"The entrance of thy words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)."
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder which includes 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 being embarrassed or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner.
- Fear of thinking evil, gross or sinful thoughts.
- 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.
- Inappropriately divulging evil, gross, or other embarrassing thoughts or behaviors to another person.
- Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or stoves.
- 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.
The occurrence and severity of OCD is usually correlated with stress and anxiety.
Secular treatment for OCD includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, medication and, in extreme cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and even psychosurgery.2
Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD is always appropriate. You can always tell yourself things like "I don't have to do this" etc. Cognitive interventions for stress, in general, are included in my article on Stress Management.
However, most OCD sufferers are fully aware of the irrational nature of their disorder and are, nonetheless, unable to make progress. That is where the Bible comes in.
In order to use Biblical interventions for your OCD, it is necessary to first get saved.
Now, let's review what the Bible says in regard to this issue. Some things to take into account.
- Spiritual footholds give demons the power to create emotional distress at times of their choosing.
- Spiritual footholds often result in anxiety.
- Demons have the ability to put thoughts--of their choosing--into our minds (Acts 5:3).
- The Devil's purpose is "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10 NKJV)."
In essence, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is, in large part, the result of demonic activity. So how should we respond? Some suggestions follow.
- Do not give in to fear. Walk wisely: "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered (Proverbs 28:26 NASB). Don't do anything foolish--even if it feels like you must.
- Do whatever you can to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. This will reduce your OCD.
- Use Scripture to resist both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors: "For the word of God is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)." For example, say out loud "It is written 'Do not be anxious about anything' (Philippians 4:6 NIV)."
- Use prayer: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)."
So that's it. The Bible gives us the tools necessary to successfully cope with OCD. But don't expect an absolute cure. Remember, we all come under spiritual attack in some way. The Devil never, ever, gives up.
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
Copyright © James Serio 2010