"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 thinking evil, gross 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, 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 necessary to first get saved.
It is also recommended that you 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: "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.
- Even a brief prayer will help.
Second: Where is this thought coming from?
If you recognize that a thought is coming from a demon, try using this simple affirmation: "I'm not receiving that."
Then, think about something else.
Third: Recite Scripture when you come under spiritual attacks.
Examples:
- "Be anxious for nothing . . ." {Philippians 4:6 NASB}
- "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}
- "Trust in Him at all times . . ." {Psalm 62:8 NASB}
Reciting Scripture, in and of itself, has supernatural power: "For the word of God is living and active . . ." {Hebrews 4:12 NASB}
It will be more effective, however, if you combine this with faith and obedience. Believe Scripture and do what it says.
Reciting Scripture out loud is more effective.
Fourth: Make declarations based on Scripture.
Examples:
- I am strong in the Lord. {Ephesians 6:10}
- I have the mind of Christ. {1 Corinthians 2:16}
- I am an overcomer. {1 John 5:4}
These things are true—but you do have to believe them, and use them, to counter the spiritual warfare that you are experiencing.
Fifth: 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."
Often, this is all that is needed.
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).
Sixth: 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)."
“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).”
"For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,
Nor has the eye seen a God besides You,
Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.
You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness,
Who remembers You in Your ways (Isaiah 64:4-5 NASB)."
This is simple, though not necessarily easy:
- Surrender the issue to God.
- Be willing to do whatever God says to do—or not do.
- Trust and obey.
- Wait until things become clear.
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}
Humility, before God, should not be overlooked. This is an important part of 'casting your burden on the Lord.' Otherwise, God may not agree to carry your burden.
Tell God you need His help. Then wait for guidance.
God's voice always comes in the context of relative peace—and is never condemning.
More information is included in the series entitled How to Cast a Burden. Another link is provided at the end of the article.
Seventh: You do have, as a Christian, the ability to succeed.
"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}
Eighth: Monitor your self-talk. Your words have power. Your self-talk needs to be rational and comforting. Self-talk is always a choice. Correct negative thoughts.
And, when you recognize that a thought is coming from a demon, think about something else.
Ninth: 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.
Tenth: Another thing to try: If you're used to giving in to compulsions, try waiting for one hour. The demonic pressure may subside.
Eleventh: 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.
Twelfth: 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.
Thirteenth: It is especially recommended that you review the series entitled Stopping Spiritual Attacks, if you haven't already. Be sure to read the entire series.
Finally: The following are also recommended:
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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