Spiritual warfare is no walk in the park; it’s a real battlefield. That’s exactly why God didn’t design us to fight alone. We need one another.
Following this, you’ll find a list of Bible verses that are fully or partially incorporated into this song.
➡️ 1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
➡️ Philippians 2:9–11
Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
➡️ Colossians 2:15
Having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
➡️ 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
➡️ John 14:13–14
Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.
➡️ Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
➡️ Matthew 28:18
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.“
➡️ Psalm 110:1
Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.
➡️ 1 Corinthians 15:25
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
➡️ Revelation 19:16
He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
➡️ Matthew 6:13
…..for yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen
You can listen to the song here. And if you’d like to read along or sing along – here are the full lyrics to "Crushing Strongholds":
The One who lives within God’s children
Stronger is He than the powers of this world
Oh, His beautiful, holy name is Jesus
Yes, His glorious name is Jesus
Lord, You have disarmed them
The rulers and authorities of this world
You made a public spectacle of them
Triumphing over them by the cross
So I command in Jesus’ name
Every stronghold of darkness to fall
To be utterly destroyed
And to leave my life once and for all
Oh yes, oh yes
In Jesus mighty and glorious name
I crush and destroy every demonic stronghold
Uproot every dark power
And banish it from my life forevermore
Lord, You have given me authority
To tread on serpents and scorpions
And over all the power of the enemy
And nothing will by any means harm me
So I command in Jesus’ name
Every stronghold of darkness to fall
To be utterly destroyed
And to leave my life once and for all
Oh yes, oh yes
In Jesus mighty and glorious name
I crush and destroy every demonic stronghold
Uproot every dark power
And banish it from my life forevermore
Jesus, all authority is Yours in heaven and on earth
You will place every enemy beneath Your feet
And they will see upon Your robe the words
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
So I command in Jesus’ name
Every stronghold of darkness to fall
To be utterly destroyed
And to leave my life once and for all
Oh yes, oh yes
In Jesus mighty and glorious name
I crush and destroy every demonic stronghold
Uproot every dark power
And banish it from my life forevermore
Oh, glorious Jesus
Yours is the kingdom
The power
And the glory
Forevermore