One of the best advice I could give coming from someone who has struggled with OCD is this: cling to God’s Word. Sounds simple enough. But let me let you, it is more than just simple. IT IS POWERFUL. It’s territory-claiming, hell-slaying type of power because it is exactly that: THE WORD OF GOD.
For those of us who want to tangibly touch God and hug Him, this is a hard thing to do in the life we live. However, there is one piece of Him that He has given us that we can see, read, and touch… the Bible. The Bible is described as the following: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12
The armor of God is filled will pieces that protect us. There may be one area in our armor that is a little bit weak – but just think if you are slashing around a sword at an opponent. Even if they try to attack you at your weak spot, your offensive weapon can scare them away while you try to heal and fix this area of your life. So, always (and I tell myself this also) always carry the Word of God with you. In your head, in your environment, in your hand. It is our weapon.
Secondly, there is a really important part in the Bible that we as Christians shouldn’t skim over and that is when the devil tried to tempt Jesus. Here are some things I find interesting about this encounter…
So, like I mentioned, the devil questioned Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. What makes us think the devil won’t try to convince us that we are not truly saved – not truly children of God? So, if you, dear Christian, have been feeling down, not thinking you are worthy enough or afraid that God has rejected you forever, just know this is the enemy’s great lie. That’s when we quote Scripture.
Two, we can expect the devil to tempt us with worldly things – because, in doing so, we are truly worshipping him. We need to take a step back and ask ourselves, do these things reflect God? If not, we need to repent and (I speak this to myself) look to things that further the Kingdom of God.
Thirdly, Jesus combated the enemy with the Word of God. I need to keep doing this in the thick of battle. I need to immerse myself in the Word. The devil doesn’t stand a chance when I do this. Keep repeating verses if you have to!!
Lastly, I shouldn’t be surprised if the enemy twists Scripture as seen in the following verses:
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)
*If you want, you can read the whole encounter here.
So, when I feel bogged down and condemned reading some verses in the Bible that the devil has twisted in my mind, I need to stop and hold on to the life-giving Bible verses that renew me. I need to cling to the verses that encourage me, that strengthen me in my faith and offer a solution to the situation I am facing. The devil cannot win when we use a Bible verse in correct context!
So, there you have it. Read your Bible. The best advice I could give. It is truly a gift of God. He has left us with all we need to know about Him.
P.S. as a side note, another thing I find healthy is just learning to trust God and not focus on the things I don’t understand. As Proverbs 3:5 states…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
When I do this, I feel extremely relaxed. It grows my faith not trying to understand everything. Have some faith today and hold tight to God’s Word! 😊
Extra References:
You can’t go wrong if you watch these two incredibly life-changing videos:
https://youtu.be/G7o2yz9uky4 (Every Believer Must See This: Satan’s LIE Exposed // Spiritual Warfare)
https://youtu.be/a8vcVWuiJGQ (How to Be FILLED With The Holy Spirit! // It’s Time To Seek God)
As a Christian, these videos can enrich your faith, take away some worries you may have, and build your walk with God. Enjoy!
P.S. I am not a perfect person. I need these words more than anyone. I ask Jesus to forgive me in areas I need work on. I am not worthy to give this message, but I hope that God can still use these words I have written as I seek to be like Him. I’m thankful for His unending GRACE!