"The entrance of thy words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)."
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves obsessions and/or compulsions.
"Obsessions are persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety and distress."1
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors which the individual engages in, the goal of which is to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress.1
"When attempting to resist a compulsion, the person may have a sense of mounting anxiety or tension that is often relieved by yielding to the compulsion."1
Some examples of obsessions:
- Fear of dirt or contamination by germs.
- Fear of causing harm to another.
- Fear (unfounded) of having harmed another person.
- Fear of making a mistake.
- Fear of leaving the house unlocked or the stove on.
- Fear of being embarrassed or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner.
- Fear of having evil, gross, perverted or sinful thoughts.
- Excessive apprehension in regard to the comments of others.
- Need for order, symmetry or exactness.
- Intrusive sexually explicit or violent thoughts or images.
- Excessive doubt and the need for constant reassurance.
Some examples of compulsions:
- Repeatedly bathing, showering or washing hands.
- Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs.
- Repeatedly calling the police because you have a strong feeling that you may have run over someone while driving.
- Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or stoves.
- Inappropriately divulging evil, gross, perverted or other embarrassing thoughts or behaviors to another person.
- Inappropriately divulging excessive concerns about the comments of others.
- Constant counting, mentally or aloud, while performing routine tasks.
- Constantly arranging things in a certain way.
- Eating foods in a specific order.
- Repeating specific words, phrases or prayers.
- Needing to perform tasks a certain number of times.
- Collecting or hoarding items with no apparent value.
In order to benefit from this article, it is recommended that you first read the article entitled A Quick Start Guide.
It is also suggested that you also read the following before continuing:
The occurrence and severity of OCD is correlated with stress and anxiety. Anything you can do to reduce these will help.
Secular treatment for OCD includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, psychotropic medication and, in extreme cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and even psychosurgery.2
I'm no fan of psychotropic drugs or the use of any other extreme measure. These are used because secular therapy, by itself, doesn't usually work.
OCD sufferers are usually unable to make much progress using only secular therapy. Even though they realize what they're doing is irrational. That's because spiritual warfare is involved. That's where the Bible comes in.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is, for the most part, the result of demonic activity. More specifically, there is a spiritual stronghold based on fear.
Here's a definition of a spiritual stronghold that seems particularly appropriate for OCD:
"A stronghold is a belief or habitual pattern of thinking that is not consistent with what God tells us is true. It usually results in behaviors that are out of character for a child of God."3
So, how do we break free?
Jesus said: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." {John 8:31-32 NKJV}
Behind every wrong behavior there's a lie. That's why the truth sets us free. When the truth is mixed with faith and obedience.
You are fighting with demons. They want to harm you, one way or another.
Distress, embarrassment and physical harm are prime demonic objectives.
Some suggestions follow.
First: Don't be afraid of thoughts. Fear gives power to the devil.
Demons can put any thought that they want to into your mind—anytime they want to. This is only a problem if you react with guilt, fear or shame. Otherwise, it is no big deal.
No thought is a sin.
The only objective truth is that a demon is trying to disturb you.
Second: "Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray." {James 5:13 NASB}
Pray when you come under spiritual attacks:
- The prayer, itself, will help.
- It becomes clearer whatever else may be needed.
- Sometimes, it is necessary to persist in prayer.
- Pray with confidence
Third: Recite Scripture when you come under spiritual attacks.
Examples:
- "Be anxious for nothing . . ." {Philippians 4:6 NASB}
- "Trust in Him at all times . . ." {Psalm 62:8 NASB}
- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." {Philippians 4:13 NKJV}
- "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." {John 14:27 NIV}
- ". . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right . . . think about these things." {Philippians 4:8 NASB}
Reciting Scripture, in and of itself, has supernatural power: "For the word of God is living and active . . ." {Hebrews 4:12 NASB}
Reciting Scripture out loud is more effective.
Believe Scripture and do what it says.
Third: Recognize that God loves you. And that you also have a responsibility to love yourself.
Remember:
- "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you . . ." {Isaiah 43:4 NIV
- "Love your neighbor as yourself." {Mark 12:31 NIV}
- ". . . He made us accepted in the Beloved." {Ephesians 1:6 NKJV}
Don't overlook these Scriptures.
Fourth: Trust God:
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart . . ." {Proverbs 3:5 NKJV}
- "Trust in Him at all times . . ." {Psalm 62:8 NASB}
Trusting God is essential. Reciting these Scriptures, alone, is insufficient; you have to do what they say. You have to trust God when you experience OCD attacks.
Fifth: Use affirmations based on Scripture:
Examples:
- I am strong in the Lord. {Ephesians 6:10}
- I have the mind of Christ. {1 Corinthians 2:16}
- I have a sound mind. {2 Timothy 1:7}
- I am an overcomer. {1 John 5:4}
These things are true—but you do have to believe them in order for this to work. And it will take time and effort for these truths to become established in your mind.
You can, for example, be 'strong in the Lord' even if you have a history of being 'weak in the flesh.'
Saying them out loud is more effective.
Affirmations, based on Scripture, also have supernatural power.
Sixth: Address demons directly when you come under spiritual attacks.
Two things to do:
- Declare truth to demons.
- Cast out demons.
Declaring truth:
- "Satan, you have no power over me!
- To demons: "I'm not afraid of you."
Casting out demons:
"Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." {Luke 10:17 NKJV}.
Forcefully rebuke the devil, out loud, in the name of Jesus. And command him to leave. Five to ten sentences long.
The word "Satan" works just fine; you don't have to also say demons.
This must be audible so that the demon(s) can hear.
Recognize that fear, including fear of demons, will sabotage your efforts.
Do not try any of this unless you are saved; that is potentially dangerous (Acts 19:13-17).
More information is provided in the article entitled How to Cast Out Demons. Another link is provided at the end of the article.
Seventh: Cast your burden on the Lord.
"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." {Psalm 55:22 NASB}
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden . . ." {Psalm 68:19 NASB}
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." {Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV}
Remember:
- Cast your burden on the Lord.
- Trust & obey.
- Be willing to do whatever God says to do or not do.
- Wait until it becomes clear what to do.
- Don't dwell on the issue.
Bring the issue to God, humble yourself before Him, and listen.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." {James 4:10 NIV}
God's voice always comes in the context of relative peace—and is never condemning.
God will never tell you to do something that is foolish or is otherwise contrary to Scripture.
More information is included in the series entitled How to Cast a Burden. Another link is provided at the end of the article.
Eighth: You do have a responsibility to walk wisely.
"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered" {Proverbs 28:26 NASB}
"Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet." {Proverbs 19:2 NKJV}
Practice walking wisely. And, again, practice not doing what the devil wants you to do.
Ninth: Monitor your self-talk. This is essential. Your words have power—either for good or for evil.
Keep your thoughts positive and constructive, rational and comforting. Correct negative thoughts.
Talk to yourself like you'd like a good friend to counsel you. Or how you would encourage a child you love.
More information is available in the article entitled Self-Talk. Another link is provided at the end of the article.
Tenth: Pray with someone when you're struggling. Praying with another Christian is much more effective than praying alone. This can be even be done over the phone.
You can also text someone, when you're struggling, and ask them to pray for you.
Eleventh: Another thing to try: If you're used to giving in to compulsions, try waiting for one hour. The demonic pressure may subside.
Twelfth: Use fasting. This will enable you to make progress faster. A partial-day fast, once a week, is highly recommended. Read the article entitled Prayer and Fasting. Another link is below.
Thirteenth: One qualifier: For very minor issues, a simple affirmation may be sufficient. Example: "The door is locked." Say it out loud once or twice. This may be all that you need.
Fourteenth: Learn from the experience of others. For example, do a Google search on "Christian testimony about OCD."
Finally: You do have, as a Christian, the ability to succeed. If you keep trying.
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." {1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB}
No weapon formed against me will succeed. {Isaiah 54:17}
Finally: The following may also be helpful:
- Declarations to Strengthen You.
- Self-Talk.
- Stopping Spiritual Attacks.
- When Satan Gets a Foothold.
- How to Cast Out Demons.
- Prayer and Fasting.
- How to Cast a Burden.
- Psychotropic Drugs.
1 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 4 TR), Pages 457-458.
2 http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorder?page=2
3: Neil Anderson.
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