Trust The Bible: February 2017

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Does the Bible Say Anything About OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is a painful experience for those who have it and for their family members. Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28. Does the Bible really offer help for a condition like this? Yes, it does.

First, what is it? "Obsessions" are persistent ideas or thoughts that cause anxiety or distress. "Compulsions" are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are done to get relief from the anxiety caused by an obsession (DSM IV). The reality is just about all of us have some thoughts that cause anxiety and we have compulsions as well. The key difference between someone with OCD and someone without it is how "persistent" these are. Someone with OCD has an obsessive compulsive pattern that causes great difficulty in a person's life. The person may have an obsession of having germs on their hands. The compulsion is to wash their hands. They do this over and over until their hands are literally bleeding. Sometimes the compulsion may have no rational connection with the obsession. One man would do anything to avoid driving on odd numbered streets.

So, how can the Bible help with something like this? First, the Bible describes it. Second, the Bible gives us the right framework to understand it and address it. Third, the Bible puts the condition in a hopeful perspective:

1. True, the Bible doesn't use the term "OCD," but behaviors that fit this pattern are not new. The Bible addresses anxiety and distress almost continuously. "Do not fear," is the most frequently repeated command in the Bible. The Bible also describes people who turned to harmful compulsions in order to deal with their anxiety causing obsessions. For example, King Saul was obsessed with the idea that David was going to take his place on the throne by some violent or illegitimate means. 1 Samuel demonstrates repeatedly that this obsession was irrational. Yet Saul went back to his compulsion again and again- seeking to kill David. Saul may or may not be classified as OCD by a psychologist today, but his behavior certainly fits the pattern. Paul (when he was persecuting the church) and Balak (wanting to curse Israel) are two other possible examples. The point is that the Bible takes seriously and wrestles with every type of problem that afflicts mankind.

2. The Bible also addresses the root problem. Sin separates us from a proper devotion to God and understanding of who he is. A biblical strategy for reducing obsessions would include identifying those heart issues and thinking issues that contribute to obsessions. For instance, various kinds of fears may be the underlying root cause of obsessions. The Bible teaches us how to identify sinful areas, repent, and find healing restoration. See trustthebible.blogspot.com/2017/02/do-not-fear.html for a biblical guide to overcoming fears. Whether we are classified as OCD or not, the Bible directs us to keep working on growing to love God, trust him, and follow his word more and more.

3. The Bible does not leave us without hope. The Bible tells us that one day sin will be defeated. All afflictions are the result of living in a fallen, sinful world. OCD in some cases may cause one person a greater level of difficulty than another because of biological factors like genetics. Regardless of the causes of OCD, the Bible can help us find hopeful answers to why we go through all kinds of challenges. The Bible also promises help from the Holy Spirit to grow in ways that can bring relief to some of the struggles OCD brings. The Bible also promises a time when sin will be completely defeated. We can move toward healing now and know that one day we will obtain it completely.

Trust the Bible's purpose is to grow your confidence that the Bible is true and the ultimate resource for life." You can join the Facebook group by clicking here. Trust the Bible is a weekday radio program that begins at about 8:10 each morning on WDOG 93.5 in Allendale, SC. Listen to previous programs online: www.fairfaxfbc.org/trust-the-bible.html

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Do Not Fear

Fear is a major topic in the Bible, with nearly 600 different verses using the word "fear" or "afraid," and many more addressing the topic. Fear is usually an underlying cause of all sorts of other problems like eating disorders, depression, OCD, panic attacks, cutting, and on and on. The Bible tells us there is a good kind of fear, the fear of the LORD. At the same time, the most frequently appearing command in the Bible is "Do not fear." This is a negative command, "Do not..." that corresponds most closely to the positive command, "Rejoice in the Lord!" Fear takes away joy.

Jesus directly contracts ungodly fear with faith. When the disciples are in a boat with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee, a "furious storm" caused waves to sweep over the boat. Meanwhile, Jesus was calm enough to sleep! The disciples woke him up and said, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Now, there is nothing wrong with what they said. They came to Jesus and asked for help. Without his help, they probably would drown. However, Jesus knows that they are not simply asking for help. He knows their hearts, that they are greatly afraid, and he rebukes their fear. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26)

The principle here is that a lack of faith leads to fear. Therefore, a strong faith drives out fear. When the Bible talks about a strong faith, it is not simply talking about believing something without doubt or believing something even if there is no evidence. It is talking about trusting in someone. In this case, Jesus is calling on us to trust in his power and authority.

Consider what happens when Jesus gets to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Two demon possessed men greet Jesus with great fear, calling him the Son of God and saying, "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" (Matthew 8:29). Notice that the demons know exactly who Jesus is, "the Son of God," and have great faith in his authority. They have confidence that he will torture them one day and can do so now, even before "the appointed time," if he chooses. Their faith in him causes fear, whereas the disciples lack of faith in him causes their fear.

Throughout Matthew 8 and 9, the authority of Jesus is presented and we are called to respond. Jesus demonstrates authority over sickness (Matthew 8:1-17), authority over nature (8:23-27), authority over demons (8:28-34), authority over sin (9:1-7), and even authority over death (9:18-25). Those who trust in his authority are commended. Jesus says that a Roman centurion has "great faith." (Matthew 8:10), while rebuking the disciples "little faith."

The point is that if we really recognize and understand who Jesus is, it will determine what kind of fear we have. If we are opposed to Jesus, as the demons were, recognizing his authority should cause fear, fear of him. Everyone who has sinned against God and has not received forgiveness by turning to Jesus, repenting from sin, and trusting in him to forgive is heading toward judgment. Those in this category should fear God. This is why the Bible speaks positively about fearing God.

However, when you are a disciple of Jesus and have your sins forgiven, you shouldn't fear anything else. Why not? Because Jesus is in control. Why fear the wind and the waves when the one who created them and can calm them with a word is in the boat with you? The key to overcoming fear is to know and have confidence that Jesus is really in control, and know that he is on your side. This is not a promise to eliminate all problems, but when problems come Jesus can stop them. If he doesn't, they serve a greater purpose. Either way, we have no need to fear. As Paul says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:35)

If you struggle with fear, study Jesus' authority in the Gospels and ask for his help to increase your faith!