In Serious Need of Prayer Pt. 1

Nicole Roberson · Jun 16, 2021

Hi everyone.

So this is alot...I'll try to summarize it as best as I can.

At this point in my life I'm just buried deep in turmoil. Overthinking has gone to such an extreme that I'm afraid of how it affects me every day. At this point my mind becomes so easily manipulated my by own thoughts. I can almost convince myself of anything if it sounds believable enough in my mind. And I know without a doubt the devil is taking advantage of that.

What has driven a majority of that is spending way too much time on the internet (I don't mean here) I mean in other areas of the web---articles, blogs, and so on. I've gotten caught up in every Christian Instagram post like I really believe somewhere here or there is God showing me something, God wanting me to know something, like I really think it's a sign, and in my head I get the thought that if I don't listen to these things, I'm in trouble...I'll be destroyed by a lack of knowledge like the Word says. I'm afraid of so much.

I'm just afraid of too much. I realize some of you have probably read my posts before. For those who haven't read my posts before, I can't even begin to tell you how overanalyzing has gotten so bad that I'm just questioning every little think. Even when I'm seeking counseling from pastors, advice from trusted Christian family/friends in my life, even when they are giving sound advice suddenly I'm overthinking everything they're saying. What if everything they're saying is wrong? What if God actually wants me to do this? Or that? What if this or that is a sin after all even though their explanation of the context of the word may prove that it's not. I'm even giving myself the idea that just asking for help at all is me putting others before God but I know that makes no sense. It's like my mind so strongly wants to believe whatever is in my head as if it makes any more sense...it's crazy. And I feel horrible. Articles have been hit or miss for me...they either help or they don't. And I worry has been if the fact that I'm so wrapped up in what articles and what people online say that I'm putting more trust in that than God...I get so upset and feel condemned...it's the last thing I want to be doing.

I know for a fact I'm dealing with spiritual ocd, which is actually one of the first things I ever wrote about on here. It's gotten to the point where...I'm so scared of my mind, believing lies, the devil's lies, even when I recognize that they're lies. I'm afraid of falling into legalism, not living by faith, coming to the strong belief that I need to do this or that with the idea that this is what the word is saying to do when in the back of my mind I realize I'm going about things the wrong way. It's bondage, that's what it is. I'm living in bondage. I'm so afraid of doing the wrong thing that I'm afraid of believing there's something wrong with everything in life, my writing ideas (I write poetry and novels), movies, tv shows, and so on...even though certainly there's not something wrong with everything secular right? It's a continual cycle...where I'm afraid of believing these thoughts in my head over sound advice given by the spiritually mature people in my life, strong in faith, and then worst of all...I'm afraid of believing thoughts in my head over the Word. I'm so scared of unbelief.

I feel so sick right now...so much stress and negativity has built up in my stomach. It's aggravating my asthma, it's making my temples hurt...honestly. It's an ongoing thing that I've been dealing with almost every day. Almost every day I just cry my eyes out. I'm strongly considering a Christian therapist, as the senior pastor at my church recommended to me. While speaking with pastors has been the most helpful and valuable thing as far as talking with other Christians goes, I realize there are things I'm struggling with so badly that may need to be addressed to a professional. I've never seen myself like this before...it's honestly disturbing (I'm saying all of this about my overthinking and overanalyzing)

Continue to In Serious Need of Prayer Pt. 2

Zach7 · Jun 17, 2021

Nicole I can help you. I have struggled with overthinking, OCD and scrupulosity in the past.

This took me 3+ years to learn so please pay attention to these words. Most people ignore this.

God wants you to "be still" and know he "is God." (Psalm 46:10). This is the only thing God wants you to do and this is also how you can experience peace of mind and joy.

What does "be still" mean and how do you do it?

When he says "be still" he means "focus intently on here and now" or "Be the observer of your thoughts". It is what I call mindfulness.

When he says "know that I am God." He means "have faith" have confidence in His ability to deliver you from all fear.

So another translation could be "Focus intently on here and now with confidence in God."

Here is how you can begin practicing this. Because all things take practice.

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Sit on your knees. And begin to focus on your breath.
Watch your breath going in and out. Rising and falling.

When thoughts/judgements pop up, just accept that they are there and go back to your breath rising and falling. Treat thoughts like birds chirping. Don't apply meaning to the chirping, don't follow it. Just accept it is there.

If your practice this every day God will guide you. He will speak to you when you stop talking and wait for him to speak. He will be very pleased with you if you do exactly this.

My advice, just take your thoughts less seriously. They are easy to let go of with that attitude.

And when God speaks to you or tells you to do something. Please do it for your sake. I did not and because of my actions my life is now much harder.

I hope this helps. And please tell me if this makes sense. I'm happy to explain in more detail. There is also the lesson of "testing spirits" which I learned the hard way and am happy to share. But I would prefer you try what I mentioned first before I give you more information.

Zach7 · Jun 17, 2021

Zach7 said:
EDIT:
When thoughts/judgements pop up, just accept that they are there and go back to your breath rising and falling. Treat thoughts like birds chirping. Don't apply meaning to the chirping, don't follow it. Just accept it is there.

*Eventually thoughts will pop up less the more you learn to accept them and quiet your mind. And a silence will appear. A gap between thoughts. This is where peace and joy will arise. Don't be afraid, you will enjoy it.

Mayflower1 · Jun 17, 2021

Helpful advice. I deal with this a little bit I think, anxiety anyway, (up praying for people at 4am.

), so I understand what you are going through, Nicole. Best thing you can do is get into the Word of God and saturate yourself in it, Psalms especially. Put on worship/praise music whenever possible. Pray against those thoughts and take them captive.

Praying for your peace of mind and learning to be "still." Bless you.

Jeffwhosoever · Jun 17, 2021

Get a physical copy of the Bible so you do not need the internet to read, and dive into God's word and block everything else out. Focus on the Gospel of John, then the other Gospels of Matthew, Luke and Mark. There is an excellent movie that literally renders every word called the "Gospel of John" and you can probably find it on youtube to block out the internet that is overwhelming you. But paper is best because its not on some form of digital screen, and nothing focuses one's mind like hearing from God directly through Scripture. If you don't have a bible, send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll find a way to ship you one.

Joy · Jun 17, 2021

MOD HAT ON

This Thread has Moved
From Prayer Wall
To Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

MOD HAT OFF

Nicole Roberson · Jun 17, 2021

Jeffwhosoever said:
Get a physical copy of the Bible so you do not need the internet to read, and dive into God's word and block everything else out. Focus on the Gospel of John, then the other Gospels of Matthew, Luke and Mark. There is an excellent movie that literally renders every word called the "Gospel of John" and you can probably find it on youtube to block out the internet that is overwhelming you. But paper is best because its not on some form of digital screen, and nothing focuses one's mind like hearing from God directly through Scripture. If you don't have a bible, send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll find a way to ship you one.

Hi,

I do have a Bible. What happens is when I read something in the Word that I don’t understand, I go off in my mind with all these questions, things I want to know specifically. Because not everything is specifically addressed in the Word, so what do I do? What does God say? I struggle so badly trying to discern. I struggle to ask God first, but I feel horrible because it’s like I try to be still to hear Him but I just don’t know what He says because a lot of times I’m just imagining things, words popping up that I think He’d sat. Not every scripture that pops up in my head is from God because there are times scriptures come up in my mind because I just read them at the moment, and could be totally random ones that have nothing to do with what I’m going through in my head. I hope that makes sense.

Tolworth John · Jun 17, 2021

Nicole Roberson said:
know for a fact I'm dealing with spiritual ocd

May I suggest that you seek a diagnosis by a medical professional, medication, medical advice and that you follow it.

You been given some excellent advice about calming your thoughts down, if you cannot follow it you will need medication to calm your thoughts down.

Please see your doctor and do what he says.

Mayflower1 · Jun 17, 2021

Nicole Roberson said:
Hi,

I do have a Bible. What happens is when I read something in the Word that I don’t understand, I go off in my mind with all these questions, things I want to know specifically. Because not everything is specifically addressed in the Word, so what do I do? What does God say? I struggle so badly trying to discern. I struggle to ask God first, but I feel horrible because it’s like I try to be still to hear Him but I just don’t know what He says because a lot of times I’m just imagining things, words popping up that I think He’d sat. Not every scripture that pops up in my head is from God because there are times scriptures come up in my mind because I just read them at the moment, and could be totally random ones that have nothing to do with what I’m going through in my head. I hope that makes sense.

I think what would help is trying to work on reading the Word of God with your heart, rather then your mind, because we are Spirit beings.

"Trust in the Lord with all your HEART, lean not on your OWN UNDERSTANDING. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

We are going to get off if we try to figure out everything with our head. The freeing Truth is Jesus said we are forgiven, because of Him. So if we love God and we are studying the Word of God to grow closer to Him, we do not need to feel condemned by it. Jesus died for us, so that we do not have to feel condemned.

Mari17 · Jun 21, 2021

Nicole Roberson said:
Hi everyone.

So this is alot...I'll try to summarize it as best as I can.

At this point in my life I'm just buried deep in turmoil. Overthinking has gone to such an extreme that I'm afraid of how it affects me every day. At this point my mind becomes so easily manipulated my by own thoughts. I can almost convince myself of anything if it sounds believable enough in my mind. And I know without a doubt the devil is taking advantage of that.

What has driven a majority of that is spending way too much time on the internet (I don't mean here) I mean in other areas of the web---articles, blogs, and so on. I've gotten caught up in every Christian Instagram post like I really believe somewhere here or there is God showing me something, God wanting me to know something, like I really think it's a sign, and in my head I get the thought that if I don't listen to these things, I'm in trouble...I'll be destroyed by a lack of knowledge like the Word says. I'm afraid of so much.

I'm just afraid of too much. I realize some of you have probably read my posts before. For those who haven't read my posts before, I can't even begin to tell you how overanalyzing has gotten so bad that I'm just questioning every little think. Even when I'm seeking counseling from pastors, advice from trusted Christian family/friends in my life, even when they are giving sound advice suddenly I'm overthinking everything they're saying. What if everything they're saying is wrong? What if God actually wants me to do this? Or that? What if this or that is a sin after all even though their explanation of the context of the word may prove that it's not. I'm even giving myself the idea that just asking for help at all is me putting others before God but I know that makes no sense. It's like my mind so strongly wants to believe whatever is in my head as if it makes any more sense...it's crazy. And I feel horrible. Articles have been hit or miss for me...they either help or they don't. And I worry has been if the fact that I'm so wrapped up in what articles and what people online say that I'm putting more trust in that than God...I get so upset and feel condemned...it's the last thing I want to be doing.

I know for a fact I'm dealing with spiritual ocd, which is actually one of the first things I ever wrote about on here. It's gotten to the point where...I'm so scared of my mind, believing lies, the devil's lies, even when I recognize that they're lies. I'm afraid of falling into legalism, not living by faith, coming to the strong belief that I need to do this or that with the idea that this is what the word is saying to do when in the back of my mind I realize I'm going about things the wrong way. It's bondage, that's what it is. I'm living in bondage. I'm so afraid of doing the wrong thing that I'm afraid of believing there's something wrong with everything in life, my writing ideas (I write poetry and novels), movies, tv shows, and so on...even though certainly there's not something wrong with everything secular right? It's a continual cycle...where I'm afraid of believing these thoughts in my head over sound advice given by the spiritually mature people in my life, strong in faith, and then worst of all...I'm afraid of believing thoughts in my head over the Word. I'm so scared of unbelief.

I feel so sick right now...so much stress and negativity has built up in my stomach. It's aggravating my asthma, it's making my temples hurt...honestly. It's an ongoing thing that I've been dealing with almost every day. Almost every day I just cry my eyes out. I'm strongly considering a Christian therapist, as the senior pastor at my church recommended to me. While speaking with pastors has been the most helpful and valuable thing as far as talking with other Christians goes, I realize there are things I'm struggling with so badly that may need to be addressed to a professional. I've never seen myself like this before...it's honestly disturbing (I'm saying all of this about my overthinking and overanalyzing)

Continue to part 2

I'm so sorry you've been struggling so much! I've had OCD most of my life, and many of my themes have been scrupulous/religious OCD, so I know how difficult it can be. I could talk much more about the topic, but for now I'd like to suggest the following resources, which you may find helpful:
OCD & CHRISTIANITY – CHRISTIANITY
Facebook Groups (good FB support group)
OCD

I'd also be happy to suggest more resources, answer specific questions, or converse via pm if you'd like!

BobRyan · Jun 28, 2021

Nicole Roberson said:
Almost every day I just cry my eyes out. I'm strongly considering a Christian therapist, as the senior pastor at my church recommended to me. While speaking with pastors has been the most helpful and valuable thing as far as talking with other Christians goes, I realize there are things I'm struggling with so badly that may need to be addressed to a professional. I've never seen myself like this before...it's honestly disturbing (I'm saying all of this about my overthinking and overanalyzing)

Continue to In Serious Need of Prayer Pt. 2

I have an easy suggestion for you ... while you are also seeking professional counseling ...
1. Stop feeding your mind anything but Christ , His life, His teachings... for 10 days.
2. go here - read this chapter on the life of Christ -- and the next 9 chapters over the next 10 days.

The Desire of Ages

gingertail27 · Jun 29, 2021

Honestly I think the best thing is to go to a psychiatrist and a therapist. You going on christian articles/blogs online is only making things worse

Nicole Roberson · Jun 29, 2021

gingertail27 said:
Honestly I think the best thing is to go to a psychiatrist and a therapist. You going on christian articles/blogs online is only making things worse

You’re not wrong. I’m gradually prying myself off of the internet but then I impulsively research stuff and I’m just repeatedly deleting articles or threads I bookmarked. It really messed up my mind...here I was trying to find people who happen to have the same problem, but really I need to get off completely.

gingertail27 · Jun 29, 2021

Yeah

Nicole Roberson said:
You’re not wrong. I’m gradually prying myself off of the internet but then I impulsively research stuff and I’m just repeatedly deleting articles or threads I bookmarked. It really messed up my mind...here I was trying to find people who happen to have the same problem, but really I need to get off completely.

I understand. I use to struggle with that a lot. Constantly going on christian article but that only made things worse. I would feel better but only to feel triggered by something in that article, which resulted in me looking up more christian articles etc. The cycle continued

Nicole Roberson · Jun 30, 2021

gingertail27 said:
Yeah

I understand. I use to struggle with that a lot. Constantly going on christian article but that only made things worse. I would feel better but only to feel triggered by something in that article, which resulted in me looking up more christian articles etc. The cycle continued

Yes! Yes, exactly, it really sucks...let’s talk about this, over the phone hopefully tomorrow? Let me know whenever you’re available.

biblelesson · Jun 30, 2021

I can say I think you are being led by God. Sometimes there is confusion because of how we have learned to think about things. But before we understand how we are being led; we go through days even years of confusion. I have never heard of the term Religious OCD in the bible. I would not give much credence to that term, and probable would not accept it as true. When I was struggling to know God's word, I realized I needed to hear the truth of God's word, from a strong teacher. Just reading the bible did not help me. Another problem is there are not a lot of strong preachers today, which is what has been prophesied to be true during these days. So, I looked for teachers that I was able to learn the word of God from, and I stuck with them for a while. You have to be careful who you listen to.

The more you write about these issues, you are raising them up a Lord over you. It becomes idolatry. I would not stop coming to the Christian forum; but I would look for strong teachers on the forum and simply learn from them. I would stop all the writing about the issue of OCD because as I said, you are raising the issue up to be a God. You may not know you are doing this, and there is no condemnation to you for doing this because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All of us. That's why Jesus died for us. He loves you!

I would like to recommend some teachers that helped me: One is Derek Prince. He has passed away, but you can find his teachings on YouTube. Take your time and learn from his teachings. Another is Watchman nee. You might want to start with his snippets on YouTube. Just search Watchman nee snippets, and you should have no problem finding them.

I would start there. Right now, you don’t have the answer. Let someone help you and stop writing about this issue. Give it no more power.

Nicole Roberson · Jul 1, 2021

biblelesson said:
I can say I think you are being led by God. Sometimes there is confusion because of how we have learned to think about things. But before we understand how we are being led; we go through days even years of confusion. I have never heard of the term Religious OCD in the bible. I would not give much credence to that term, and probable would not accept it as true. When I was struggling to know God's word, I realized I needed to hear the truth of God's word, from a strong teacher. Just reading the bible did not help me. Another problem is there are not a lot of strong preachers today, which is what has been prophesied to be true during these days. So, I looked for teachers that I was able to learn the word of God from, and I stuck with them for a while. You have to be careful who you listen to.

The more you write about these issues, you are raising them up a Lord over you. It becomes idolatry. I would not stop coming to the Christian forum; but I would look for strong teachers on the forum and simply learn from them. I would stop all the writing about the issue of OCD because as I said, you are raising the issue up to be a God. You may not know you are doing this, and there is no condemnation to you for doing this because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All of us. That's why Jesus died for us. He loves you!

I would like to recommend some teachers that helped me: One is Derek Prince. He has passed away, but you can find his teachings on YouTube. Take your time and learn from his teachings. Another is Watchman nee. You might want to start with his snippets on YouTube. Just search Watchman nee snippets, and you should have no problem finding them.

I would start there. Right now, you don’t have the answer. Let someone help you and stop writing about this issue. Give it no more power.

I can tell you that this is not God leading me. God is not an author of confusion or disorder. I’ve felt nothing but condemnation over every little thing, like I was having a meltdown.You don’t know the turmoil that I’ve gone through over a course of months...the sickness I’ve felt over this whole thing. You don’t know the fear I’ve endured thinking this was all because of me, that this is all me...you don’t know...and you just made it worse. Let’s get something straight here...I don’t come here because I’m putting this over God...because I strive to go to God first...I don’t come here but to vent, and to meet people that can relate to me, because it makes such a difference to meet other Christians with whom we can lift each other up. This is definitely a stronghold but it is not an idol! I go to God about these things everyday...all day long. Let me tell you another thing...OCD is something that is very real...look up the OCD section of Christian Forums. Millions of Christians are dealing with this. Just because it’s not in the Bible doesn’t mean it’s not real. I’ve been dealing with this for sometime and this is not a normal thinking pattern for me...at all. I’ve been going through this way of thinking that is not normal and definitely a mental issue, a case of OCD. It goes in with spiritual warfare, which is the root of it, and of course that can be found in the Bible. And this has been affecting my walk with Christ, which is why struggle reading the Bible. The enemy is using it against me to hurt me and I know it...I write about this issue to be honest with myself about what’s going on...but I pray over it continually to the Lord. Another thing...I do have strong teachers. Very strong Pastors who I’ve been receiving counseling from.

But one thing here...you’re right, I will give it no more power. And I am going to stop writing here but not because it became an idol but because there are just some people here that have said not similar things that ended up confusing me more, not help me.

biblelesson · Jul 1, 2021

Nicole Roberson said:
I can tell you that this is not God leading me. God is not an author of confusion or disorder. I’ve felt nothing but condemnation over every little thing, like I was having a meltdown.You don’t know the turmoil that I’ve gone through over a course of months...the sickness I’ve felt over this whole thing. You don’t know the fear I’ve endured thinking this was all because of me, that this is all me...you don’t know...and you just made it worse. Let’s get something straight here...I don’t come here because I’m putting this over God...because I strive to go to God first...I don’t come here but to vent, and to meet people that can relate to me, because it makes such a difference to meet other Christians with whom we can lift each other up. This is definitely a stronghold but it is not an idol! I go to God about these things everyday...all day long. Let me tell you another thing...OCD is something that is very real...look up the OCD section of Christian Forums. Millions of Christians are dealing with this. Just because it’s not in the Bible doesn’t mean it’s not real. I’ve been dealing with this for sometime and this is not a normal thinking pattern for me...at all. I’ve been going through this way of thinking that is not normal and definitely a mental issue, a case of OCD. It goes in with spiritual warfare, which is the root of it, and of course that can be found in the Bible. And this has been affecting my walk with Christ, which is why struggle reading the Bible. The enemy is using it against me to hurt me and I know it...I write about this issue to be honest with myself about what’s going on...but I pray over it continually to the Lord. Another thing...I do have strong teachers. Very strong Pastors who I’ve been receiving counseling from.

But one thing here...you’re right, I will give it no more power. And I am going to stop writing here but not because it became an idol but because there are just some people here that have said not similar things that ended up confusing me more, not help me.

You have a lot to say and you have clearly explained your situation, and in many ways you have provided the answer also! There is nothing wrong that Christ can’t fix.

It doesn’t matter what the problem is, there is only One Greater. Jesus! You can search for the answer! You can call it what you want! You can keep looking to others for the answer! You can keep talking about it! You can look for sympathy - do whatever you want. But again, there is Only one Greater than any problem you will ever face! That’s who you look to! That’s who you call on!

Everything is benefit the feet of Christ. He died and rose and defeated Satan at the Cross. He is the Great Healer! He has the power to cast out evil from our lives! He is Lord! He said come unto me all ye who are heavy laden! He is the answer!

SANTOSO · Jul 1, 2021

Dear one,
I understand that you are overwhelmed.

This is what we have heard:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. -John 14:27

Dear one,
Let us be strengthen in our faith in our beloved Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us speak and believe in our hearts,that is, the righteousness of our faith, that we declare:

Lord Jesus Christ,
You are my peace. Jesus leave with me, Your peace. Not as the world gives do You give to me. I let not my hearts be troubled, neither let my heart be afraid. For Your peace that surpass knowledge, guards my heart and mind. Thank You, Jesus
Amen

Dear one,
When you are troubled and afraid, pray the prayer. Believe that you prayed will come to pass. And it will be yours.

Dear one,
If you prayed, — dear one, don’t forget to first release forgiveness to those who offend you. Then our Heavenly Father will forgive your offenses and answers your prayers.

Dear one,
I am waiting for the good news of your deliverance.

To God be the glory. Amen

Eftsoon · Jul 1, 2021

Nicole Roberson said:
God is not an author of confusion or disorder.

Let that word sink in. There is healing there.

In Serious Need of Prayer Pt. 1

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