Cannot do my hobby because of a vow

123flower · Jun 25, 2020

Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

Leet · Jun 25, 2020

Take the photos. Enjoy. NOTHING bad is going to happen to you, and if you know deep down a vow is not valid, then it is not valid. God loves you and is not going to smite you for enjoying your hobby, period.

Qwertyui0p · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

People sometimes ask about whether people who are insane and unable to understand Christianity will go to hell when it's not their fault. I think that, since God is all knowing, He will judge based on what they would have done if they had been sane. Similarly, He knows what you mean to think and what you think because of mental illness. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Strong in Him · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’.

That wasn't a vow; that was just a thought.
Not every thought that we have while praying is from God.

123flower said:
But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid.

But who said that?
Did GOD say, "you have to immediately reject your thoughts or they'll become valid", or did you say, "God, I will immediately reject any thoughts that I don't want, so you can't hold me to them"?

123flower said:
Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid

You can't "make a vow invalid".
IF you have made a vow with God - not just a thought, a promise to him that you will do something - then only he can release you from that vow. But if he didn't ask to you to make the "vow" in the first place, it might not even be what he wants. It's probably the devil using your OCD to make you afraid and keep you in fear.

123flower said:
I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

Like I said, in my opinion they were not vows - just thoughts that you had.
God gives good gifts, and hobbies. Photography is something that you enjoy and it's not hurting anyone; you may even do some good things with it.
Could you try apologising for the "vow" that you made, thanking God for his forgiveness and good gifts, and then try taking ONE photo. See how that goes, and then you may be able to take more afterwards.

Dave G. · Jun 25, 2020

Photography is fun and it's a healthy activity. Just don't put it before God, keep things in their proper place. In the case of intrusive thoughts they simply have no place. Don't toss out the photography toss out the thought that's stopping you from enjoying it. Give no place to thoughts that are invading you, work with your own rational thoughts.

On another note, we don't make deals with God, much less so if the deal didn't even come from your rational mind. God inspired/wrote a book written to you and I called the Bible, all the deals are in there and come from Him. If you scour the pages you will not find a word that says 123flower can't take photographs. You will find words to the effect don't let idols come between you and Him. As I said keep each thing in it's place, let God be above all you say and do. One could say OCD comes between you and God, so cast down the thoughts that you know are not your will or His, defeat that enemy.

123flower · Jun 25, 2020

Strong in Him said:
But who said that?
Did GOD say, "you have to immediately reject your thoughts or they'll become valid", or did you say, "God, I will immediately reject any thoughts that I don't want, so you can't hold me to them"?

I have said that. And I don’t know anymore whether it was under influence of OCD or with a clear mind.

Carl Emerson · Jun 25, 2020

Never forget God judges the heart !!!

The battle ground of the mind will sometimes confuse but He is looking much deeper.

The 'still small voice' is not in the mind, but in the heart. That is where the real you is - hidden...

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Peace be to you...

Dave G. · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

123 what do you like photographing ?

disciple Clint · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

God knows what you are thinking well before you do. He is not going to hold you to something that is not beneficial to you. He is a loving Father.

123flower · Jun 25, 2020

Dave G. said:
123 what do you like photographing ?

Nature

Gregorikos · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

If you can tell your husband, please do. Don't live a secret life. Tell him your fears. This is why you are married- to share life's struggles. Stop hiding.

Your "vow" was not a vow, and was not from God, but from the enemy. God doesn't want you to be bound by something the enemy puts on you. Therefore you are free.

Strong in Him · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
I have said that. And I don’t know anymore whether it was under influence of OCD or with a clear mind.

I don't think it matters which it was.
Just saying, "if I take photos, something bad will happen" is not a vow.
And you've just said that YOU said those words - God didn't ask you to.

Like I said, can you take one photo and see what happens?

Strong in Him · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Nature

That's a lovely thing to photograph. God's world is beautiful.

Sabertooth · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

So, just repent for making rash vows.

And get under the care of a competent psychiatrist (if you aren't already).

Tolworth John · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid

Vows, Jesus says don't make them. That is it. See Matt 5:37 let your Yes be Yes or No be No anything else is from the devil.

123flower said:
I made a deal with God

In your dreams, the clay does not dictate of negotiate with the potter.

123flower said:
I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him

Interesting you think you have a binding vow about a totally unimportant aspect of life, taking pictures of trees and flowers etc, and are happy to lie to your husband.
Ok read please Number 30 :6-8 + 10-15. Where if a husband finds out that his wife has made an unwise vow he can cancel the vow.

So to be practical, read 25 tips to successfully treat your OCD, read it, discuss it with your husband and any therapist.
Then apologize to your husband for losing to him, as other have said explain your fears and with him read the Bible verse I have quoted.

Then with your husband's support you will be better able to cope with the intrusive thoughts your OCD causes.

Larniavc · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

OCD responds really well to CBT. Can you get you doctor to refer you for a course of treatment?

Dave G. · Jun 25, 2020

123flower said:
Nature

I'd say it's the enemy blocking you, be that demonic or just in your own mind. Nature photography of creation is so rewarding and really a testimony to God's handy work . And to do it well is a real artistic craft that you literally can make a beautiful hobby out of. Do it to His glory is all !! He gets the glory in it, it doesn't get much better than that.

Now if you said nudes and sex acts it would be another matter.

Gottservant · Jun 27, 2020

Solomon in Proverbs talked about not making a vow in haste.

Another test of a vow, is whether you are committed to it, no matter what (in other words, to the end of your life).

Another test again, is whether it is important to saving other people like yourself - you know, whether taking the vow will mean that people are brought to Christ (to be saved).

In other words, it may be unwise, it may be selfish, it may be purpose defeating - all things that will break the vow, if you resist it?

St Sebastian · Jun 29, 2020

123flower said:
The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers.

If it was not fully conscious and done in freedom, it is not a true vow. Enjoy photography!

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