OCD and Vows

[SpiritWarrior7]

I have not yet officially been diagnosed by a doctor for OCD, but when I read about religious scrupulosity it sounds exactly like what I suffer from. For years I have struggled with the urge to make vows to God due to a sudden fear that I will accidentally make a vow telling God that I will not do something that I can fact want to do. Being overcome with anxiety and fear I thought that the best thing to do was to make a vow telling God that whatever I desired to actually do, I would in fact do that thing (it sounds crazy, I know), I thought this would help.

A couple of years later I felt God calling me to go on and continue my education in the subject of theology. Out of fear that I would accidentally make an oath to God telling Him that I would not go to a certain university that I actually wanted to go to, I made an oath about a certain university. This was rather foolish for many reasons; one of them being that the job market that I want to pursue after my education would most likely turn down an applicant from this university (I did not understand this at the time of my vow), another reason being that I have found better education that I would much rather pursue and some of it is less expensive.

I have been struggling with these vows for over a year. I am tired of trying to figure out what to do. Should I go with whatever Univerity I want to since that would fall under my first vow? Or should I just stick with the institution that I specifically vowed? Or are these even binding?

 

[Eftsoon]

I have not yet officially been diagnosed by a doctor for OCD, but when I read about religious scrupulosity it sounds exactly like what I suffer from. For years I have struggled with the urge to make vows to God due to a sudden fear that I will accidentally make a vow telling God that I will not do something that I can fact want to do. Being overcome with anxiety and fear I thought that the best thing to do was to make a vow telling God that whatever I desired to actually do, I would in fact do that thing (it sounds crazy, I know), I thought this would help.

A couple of years later I felt God calling me to go on and continue my education in the subject of theology. Out of fear that I would accidentally make an oath to God telling Him that I would not go to a certain university that I actually wanted to go to, I made an oath about a certain university. This was rather foolish for many reasons; one of them being that the job market that I want to pursue after my education would most likely turn down an applicant from this university (I did not understand this at the time of my vow), another reason being that I have found better education that I would much rather pursue and some of it is less expensive.

I have been struggling with these vows for over a year. I am tired of trying to figure out what to do. Should I go with whatever Univerity I want to since that would fall under my first vow? Or should I just stick with the institution that I specifically vowed? Or are these even binding?

Firstly: stop making counter-vows. The bible states that it is wrong to do so: Matthew 5:34. When your OCD throws up vows involuntarily, simply recognise that it is a neural misfiring. It has no hold over you.

Secondly, vows made in sickness cannot be honoured by God. In contract law you must be compos mentis to sign. A legal agreement signed by someone in the middle of a manic episode (For instance) cannot be honoured.

Ask God to release you from the vows. Don't make any more. Wait for other posters to confirm what I'm saying.

 

[angelsaroundme]

I think you should go with whatever university helps sets up the best future for you and avoid making any future vows. It only adds unnecessary pressure.

 

[Unqualified]

Don’t make anymore vows. Pray about the college you want to go to and have a backup plan. Then maybe apply and see if God blesses you

 

[Tolworth John]

I have been struggling with these vows for over a year. I am tired of trying to figure out what to do. Should I go with whatever Univerity I want to since that would fall under my first vow? Or should I just stick with the institution that I specifically vowed? Or are these even binding?

Please search for and read " 25 tips for successful treating your ocd."
It will give you important advice for how to live with ocd and intrusive thoughts.

2nd, get professional medical help.

3rd read what the OT says about unwise vows etc.
Basically it say if someone who is not legally competent makes a foolish vow that vow can be rescinded by a legally responsible person.
If ocd, a form of mental illness is causing you to make foolish vows then you as a legal competent adult can declare those vows invalid.

Beware God isn't interested in making bargains or contract etc with us, he expects our obedience.

 

[Zoli12452]

Guys read Matthew 18:21 there is forgiveness !