Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest.
I extend my heart to everyone grappling with the trials of
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, scrupulosity, or superstitious habits. Let us focus
on this journey. As it is written in the Gospel of Matthew, it is this very
promise that we seek to find solace in, especially in trying times of internal
turmoil and obsessive thoughts.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a malady of the mind, not
of the spirit. It is an illness, much like any physical ailment. It is not a
manifestation of weak faith or a punishment from God. Remember; we worship a
God of compassion and understanding, who in His infinite wisdom recognises the
struggles we each face.
Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, is a form of this disorder
that causes an individual to obsess about moral or religious issues. It is not
a sign of a lack of faith, but an overload warped by the disorder. Understand,
dear ones, that God does not want us to be trapped in a relentless cycle of
fear and doubt. He wishes for our faith to be a source of love, hope, and
comfort.
Superstition may seem harmless or even comforting to some.
However, when it controls or disrupts our lives, it becomes a barrier to the genuine
connection with God. Superstition is not faith. It is fear, and "God
has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound
mind." (2 Timothy 1:7).
In navigating these trials, we remember we are not alone.
God is with us in every step, and He provides us with guidance, even in our
darkest hours. Psalm 34:18 comforts us with these words: "The Lord is
close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Seeking professional help is not a sign of weak faith, but
an act of self-care that God encourages. Jesus healed the sick, the lame, the
blind - and He would undeniably extend His compassion to those suffering from
mental health conditions. There is no shame in seeking help, whether that's
therapy, medication, or support groups. God works through people and medicine
just as he does through prayer.
Prayer and scripture can be powerful tools in this journey
towards healing. Immerse yourself in God's promises of peace and courage. Pray
not out of fear, but out of trust in God's love for you. And remember, God does
not require perfection. He knows our hearts, our struggles, our deepest fears.
And yet, He loves us still.
Finally, remember, dear ones, that our God is a God of
peace, not of disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33). It is His desire for us to live
lives filled with His divine peace, love, and joy. He does not desire for us to
live under the weight of fear, uncertainty, or superstition.
So, let us journey together, beyond scrupulosity, beyond
OCD, beyond superstition, towards the divine peace that God so lovingly offers.
Walk in faith, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for you, and His power is
made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).