one step forward, two steps back....

[OCDyeahyouknowme]

Does anyone feel like these struggles we have in our mind some what hinders our growth in the Lord? It cannot possibly hinder salvation, but does anyone feel like it hinders our relationship with Him? Just throwing that out there and would love some feed back from you guys

in His service
J. Grimm

 

[kaykay9.0]

Definitely think it does hinder our relationship expecially when our OCD is centered around fears about our salvation and standing with the Lord. I think we can grow spiritually with OCD and in someways that can make us stronger, but overall, I think it does hinder and prevent us from focusing on more outward centered activity. This is just another reason why I think we should battle OCD with prayer, therapy or whatever we need to get the victory over it.

 

[shelovesChrist]

Does anyone feel like these struggles we have in our mind some what hinders our growth in the Lord? It cannot possibly hinder salvation, but does anyone feel like it hinders our relationship with Him? Just throwing that out there and would love some feed back from you guys

in His service
J. Grimm

I feel like it tried to but it backfired. Despite the thoughts, I continue to read my Bible and pray to my Lord and talk to Him and go to church and worship and they've driven me closer to Him. There are times it may "feel" like they seperate me from Him or it may "feel" like He's far, but He's right there and the more that we draw near to God the more He will draw near to us.

James 4: 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

*Note, the second part of that scripture applies to people who are sinning and backsliding, calling them to turn from their current nature and be one one accord with Christ. I only included it in there because it was a part of that verse and not to condemn any one of us. I felt really weird about giving only partially a scripture. I just had to say that because I know how we can get sometimes and freak out. But the more we come to Him, He will come to us in the main idea.

 

[zingiber]

It does hinder my relationship with God, but it is my fault that I let it. I repent of that and turn to him. However, it runs also with me as it has with Sheloveschrist - the fear drives me to God, making me realise the importance of his love.

Sheloveschrist, the second half of your verse, the half you wanted to leave out, I find just as encouraging as the first half. I am so greatful that we can actually cleanse our hands, and purify our hearts and draw nigh to God.

 

[OCDyeahyouknowme]

lol, I totaly understand about why you would want to leave that part out. Its just funny to me, cause when I post, or write to someone with ocd, i make sure i am very careful with what I say. Thank you, for you thoughts and considerations.


J. Grimm

 

[renewedmind]

absolutely! I deal with the constant doubt that asks Am I ok with the Lord Does He understand does He accept me, and all the what if's.

 

[gracealone]

Does anyone feel like these struggles we have in our mind some what hinders our growth in the Lord? It cannot possibly hinder salvation, but does anyone feel like it hinders our relationship with Him? Just throwing that out there and would love some feed back from you guys

in His service
J. Grimm

I don't think it hindered Bunyan's growth or His service to the Lord - do you?
I believe that all affliction is purposeful in the life of a Christian.
I used to say - "Oh well... I suppose that God can still use me in spite of my OCD... now I say... He is more able to use me because of it.
The scriptures teach that we are "more than conquerors IN all these things." (Not out of them.) This means that these things cannot hinder God's work in our life. Paul taught the same thing when he spoke of his affliction. Just like us he felt that it needed to be removed in order for him to move forward in serving God. So he asked God on three seperate occasions to remove it from him. The answer he got was... "My grace is sufficient for you - my strength is made perfect IN your weakness." (Again - not out of it.) So eventually Paul learns that His affliction puts him in the position of sole dependance on God's strength rather than his own. He ends up saying... " I will therefore glory IN my affliction in order that the power of Christ may rest more fully upon me, for when I am weak - I am strong." How was he strong? Not in his own strength but in the Lord's.
The OCD when it's bad may make us feel weak - just like Paul did from his thorn... but our weakness can't overide His strength. We are certainly more aware of the needing His strength because of our OCD, but that's a far better position to be in than to be all cocky and confident in our own strength - don't you think?
"Pride goeth before a fall." I struggle with pride and it's a far more subtle, dangerous and deceptive thing in regard to my spiritual health than my OCD is.
Thankfully - I'm covered by Grace. Sigh!!
Blessings,
Mitzi

 

[shelovesChrist]

Excellent post Mitzi.

I woke up to this because they send the verifications to my phone and
it truly made me understand how the things that are supposed to hinder
us, Christ can use that opportunity for us to trust Him and makes us
stronger and build our faith =]

Like Keirra Sheard sang in her song "Love Like Crazy", with Jesus Christ,
even when you lose you win. I love Him so much. Praise be to the Father
for sending my Lord and Savior. =]

 

[gracealone]

I love Him too - because He first loved me. I often wonder just how deep His love for me really is. The really wonderful thing is that I cannot fully comprehend the depth of it... but I can know more and more of it throughout eternity.
Thankyou for sharing your heart with me.
God Bless,
Mitzi

Excellent post Mitzi.

I woke up to this because they send the verifications to my phone and
it truly made me understand how the things that are supposed to hinder
us, Christ can use that opportunity for us to trust Him and makes us
stronger and build our faith =]

Like Keirra Sheard sang in her song "Love Like Crazy", with Jesus Christ,
even when you lose you win. I love Him so much. Praise be to the Father
for sending my Lord and Savior. =]

 

[shelovesChrist]

I love Him too - because He first loved me. I often wonder just how deep His love for me really is. The really wonderful thing is that I cannot fully comprehend the depth of it... but I can know more and more of it throughout eternity.

Me too. When I first learned of how much He loves us I was like after all I've done He loves me like that even though I'm not perfect. Like what did I do to deserve this love? And the answer is nothing. He loves me unconditionally and not because of my works or anything, because that is His nature. And I cannot grasp it. Praise God! He didnt have to think about any of us when He formed the world but He is good and I'm blessed =]

 

[kimberllyydawnn]

Its so hard and I feel hindered but I remain faithful and read the Bible aand pray! I love prayer and its easier for me to pray outloud, I even talk out loud to him the car and outside! But prayer is when I feel safe from the bad thoughts and where I know he hears me

 

[shelovesChrist]

Its so hard and I feel hindered but I remain faithful and read the Bible aand pray! I love prayer and its easier for me to pray outloud, I even talk out loud to him the car and outside! But prayer is when I feel safe from the bad thoughts and where I know he hears me.

amen. He does hear us. I pray everywhere and talk to Him all throughout the day sometimes too. He loves to hear from us and will never leave us. Hope you are doing well.

 

[annrobert]

I am not sure if it hinders a persons walk temporarily or if it just seems like it does.

I do think after a person is well and heals from all the scars they will be stronger.

I think it can make life hard and painful.

I do not really think it is one step forward two back, I think it is forward all the way,

though tiring

painful

hard work

and falling at times

Jesus holds us in His hand and forward we go.

 

[RuthD]

The ocd has not hindered my relationship with God. He is always there and I pray to him whenever I need to talk things out.

 

[shelovesChrist]

amen Ruth.

I do not really think it is one step forward two back, I think it is forward all the way,

though tiring

painful

hard work

and falling at times

Jesus holds us in His hand and forward we go.

amen ann. in the Lord's hands and can't be plucked!