OCD, Confusion, and the Bible

[gloriousday2006]

From my own personal experience, I have found that OCD causes a lot of confusion. It often takes the things we hold close to our heart, and twists them and does the exact opposite of what we desire. This can be extremely troubling and can make you feel like you have lost your footing.

The one thing I have found that helps pull me out of the fog is the WORD. When we read the WORD we hear the truth. I need to hear my Savior's voice every day, without Him I cannot live.

I want this to be a post of encouragement. If you are suffering, keep in the WORD. OCD can make us afraid to read the very thing we need most, the Holy word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Keep reading and let the WORD cut through the confusion. It is the truth, and in God we find our being.

As I type, I am fighting a form of depersonalization where I feel almost wrapped in cotton. Even so, the Bible gives me truth. I need to hear my Savior. I encourage everyone, no matter how much you are suffering to TRUST our great God. He is worthy and He can pull you through.

I am praying for everyone on this forum. If you need someone to talk to please message me. I would love to help.

In Christ alone my hope is found.

 

[ocdlifeline]

I'm praying for you as well thanks

 

[ST673]

From my own personal experience, I have found that OCD causes a lot of confusion. It often takes the things we hold close to our heart, and twists them and does the exact opposite of what we desire. This can be extremely troubling and can make you feel like you have lost your footing.

The one thing I have found that helps pull me out of the fog is the WORD. When we read the WORD we hear the truth. I need to hear my Savior's voice every day, without Him I cannot live.

I want this to be a post of encouragement. If you are suffering, keep in the WORD. OCD can make us afraid to read the very thing we need most, the Holy word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Keep reading and let the WORD cut through the confusion. It is the truth, and in God we find our being.

As I type, I am fighting a form of depersonalization where I feel almost wrapped in cotton. Even so, the Bible gives me truth. I need to hear my Savior. I encourage everyone, no matter how much you are suffering to TRUST our great God. He is worthy and He can pull you through.

I am praying for everyone on this forum. If you need someone to talk to please message me. I would love to help.

In Christ alone my hope is found.

I'm at this point in my OCD attack. Terrified of the bible and that it will trigger my OCD thoughts.

 

[gloriousday2006]

I'm at this point in my OCD attack. Terrified of the bible and that it will trigger my OCD thoughts.

I'm at this point in my OCD attack. Terrified of the bible and that it will trigger my OCD thoughts.

Hold on dear one...you will get through this!! I have been there many times and still fight it often. I have been through phases of extreme fear when reading the Bible, but you need to stay in the word. God loves you and His thoughts are so much higher than ours. He understands exactly what is going on. I am praying for you. We are the hands and feet of Christ. Please message me anytime you need help. I understand EXACTLY what you are going through and have been through it all. We will overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.

 

[David1987]

From my own personal experience, I have found that OCD causes a lot of confusion. It often takes the things we hold close to our heart, and twists them and does the exact opposite of what we desire. This can be extremely troubling and can make you feel like you have lost your footing.

The one thing I have found that helps pull me out of the fog is the WORD. When we read the WORD we hear the truth. I need to hear my Savior's voice every day, without Him I cannot live.

I want this to be a post of encouragement. If you are suffering, keep in the WORD. OCD can make us afraid to read the very thing we need most, the Holy word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Keep reading and let the WORD cut through the confusion. It is the truth, and in God we find our being.

As I type, I am fighting a form of depersonalization where I feel almost wrapped in cotton. Even so, the Bible gives me truth. I need to hear my Savior. I encourage everyone, no matter how much you are suffering to TRUST our great God. He is worthy and He can pull you through.

I am praying for everyone on this forum. If you need someone to talk to please message me. I would love to help.

In Christ alone my hope is found.

From my own personal experience, I have found that OCD causes a lot of confusion. It often takes the things we hold close to our heart, and twists them and does the exact opposite of what we desire. This can be extremely troubling and can make you feel like you have lost your footing.

The one thing I have found that helps pull me out of the fog is the WORD. When we read the WORD we hear the truth. I need to hear my Savior's voice every day, without Him I cannot live.

I want this to be a post of encouragement. If you are suffering, keep in the WORD. OCD can make us afraid to read the very thing we need most, the Holy word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Keep reading and let the WORD cut through the confusion. It is the truth, and in God we find our being.

As I type, I am fighting a form of depersonalization where I feel almost wrapped in cotton. Even so, the Bible gives me truth. I need to hear my Savior. I encourage everyone, no matter how much you are suffering to TRUST our great God. He is worthy and He can pull you through.

I am praying for everyone on this forum. If you need someone to talk to please message me. I would love to help.

In Christ alone my hope is found.

Can I be a part of this group? I need this help.

 

[ST673]

Can I be a part of this group? I need this help.

Yes, I think you must already be apart of it if you're commenting. I'm still new so I'm not sure. This group helps me tremendously

 

[gloriousday2006]

Can I be a part of this group? I need this help.

David you can absolutely be a part of this group! This group provides wonderful support to OCD sufferers. I don't know what you are facing, but we can overcome all things through Christ's strength. If you ever need someone to talk to feel free to message me. I have been through many, many aspects of this condition, and want to help whoever is in need. I am praying for you!

 

[faroukfarouk]

I'm at this point in my OCD attack. Terrified of the bible and that it will trigger my OCD thoughts.

Hi; John 14.1-27 and Psalm 46 and many other passages are very assuring, comforting passages for the believer.

 

[plentyofpaper]

I'm at my wit's end. For the past two months I have been struggling with severe anxiety, then depression, and now I am in a downward spiral, barely able to function. I can't stop obsessing over online sermons, different doctrines, nagging questions, meaning of Scripture passages, the reality of Hell, what do I actually think about Jesus, am I unable to repent and trust in Him, am I doubting everything I believe in, who God is--my thoughts are going a million places and then I'm paralyzed by fear. I keep thinking maybe I should try and distract myself but nothing can distract myself because the thinking infects everything I try to do. I go to the Word and it makes me anxious and leads me to more questioning thoughts. Oh God, help me.

"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" John 6:68-69

 

[faroukfarouk]

I'm at my wit's end. For the past two months I have been struggling with severe anxiety, then depression, and now I am in a downward spiral, barely able to function. I can't stop obsessing over online sermons, different doctrines, nagging questions, meaning of Scripture passages, the reality of Hell, what do I actually think about Jesus, am I unable to repent and trust in Him, am I doubting everything I believe in, who God is--my thoughts are going a million places and then I'm paralyzed by fear. I keep thinking maybe I should try and distract myself but nothing can distract myself because the thinking infects everything I try to do. I go to the Word and it makes me anxious and leads me to more questioning thoughts. Oh God, help me.

"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" John 6:68-69

Hi; good to see you; you already know where to go, evidently.

Hebrews 12.2 encourages us to keep 'looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith'; John's First Epistle has a theme of assurance of faith running through it. Happy and blessed reading!

 

[plentyofpaper]

Hi; good to see you; you already know where to go, evidently.

Hebrews 12.2 encourages us to keep 'looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith'; John's First Epistle has a theme of assurance of faith running through it. Happy and blessed reading!

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

YW; I'm sure you'll find your way around the forums quickly.

 

[Mari17]

I'm at my wit's end. For the past two months I have been struggling with severe anxiety, then depression, and now I am in a downward spiral, barely able to function. I can't stop obsessing over online sermons, different doctrines, nagging questions, meaning of Scripture passages, the reality of Hell, what do I actually think about Jesus, am I unable to repent and trust in Him, am I doubting everything I believe in, who God is--my thoughts are going a million places and then I'm paralyzed by fear. I keep thinking maybe I should try and distract myself but nothing can distract myself because the thinking infects everything I try to do. I go to the Word and it makes me anxious and leads me to more questioning thoughts. Oh God, help me.

"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" John 6:68-69

Sounds like OCD! Have you struggled with it in the past? If so are you familiar with the tools for overcoming it? OCD can be super paralyzing but it is also possible to manage it and break free from the obsessive cycle. Basically, it's learning to ignore the thoughts and refusing to "obey" them. That sounds super simplistic that's the core of it. If you check out the thread "I need help" (by Ivy) I've written some detailed posts outlining some of the strategies for overcoming OCD. Please check those out, and also the resources I gave links to. And if you still have questions or need encouragement, feel free to post again or pm me. I've been in the same place so I know how debilitating it can be, but there is hope, so take heart!

 

[Raychel47243]

I'm at my wit's end. For the past two months I have been struggling with severe anxiety, then depression, and now I am in a downward spiral, barely able to function. I can't stop obsessing over online sermons, different doctrines, nagging questions, meaning of Scripture passages, the reality of Hell, what do I actually think about Jesus, am I unable to repent and trust in Him, am I doubting everything I believe in, who God is--my thoughts are going a million places and then I'm paralyzed by fear. I keep thinking maybe I should try and distract myself but nothing can distract myself because the thinking infects everything I try to do. I go to the Word and it makes me anxious and leads me to more questioning thoughts. Oh God, help me.

"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" John 6:68-69

I cried when I read this. It was like everything I feel but was unable to put into words. It describes me almost to the tee. This happened to me about two years ago and it got so bad I ended up at a mental hospital. It’s coming back again and I don’t know what to do. Have you found any relief since posting this?

 

[Mari17]

I cried when I read this. It was like everything I feel but was unable to put into words. It describes me almost to the tee. This happened to me about two years ago and it got so bad I ended up at a mental hospital. It’s coming back again and I don’t know what to do. Have you found any relief since posting this?

Have you been diagnosed with OCD? Or do you think you have it? I can tell you some of the things that have worked for me if you think it would be helpful. Are you in therapy and/or on medication?

 

[Raychel47243]

.

 

[Raychel47243]

Have you been diagnosed with OCD? Or do you think you have it? I can tell you some of the things that have worked for me if you think it would be helpful. Are you in therapy and/or on medication?

Yes. I have been diagnosed with ocd (also having scrupulosity) as well as generalized anxiety. I actually see two counselors, a regular counselor and an ocd specialist. One of the ways my ocd manifests itself is an obsession with dying and fear of death.the counselor has been able to help me minimize the behaviors which include checking blood pressure, pulse, reassurance seeking, etc. because of this dying fear I’ve been unsuccessful taking medication because my brain starts convincing myself it will kill me. We have been unable to find much success in the faith aspect of my ocd. After barely being able to go to church or read my bible for almost a year, about two weeks ago I just got to the end up myself and was broken inside that I felt like I couldn’t get it God. I cried and asked for His help, and told God I understand Jesus is the pardon for my sin. I thought finally I’ve been freed it makes sense to me again, only for a few days later the obsessions and thoughts to have come back tenfold. Last night I was convinced I had rejected God. It doesn’t feel like ocd but rather me saying I don’t want you God. I see myself and I remind myself of Satan more of the time rather than Jesus and I can’t stop it. I just want to be normal and love Him and know Him And just as I wrote that it’s like I’m saying inside “no you don’t believe that you don’t truly want Him. Jesus knows your heart and that’s why He hasn’t committed himself to you”

 

[Mari17]

Sounds like classic OCD to me. There are two rules of thumb that I try to go by when fighting obsessions; the first is to NOT listen to the anxious thoughts, and the second is to refuse doing compulsions. Not listening to the thoughts doesn't mean you push them away, it means you just accept them as obsessive thoughts (not that you agree with them, you just let them be there because they're nothing but meaningless thoughts). Refusing to do compulsions means you refuse to do what your OCD wants you to do to relieve anxiety. This might be obsessively researching, ruminating, asking for reassurance, or things like hand washing or avoiding certain things. I'm not exactly sure what your compulsions are for the faith issues but they might be things like avoiding church or the Bible. In that case you would try to work your way back into doing those things, even if they trigger your anxiety. I've had LOTS of obsessive themes over the years - and have found victory for most of them (except my current ones LOL). So there is hope for (mostly) overcoming OCD, if one uses the right tactics. It's great that you have an OCD specialist already. I'm going to share some of my favorite resources below, and feel free to ask questions or pm me anytime!
ocdandchristianity.com/ (Check out the informational articles and the blog posts.)
Welcome
noiseinyourhead.com/free-video-series/ (Specifically the video series which is a little silly but gives a great illustration of how to handle obsessive thoughts.)
Strivings Within: The OCD Christian https://www.amazon.com/Strivings-Wi...keywords=strivings+within+-+the+ocd+christian (This is a book which I found very helpful for dealing with scrupulosity.)
I'm also part of a Facebook group for Christians with OCD and anxiety, founded by the author of the book mentioned above. If you are interested in joining let me know and I'd be happy to help you get in.

 

[plentyofpaper]

I cried when I read this. It was like everything I feel but was unable to put into words. It describes me almost to the tee. This happened to me about two years ago and it got so bad I ended up at a mental hospital. It’s coming back again and I don’t know what to do. Have you found any relief since posting this?

Raychel I am so so sorry you are going through this.
I guarantee you I know exactly what you're going through.
Honestly, I am on the other side of it now, and I thank God for that every day, but I don't have a lot of answers. I ended up quitting everything I was involved in at the time, which was devastating. Full-time school, work, everything. It was like rock bottom and my mom was taking care of me because I was completely helpless. I worked on getting my anxiety meds right. I started seeing a Christian counselor, who is absolutely amazing. He is someone I can discuss ANYTHING with, from theology to depressive thoughts, anything. I wasn't fully honest with him in the beginning and I started my therapy just sharing about the panic/anxiety and racing thoughts.. But then I got braver and I told him absolutely everything that I was thinking. About Hell, that I was evil, that I didn't know if I loved God, that I didn't think I was saved, that I'm going to Hell, all my doubts, thoughts of death, guilt for taking a hot shower when people in the Third World can't do something so simple...everything. And I shared with a couple close friends who are believers and were safe people to be honest with. So I have to say, as scary as it is, PLEASE find other Christians to talk to about it. And not just any Christian, but people who are safe and can handle some of the thoughts you are having, maybe a pastor (but it wasn't one in my case.) I honestly believe getting my specific thoughts in the light of day really took away some of their power, it wasn't immediate but over time. I also journaled some of them, which felt so icky because I hated what was coming out of my head. But I kept reminding myself that God is big enough to handle them.
I am still very fragile and continuing counseling, etc. I keep reminding myself that there is absolutely nothing I can do to earn God's favor/acceptance and that when I stand before Him I will say it is Christ ALONE. I know that in my head, and in my heart, and when I have some thoughts or feelings creep up I remind myself of that again and again. It's like I have to preach the gospel to myself daily. (And frankly I think as Christians we all should!) But yes amazingly I got to the point where I realized I couldn't do anything at all to BELIEVE more or DOUBT less or PROVE anything to myself and I sort of began to let go of it. ANd the combination of the other things I think allowed for me to be distracted enough to stop obsessing over death and Hell, etc. I still fear that the whole nightmare will return, but I'm praying it won't, and I'm praying this ordeal will have only served to strengthen my faith in the long run.
I am praying for you right now Raychel! There is always hope. If you ever need to talk email me at raenterline@gmail.com. I am here for you! We need each other. Thanks to others too who have replied xoxoxo

 

[Magnus Maximus]

Please help me. I have bad anxiety and PTSD as well as OCD. It all revolves around protection issues, that I can't protect my kids and others.

My OCD is preventing me from enjoying Church, praying and I am becoming very scrupulous and doubting God loves me

I am convinced I stepped on a dead racoon even tough it was 8 feet away from me and it had rabbies (even though no raccoons and only one skunk had rabies in my state last year and that was 4 hours away from where I live). I was outside at 0430 saw a dead animal on the road outside my truck. Then I thought what if his brains had splattered over here and they got on my shoe, then I tracked it in the truck. Then somehow it made it home and I infected my kids.

I am very nervous about driving my vehicle even though its been 6 weeks and I have sprayed it with disinfectant, shampooed it and had it steam cleaned it twice. I keep on thinking what of I missed a spot, and that got my kids sick.

I think what if I was wrong and it was a skunk and not a raccon (but surely I would have smelled it).

I worry about going to church and infecting people there, I find it hard to pray and concentrate.

Going through this is hell, I hate it and right now I hate who I am.