Struggles at church

[michael714]

The past several times I've been to church, it starts off okay, then blasphemous thoughts start hitting and it messes up the whole service. I probably make matters worse by trying to somehow control my mind, but it's like trying to plug all the holes in the dam at once.
Anyone else had this problem?

 

[John B Jr.]

that's not unheard of

 

[Liftyourhands7]

Michael,

I know exactly how you feel, but I would never go to church if I let the thoughts stop me, I am a worship leader in my church so you can just imagine how I feel when I get up in front of a congregation and wonder if something horrible is going to come out of my mouth, It has never happened and I know it never will, its just thoughts, its not who I am in Christ, I know my Lord has such love and mercy for me and understands OCD better than anyone ever could. Please press on and don't let OCD keep you from going to church, the Lord is glad when you make the effort to get there and hear his word, and he will bless you for it, I notice when I start back to Bible study or just even when I am getting closer to the Lord all this OCD starts really rearing its ugly head, but I know what it is and press on anyway, nothing not even OCD can seperate us from the love and care of our God. Hope this helps. Jan

 

[shelovesChrist]

Hey Michael,

I've had them too in church. At first it was really frustrating but lately I've been able to praise without them. It feels good. And sometimes when they do pop up I just praise harder, clap harder, shout harder because I'm not letting them mess up God's time. I'm thinking about joining the choir and other activities in the church and at first I was afraid that these thoughts would pop up when I'm singing and whatnot but I just have to think positive because if I think "oh what if the thoughts pop up while I'm singing" then I'm going to try my best for them to not pop up and them be disappointed. I can't control them but I can control the way that I respond to them. I refuse to be depressed in the Lord's house because of them. And don't let them keep you from going to church. Keep going. Get involved. Let God know that despite these ugly, hideous thoughts you're still going to praise Him and try to get closer to Him. Praying!

Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth

 

[michael714]

Ladies, thanks for sharing. It's nice to know someone else has been there. I'd never let the thoughts discourage me from going to church. It just gets frustrating having to deal with it in God's house.

This past Sunday I prayed before going to church, asking for the Lord's help. The thoughts were subdued from the week, before, although, I did struggle with some critical thinking.

 

[shelovesChrist]

It's okay. Progress is progress. I'm doing some poetry reading at my church this Friday for an event and I'm going to just have confidence and faith. They don't come in church a lot but even if they do I just ignore them. Our Lord understands about our minds both in and outside the church. LoL. He isn't going to understand you at home but when you come into the church forget. Sometimes are minds can cause us to be so unreasonable. Enjoy your time at church always and I'm glad they subdued the past Sunday. Keep praising, praying, and studying the Word. =]

 

[gracealone]

Hi Michael,
I know how that feels. When my OCD was bad it would really act up when I went to church but just like others have said you are definitely doing the right thing to keep on going. It's actually a form of exposure therapy because it can prompt the thoughts and allowing the thoughts to come without avoiding the thing that prompts them is teaching our brain that the thoughts aren't valid.
Furthermore it shows forth your love and obedience to Christ to go to
Church to worship Him even when you know your OCD might really pester you while your there.
I'm so happy to read your post... keep up the good work!!!
Praying for you.
Mitzi

Ladies, thanks for sharing. It's nice to know someone else has been there. I'd never let the thoughts discourage me from going to church. It just gets frustrating having to deal with it in God's house.

This past Sunday I prayed before going to church, asking for the Lord's help. The thoughts were subdued from the week, before, although, I did struggle with some critical thinking.

 

[gracealone]

Hey Jan... Great Post!! You get it! I'm soooo glad!
Love and Prayers,
Mitzi

Michael,

I know exactly how you feel, but I would never go to church if I let the thoughts stop me, I am a worship leader in my church so you can just imagine how I feel when I get up in front of a congregation and wonder if something horrible is going to come out of my mouth, It has never happened and I know it never will, its just thoughts, its not who I am in Christ, I know my Lord has such love and mercy for me and understands OCD better than anyone ever could. Please press on and don't let OCD keep you from going to church, the Lord is glad when you make the effort to get there and hear his word, and he will bless you for it, I notice when I start back to Bible study or just even when I am getting closer to the Lord all this OCD starts really rearing its ugly head, but I know what it is and press on anyway, nothing not even OCD can seperate us from the love and care of our God. Hope this helps. Jan

 

[shelovesChrist]

Amen!

 

[michael714]

>It's actually a form of exposure therapy because it can prompt the thoughts and allowing the thoughts to come without avoiding the thing that prompts them is teaching our brain that the thoughts aren't valid.

Well, this past Wednesday night it flared up bad again, I hate the cursing God stuff in church. But won't let it stop me from going to church.

Why does going to church flare it up?

 

[shelovesChrist]

Honestly, I don't know. It would follow me in church too but now I have more peace than those thoughts. Pray and ask God not only to take the stress and baggage with these thoughts, but to allow you to worship him in complete joy. Regardless, He understands whether you're in and out of church so don't let these thoughts make you feel unholy. He's proud that you're taking time out of your day to worship Him despite all these negative things that are occuring in your head. He is so proud of you. It shows Him that you're not letting nothing get in the way of your praise. Praise Him through the sun and the rain, good days and bad, because no effort goes unnoticed by our God. He is amazing and just so understanding. You're going to be all right. I keep all you guys in my prayers. Because we have to bear one anothers burdens. I know how hard it is to be in church and hear those things, I been there, but keep going and keep praising!

 

[shelovesChrist]

Mathew 5: 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mathew 5: 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 

[michael714]

That's a good reminder, to keep praising no matter what. Thanks for the words from the Bible too.

 

[shelovesChrist]

No problem. the Word is the sword. it's full of life and substance. God bless!