Obsessing with Jesus

obsession jumbleObsession is seen as a negative. 

According to Wikipedia, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is “a mental disorder where people feel the need to check things repeatedly, have certain thoughts repeatedly, or feel they need to perform certain routines repeatedly.” 

The definition goes on to say a person has no control over their thoughts or the actions they prompt. 

You have to admit obsession sounds destructive and defeating.

But what if you could delete such thoughts that threaten to overwhelm your life and cause your behavior to deteriorate? 

  • worriedgrief over an intimate loss
  • pain from a chronic illness
  • fear about an upcoming diagnosis
  • concern over an impending change
  • worry about what other people are thinking
  • anxiety about your children, parents, friends
  • _______________________________
    fill in the blank with what’s grabbing your heart and mind

I’m going to suggest that you can neutralize destructive obsessive patterns with a good old switcheroo

batterNever heard of it? 

A switcheroo is an intentional or unintentional exchange. For example, a baseball player might change his batting stance from right to left. That would be a switcheroo.

What would happen if you chose to pull a switcheroo on those harassing thoughts and exchange them for biblical Truth? 

How long would it take you to trade the penetrating barbs of negativity for a soothing sense of God’s gracious watchcare over you?

demolish
Paul explains the process.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5

Think about what it would be like to have your heart and mind soaked in the presence of God every waking moment. Would that be your choice?

Come to think of it, that’s how Jesus lived.

  • checking in with His Father repeatedly,
  • aiming His thoughts heavenward repeatedly,
  • having a routine of turning to His Father repeatedly. 

Following Jesus, obsession is positive: life-affirming, will-transforming, peace-sustaining. 

rainbow peaceI don’t know about you, but that’s what I want and need.

Dear Father, please make me OCD like Jesus. Teach me to silence the onslaught of distracting and consuming thoughts by replacing them with Your Truth and Your call. Cause me to follow my Savior’s example by repeatedly seeking Your face. Amen

Will you join me?

May the Creator fill you with confidence in His loving providence. Amen

If you’ve been encouraged, please consider sharing this post with others who may be also. Thank you.