“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’ Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.’ And it was so.” — Genesis 1:28–30 (NIV)

From the very beginning, God gave humanity authority and dominion. He didn’t create us to be passive or powerless; He created us to rule over the earth and all that is in it. This authority extends beyond the physical realm—it also applies to every challenge, oppression, or struggle we face in life.

Addictions, depression, anxiety, fear, and every form of oppression are not meant to dominate you. God has already equipped you with the power to subdue them. Just as Adam and Eve were called to rule over creation, you are called to take authority over the negative forces in your life.

Your struggles are not greater than the God who created you. The same Spirit that brought order to chaos in Genesis 1 is at work in your life, giving you the strength to overcome and triumph.

Consider David in 1 Samuel 17. He faced Goliath, a giant who had instilled fear in an entire army. But David knew that God had given him authority over this enemy. With a simple sling and a stone, he defeated Goliath. What seemed impossible was conquered because David exercised the authority God had already placed in him.

In the same way, your “giants”—whether addictions, depression, or oppression—can be defeated when you step into the authority God has given you. You were created to rule, not to be ruled over.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me authority over every challenge in my life. I declare that I will not be defeated by addiction, depression, fear, or any oppression. Lord, empower me with Your Spirit to rise above every struggle, and let Your victory be evident in my life. I claim the dominion You have given me and declare that I will rule and not be ruled. In Jesus’ name, Amen.