I received these fantastic questions from a blog reader:
How has your faith grown since ERP? Have you found new ways to talk and relate to God now that you free from its influence?
Well.
Everything is different now.
I believe that my prayers are heard, that there is no glass ceiling over my head, preventing them from reaching God’s ear.
I walk in the lightness of freedom and not with the yoke of legalism.
I can picture Christ delighting in me and my work.
My new normal is feeling loved and accepted, redeemed and rescued.
I am anchored.
I can think about other worldviews without being triggered into a total meltdown.
My faith feels less about feelings and more about choice: I choose Christ and, better yet, he has chosen me.
Prayer feels more like a two-way conversation than just one-way pleading.
I experience God’s sense of humor more.
I am well tended.
Was there something beautiful about the desperate days when I would weep with savage desire for Christ? I suppose so. But I am so pleased to have a gentle, fun, peaceful, deep, and safe relationship with him now. I am discovering the real Jesus, not an OCD-twisted version of him.
I couldn’t be more grateful.
So, just what is this ERP therapy that subdued my OCD and allowed me the spiritual life I so desperately wanted? Learn more at jackieleasommers.com/OCD.
Beautiful! I haven’t done formal ERP myself, but by the grace of God, helpful books, painful honesty with God, and not giving up (!), I can stand on the neck of OCD in victory and live a free and joyful life. You nailed it in your description. I like that you mention the desperation that you had before ERP and how it was good in a way. Even better though is seeking God because you love him and simply want to– not a do-or-die desperation but a godly, honest desire. Fear is a great motivator, truly, but it isn’t the basis of a healthy, thriving relationship like love is. I can testify that perfect love really does cast out all fear!
YES to all this!
Reblogged this on Jackie Lea Sommers and commented:
My ENTIRE LIFE changed in 2008 when I underwent ERP therapy to treat my OCD. Here are the changes to my spiritual life!
I found you when an alumnus of U of NW gave me the article you wrote. It could have been written by me almost. God set me free in 2008 also, but I had ocd for over 30 years without realizing that’s what my problem was. I had only obsessions and no visible compulsions. I too am so thankful that my spirit was set free to really worship my Savior and this no longer rules my inner life. Thamks for speaking out for others who may be able to relate and get help.
Hi Kerry! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog and leave a message! That means so much to me! So glad for your freedom!!!
I can relate to this blog. I have struggled with OCD ever since I was a child and I am now in my 30’s. The OCD I have expreienced used to be more centred around harm obsessions. Recently, it has been attacking my spiritual life. I can testify, though, that Christ is setting me free from OCD (which I see as) bondage. The Holy Spirit is guiding me into all truth as He promises to do for all of those who trust in Christ as their Savior and Lord. I can especailly relate to what Jackie said about how God has used the valleys to grow her relationship with God; but, even more importantly, He show us, as we sincerely seek Him, that He wants us to experience Rest and Joy in His Presence. He is a God of Grace, not the god that OCD tries to make Him out to be – an angry, unforgiving tyrant.I pray that I, along with others who are in this battle with OCD (which I percieve as a part of our flesh), will grow to be more like Christ through trusting Him more and more each day!
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