Trying to Trust

[Mari17]

ERP is going against what your (overactive) conscience tells you.

I think that's a great description, actually! Yes, the problem with those of us who have OCD/scrupulosity is that we have a VERY overactive conscience; a conscience that forces us to rely on our own perfectionism rather than allowing room for God's grace. So yes, with ERP the goal is to work against that; not against our God-given, balanced conscience, but against the overactive part of our conscience, against our tendency for perfectionism and excessive self-control. So I would argue that ERP is actually a good thing, because it teaches us to trust - in the Christian's case, to trust God - more. Dr. Ian Osborn has some good blog posts about using OCD treatment as a way to practice trust and growth in God. Here's one: THERAPY FOR SALVATION DOUBTS – OCD & CHRISTIANITY

 

[TenthAveN]

I think that's a great description, actually! Yes, the problem with those of us who have OCD/scrupulosity is that we have a VERY overactive conscience; a conscience that forces us to rely on our own perfectionism rather than allowing room for God's grace. So yes, with ERP the goal is to work against that; not against our God-given, balanced conscience, but against the overactive part of our conscience, against our tendency for perfectionism and excessive self-control. So I would argue that ERP is actually a good thing, because it teaches us to trust - in the Christian's case, to trust God - more. Dr. Ian Osborn has some good blog posts about using OCD treatment as a way to practice trust and growth in God. Here's one: THERAPY FOR SALVATION DOUBTS – OCD & CHRISTIANITY

It’s tough to decipher which is which. Do we stick with what the Word says? How do we know if we’re pressing too far?

 

[Mari17]

It’s tough to decipher which is which. Do we stick with what the Word says? How do we know if we’re pressing too far?

For me, asking a trusted godly person (who doesn't have OCD) often helps. They can usually see where I'm being obsessive, even when it's hard for me to tell. Also, I think we can kind of also sense when we're being obsessive, even if we're "afraid" that we're not. I think it's important to remember that (in our obsessive issues at least) we tend to swing too far toward extreme perfectionism, so trying to balance back the other way is good.

For what it's worth, the examples that you gave of being afraid to eat certain foods, and being afraid to associate yourself with California, both sound quite obsessive to me.

 

[gingertail27]

I agree with Mari17,

I actually have ocd that makes me scared of eating certain food/ and wearing certain clothes as well. For a long time, and still, now, I was scared that It was God telling me not to eat it and if I disobey it then I'm sinning, but with therapy, medication, and talking to godly people I'm finally managing it.