Thiddleston530-Cannot do my hobby because of a vow

Tom Hiddleston · May 24, 2021

Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

SongOnTheWind · May 24, 2021

Tom Hiddleston said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

Matthew 5:37
Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

Jesus isn't telling us off here, He is warning and protecting us. We are not God so we can't do everything. Many times we are unable to do what even what we say we will do. So mental obstacles or not (we all have them, I'm sure) that protection is there. Jesus has released us from our vows, but He does want us to mean what we say. I mean to get up before 6 am every morning, but it rarely works out that way. But with God's help and by His grace, I'm getting there. Slowly.

Also, whatever we do, we are to do it for the glory of God:

1 Peter 2:11-12
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

If you are taking pictures, especially ones that glorify God, then why would you need a vow against that?

I hope I've helped in some way. Keep reading God's Word, it is our mind's protection against the thoughts of the wicked one.

Be blessed

dqhall · May 24, 2021

Tom Hiddleston said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

You are not supposed to swear oaths as they may become a trap. I am not sure how you happened to swear off photography.

In business law a contract is not valid unless it is in writing. If I want to buy a house, I must sign a contact and give the seller a deposit. I may make the purchase contingent on a home inspection. I have a certain number of days to complete this. If I do not back out after the home inspection, I must deliver the purchase price to the escrow agent and then receive a deed for the property at closing.

If I make a promise to myself, I may change it if further evidence comes to light, or I have a change of mind.

Photography can be an expensive trap, if you start collecting expensive cameras, lenses, tripod etc. It seems people may take camera phone photos without incurring great wrath or added expense.

Tolworth John · May 24, 2021

Tom Hiddleston said:
because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

There are several things here, as others have said Christians don't make vows. Any vow or promise you are compelled to make is not valid.

Then there is your ocd and the intrusive thoughts.
Please follow the link:- International OCD Foundation | 25 Tips for Succeeding in Your OCD Treatment

and read and reread it so you can discuss it with your doctor or therapist.

basicly all intrusive thought, no matter what they say, all you do is say, " yes that is right. " then carry on with what you are doing.
Do not talk, debate, argue or try to ignore them.

Mari17 · Jun 12, 2021

Tom Hiddleston said:
Lately I’m into photography, but because of a vow I feel I cannot take photos anymore. The vow was intrusive and happened during one of my prayers. It was something like ‘if i take photos than something bad will happen to me’. Now I know an intrusive vow is part of my OCD and therefore not valid.

But many years ago when my ocd was extremely worse, I made a deal with God that if an intrusive thought of vow popped in my mind I would say ‘I don’t want that’ or else the thought or vow would become valid. So I could just say the thing above and then I’m free of that vow. But I’m scared I might made other deals in the past that would messed up the first deal. I don’t remember all my deals and promises. And some are intrusive and some are made with a clear mind.

Now I still haven’t made the vow invalid and I’m scared to take photos. I’m afraid the vow is valid and something bad will happen to me. I like taking photos and I just started with it. If I quit now I’m too ashamed to tell the real reason to my husband and therefore have to lie to him that I don’t like photography anymore.

What am I supposed to do? I have prayed about it and thought about that God knows I have a mental illness and therefore probably don’t hold me accountable for all those vows made because of my OCD. Still I’m scared to take photos.

This sounds very typical of OCD! Were you able to come to a resolution about this?

Thiddleston530-Cannot do my hobby because of a vow

Tom Hiddleston

New Member

More options

SongOnTheWind

Well-Known Member

More options

dqhall

Well-Known Member

More options

Tolworth John

Well-Known Member

More options

Mari17

Well-Known Member

More options

Similar threads

Thiddleston530-Cannot do my hobby because of a vow

Tom Hiddleston

New Member

SongOnTheWind

Well-Known Member

dqhall

Well-Known Member

Tolworth John

Well-Known Member

Mari17

Well-Known Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency