Getting out of a tough situation takes work. However, it is not simply relying on our own strength (if OCD teaches us anything, it is that we are powerless). There is a level of “control” we have in our relationship with God. That is why we have the Bible. That is why it says for us to “do” certain things. We are not just floating otters in a sea of confusion. We must be anchored in God so we can move forward in faith.
Interestingly, we don’t “do” the things for God on the basis that it is what we should do. We do it because we realize that we can’t do it on our own. It’s really coming to an end to ourselves so that we realize He is the only One who can make a way. We pray because we realize we don’t have all the answers. We give thanks because it focuses on the Giver of all things. We read the Bible because we realize our own knowledge is limited. We do these things like pray, giving thanks, and reading the Bible because we realize how powerless we are, not because we think that in doing this we can save ourselves. We can’t save ourselves.
So, in getting in the right mindset (that we are powerless), it enables us to receive God’s power through the Holy Spirit. In recognizing what Jesus did for us on the cross, it enables us to have faith. Faith can do incredible things. It puts us in the right mindset so that we aren’t doing things out of law, but out of love. “…and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:2
So, if you’re like me, and you want to get out of the pit you find yourself in (whether it is anxiety, depression, etc.), then I encourage you to follow these wonderful tools we have at our disposal as Christians…
MY CHECKLIST FOR THIS WEEK:
Meditate on Christ’s love for you – One of the best things that those of us with Religious OCD can do is simply reflect on the Gospel. When we realize that Jesus’ blood covers every and every sin, we begin to relax a bit. Some may not understand the struggle we face with forgiveness. I think a lot of the problem is that we try to view the gospel from our own perspective, in human terms. We get down and depressed because things look bleak from a human perspective. However, when we realize how powerful God is, we see that the cross is enough. Our salvation doesn’t rest in our hands – thank goodness! Our salvation rests in the power of the Almighty God who sent His one and only Son to die for us (knowing that in the sanctification process, we may fall every now and then as we struggle with the flesh). If our salvation was up to us, we’d be doomed. Thankfully, it doesn’t rest on our shoulders. When we mess up, we can go straight to the Father and ask for forgiveness. Jesus provides that bridge. Humbly accepting that His blood covers all makes us come to the end of ourselves. We realize how human we are and how BIG God is. Our struggles actually can bring us closer to realizing the power of the cross.
Pray – There’s nothing like a stress reliever than prayer. It takes our problems straight from our shoulders and lays it down at Jesus’ feet. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7 Again, this takes realizing the we are not in control. It shows faith. It realizes that our perspective is limited. It includes God in our decisions. It gives us direction and peace. It drowns out the enemy’s lies. It puts our minds at ease. It includes God in our everyday lives.
Read the Bible – The Bible is our sword. We need it in battle. If we want to overcome, we need Bible verses to hold on to. We need to have our arsenal packed. Here are some powerful Bible verses to memorize and write on our hearts.
Give thanks – Write a list, write a song, tell God all the things you are thankful for. I have this on the last of the list, but don’t underestimate the power of praise. Praise God for things that even upset you; praise God for the little things; praise God for everything. Watch your perspective change. I challenge you to see the difference simply giving thanks can do!
Remember, we do these things not because we have to or feel obligated to. We do this because we realize it’s not about us, but all about Him. We do this because we can’t save ourselves…only Jesus can.
Have a blessed week!
~ Anonymous Believer