When Scripture Turns Terrifying

Sometimes Scripture is scary.
It takes me down rabbit-trails of terror.
Verses others find comfort and strength in seem to pummel me to the ground and kick me while I’m down.
I more easily see myself in the place of the damned than the Christian.
Scripture is a double-edged sword. By far the most comforting words come from it; so do the most terrifying.

Scripture can be one of the biggest triggers and areas of struggle for those with scrupulosity. The reason is complex, because there are multiple different themes that are present in the struggle. The struggler is often bombarded with intrusive thoughts, persistent doubts, and anxiety upon reading, hearing, or even remembering a passage of Scripture.

Intrusive Thoughts

I noticed my first intrusive thoughts when I was twelve or thirteen. While working on a study book of the New Testament, I read the passage in Luke about the unpardonable sin. My obsessive brain latched on: “Am I in danger of that sin?” I began obsessing almost constantly about this. Even while busy on the outside, I was consumed by rumination and dread. The urge to speak horrible things about the Lord—though I resisted it as best as I could—was relentless.

Other verses (and my own misinterpretation of them) spark similar thoughts, specifically in Hebrews. I might feel the urge to say something horrible about Jesus, or to give up following him and instead live a life of sin. In the moment it’s hard to distinguish between true temptation versus scrupulous obsessions: “Is the fact that I have these thoughts evidence that I believe them? Does it mean I want them?” This sends me into another loop of obsessions, which often results in compulsive confession, ritualistic prayers, and avoidance of Scripture.

If I read a verse explicitly telling about God’s love, I think, “That’s true of others, but is it true of me?” It seems I doubt everything I read. Many doubts revolve around the Bible itself: “Is it truly God’s word? Does God really exist? Is this Triune God really kindness and grace, or is he only wrath and justice? Is Jesus actually his Son, or is he a liar—or worse?”

The thoughts cause anxiety and lead to rumination over the thoughts themselves and the fact that I am even having the thoughts. What does it all mean?

Salvation Doubts & Fear of Judgment

Then there are verses speaking about Christians. It’s so hard for me to see myself in that category. I can picture my parents, siblings, friends, fellow church members, all of whom these verses speak about. And yet I feel set apart, as though the promises of blessing in Scripture apply to others but not me.

I read verses about how to discern if you’re saved; I get wrapped up in them and ruminate until my anxiety becomes intense. I read verses about the fruit of the Spirit; I pull each one apart in my life until I’m convinced I have absolutely none. I read verses about the blessings of God for his children; I’m hopeless that they mean anything for me.

On the flipside, I worry the words about nonbelievers are true of me. This touches on where all of my fears point to, that deepest, most central fear: the fear of judgment, God’s wrath, and eternal separation from him. I begin to read myself into those verses that speak about nonbelievers. I obsess over verses in Hebrews and Revelation and the Gospels that speak of those who never received the Lord’s forgiveness, and I put myself in their shoes. I become so convinced this is where I am headed, to be damned for all eternity.

I put more emphasis on the verses that speak of wrath and punishment than I do on the verses that speak of grace and forgiveness and love. I don’t have any problem believing the Lord is wrathful or just, or even that he’s kind and gracious to a select few, but to me? There must be some loophole, because I don’t seem to fit.

“How Do I Feel?”

I also obsess over my feelings as I’m reading Scripture. I assess my attitude toward it, trying to discern what I’m thinking or believing at the moment. Any feeling of unease or uncertainty toward it becomes a “sign” that my motives aren’t good, that I’m not saved, that I’m too far gone, that I don’t believe it, that my heart is hardened, that I’m apathetic or indifferent, and so on.

Do I agree with everything? Am I finding joy and comfort and peace, or am I apathetic? I fear I’m a pharisee, a hypocrite, a whitewashed tomb, appearing to be a Christian on the outside but really dead inside. Any negative emotion I feel (or lack therefore) just confirms my fears. It’s like I’m on a hunt for my own guilt, prosecuting myself for a crime that I’ve convinced myself I’ve committed.

Even my reaction to Scripture scares me, despite others’ efforts to reassure me. When I’m not avoiding it altogether, sometimes I’m tempted to read the Bible until I find some sort of reassurance. Then when the feeling leaves, I distract myself so as not to have to think about it. I ride that wave of feeling good until the next time I go under head first. And all the while, I’m piling guilt on myself.

Avoidance & Guilt

Because Scripture causes such anxiety, it feels unsafe and unpredictable, and so I avoid it. The less I read of it, the less I have to experience these obsessions or fight against them. Thus I avoid it altogether. But, I think, that seems to be a very representation of my heart!

“What does that say about me, if I don’t want to spend time in God’s Word? Does it mean I just don’t believe? Why don’t I want to read it? What does that say about me? I make Scripture reading about myself; I’m so self-centered!” This guilt and self-condemnation just becomes another reason to doubt my salvation. And this is what Scripture, no matter the verse or context, seems to be constantly calling into question for me: where do I stand with God?

Sometimes Scripture is terrifying. Whether we choose to engage with it or avoid it, it’s exhausting. So where do we go from here? Is there any hope of change when we feel so helpless and hopeless?

•

Part 2: Engaging Scripture When It’s Terrifying. Read it here.

46 thoughts on “When Scripture Turns Terrifying”

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  1. Hi Aubrynn,

    I’ve been meaning to reach out to you for some time as your blog resonates deeply with me. “When Scripture Turns Terrifying” was particularly familiar. For years, I couldn’t read or listen to teaching on the Parable of the Sower without experiencing existential panic. That’s only one example, but it was a big one for me.

    I struggled with Scrupulosity and other forms of OCD throughout my 20s and into my 30s. Therapy helped me manage symptoms but was never able to help me experience the assurance I sought. Now, at age 49, I can tell you it is possible to come out on the other side and experience life without existential dread. I had no power to fix myself or my thought process, but God made a way. I’ve talked to so many others who have walked this path. It breaks my heart when I hear of those who have fallen away and those who continue to seek God but don’t believe they will ever escape the anxiety. Honestly, I didn’t think I ever would. But God met me in my fear and doubts and imparted his love in a way that changed everything.

    I’ve written and spoken about this experience to a number of audiences. I am constantly amazed by how many people struggle with this and yet keep their battle hidden. Shame is such a huge factor, which is why I am so glad to see you raising this important issue and bringing it into the light.

    If you ever want to chat, I’d love to hear more of your story. As I’m sure you’ve discovered since writing so transparently about this issue, you are not alone.

    Blessings and peace… Shay Mason

    From: Grace Abounding in OCD Reply-To: Grace Abounding in OCD Date: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 7:00 AM To: “shay@shaysmason.com” Subject: [New post] When Scripture Turns Terrifying

    arw posted: ” Sometimes Scripture is scary.It takes me down rabbit-trails of terror.Verses others find comfort and strength in seem to pummel me to the ground and kick me while I’m down.I more easily see myself in the place of the damned than the Christian.Scripture i”

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    1. Thank you for sharing your story, Shay. I am also amazed at how many people struggle with scrupulosity! It saddens me to think that there are so many strugglers out there, many whom I suspect don’t realize this is a complex suffering, not a faith issue. I am praying for greater awareness among Christians!

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    2. Shay I’ve been in a battle with this for over a year with so many ups and downs. Just last week as more at peace than I ever was and now I feel myself spiraling out of control again. Please give me any advice if you can

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      2. I’m always experiencing the same, my heart is filled with fear, I fail to think positively about God, Jesus and the Holy spirit. I’m always hopeless and I ask myself why I was born. Thinking about unpardonable sin has paralysed my thiking about God. I always work up without knowing what to do, because everything I do doesn’t please me

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    4. hello dear Shay,

      I would love to hear about this. I am struggling with this same issue and I am often scared all the time.

      pls help

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  2. Wow this hits home. My theme is constantly centered around the unforgivable sin. It’s horrible and I cannot function. When I snap out of it I am filled with joy but then something comes along and drags me back down. This has been going on since 2015.

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    1. I’m so sorry, Dylan. It is really horrible indeed. That cycle—finding some peace or joy and the plummeting again—is certainly very characteristic of OCD. You’re not alone!

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    2. I really recognize myself in this… The Bible currently startles me… every time I come across new wisdom I feel God showig me I have sinned.. I know my thoughts are terrible but I just feel like the Lord does not know that I do not mean the thoughts.. I did not choose them.. I feel so hardened and scared… Where is He? Have I sinned so much that He is angry? Is He angry at OCD? Is OCD an excuse to sin? I never wanted to even ponder certain thoughts unil I learned how ugly and gross they were to God. Then suddenly I became obsessed with being influenced by the world

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      1. I’m so sorry for your experience. I can relate, and this is very much scrupulosity speaking! God knows our hearts, even better than we do. He knows that our intrusive thoughts are not the desires of our hearts. I know it’s so hard to believe sometimes, but Jesus truly does love you. That’s not because we’re perfect—but because he is! No sins we commit will cause him to love us any less, because God’s love is not dependent on anything we do or don’t do. I am praying for you now.

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  3. I struggle with this since I experienced a very lengthy and, at times, period of slipping in and out of a spiritual/religious psychosis that started in March of 2020. It completed attacked and distorted my faith and my relationship with God and for the last year and a half I have been trying desperately to find my footing again and to feel at peace, loved, and connected to Jesus, our heavenly Father, and to the Holy Spirit.

    I wanted to share a YouTube channel that I recently discovered by a Christian therapist who used to be a pastor. He has a history of OCD and can really help with religious scrupulosity. His name is Mark DeJesus.

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    1. Hi Beth, thank you for sharing a bit of your story. I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through. I have heard of Mark DeJesus but have yet to check out his work. Thanks for passing along his name! I’m glad he has been helpful to you.

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    2. Beth!! I’m so curious about your story, I also experienced religious/spiritual psychosis that severely affected not only my faith but my whole existence haha. If you have the time or desire to talk, I would Love to share my story and hear yours. It’s rare that people talk about this stuff

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      1. Hi there I’m not sure you will see this but I would love to hear your story! I had a spiritual awakening/psychosis recently and while I Love God, my life seems to be equal parts horrific fear bouncing back and forth with love peace and joy. I am 40 this happened to me Feb 2025. My ego died overnight that day along with my severe alcoholism completely cured. 0 desire to drink. I’ve been to every treatment imaginable to no avail. In and out of jail my whole life. I had little to no empathy and I was very narcissistic while being mostly unaware of it for most of my life. I had been praying for God to cure me alcoholism completely for some time. I didn’t expect it all to happen overnight to say the least lol. That being said, I didnt realize how much my ego helped me to survive and not die 😆 I’ve been finding a balance these past months but I can’t escape the obsessive thoughts or fear of condemnation. You are very right, it is difficult or rare to find someone to share these things with. My awakening went on for about a month and as a result, it is now impossible for me to believe in anything other than Jesus. I believed in Jesus before that for about 4 years yet I continued my selfish ways. After what happened recently though I feel like I no longer need to believe, I just know. Now, one would think with such knowledge that I can now kick back and watch the sun set until I get the biggest hug from Jesus ever on the day I die…. what would it be like to wake up every day and just know that you are going to heaven regardless? How would that change the way we live? When I try not sin, I may have some measure of “success” but I know when I have love locked in between Jesus and . As a result, I have little to no desire to sin. Anyhow, my neurotic brain is now just rambling, hope to hear your story!!! Happy to answer any questions about mine. I left out almost everything about it lol. You definitely have to have an open mind or a similar experience to really piece though everything that happened. Im not really sure I understand most of it still.

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  5. What a relief to read someone else’s words that could just as easily have come from me. I was raised in church, went to the altar at 6, but I was never discipled. I professed faith all through my teens and young adulthood, but I was living like the world. I also didn’t have the best childhood – I grew up crying myself to sleep after hearing my parents scream curses at each other during their fights, I was exposed to pornography at age 6, my dad had repeated episodes of psychosis that he involved me in, and (after their divorce) I found him dead at his house with my brother. I met my wife at 24 and was overwhelmed by her faith and authenticity. I recommitted, but the same sins I lived in before followed me into my marriage. I fought the sin, but during a rebellious period 5 years ago I just gave in to it and sinned, planning to ask forgiveness later – this was a few days going on when suddenly a floodgate of horrible, blasphemous thoughts opened in my mind – this terrified me utterly – and I’ve had them since. I’ve repented of all known sins (and even things that probably aren’t sinful but I wanted to be safe (like being diligent to separate the recycling and not mix it in the trash) – and trying my best to honor God). I realize that I was taking Christ for granted and not really loving Him as much as loving myself, but through this affliction I’ve turned in my living and thinking to valuing Him above all things, throwing my computer in the trash, getting rid of anything I’d ever used to disobey the Lord, etc. Looking back, I know I’ve had OCD a long time – I used to pick my fingers until they bled as a kid and fear missing the rapture (even at age 8 or 9). I think I now also realize that I was using all those sinful behaviors to medicate and distract from the OCD (that doesn’t excuse the sinfulness of it). When I finally stopped all those sinful habits is when the OCD went into overdrive. Part of me wonders if God used the OCD to save me from apostatizing, but that’s where my mind is allowed to go during “the good times”. I’ve sought counsel, but nothing has really worked. I probably need to pay for my pastor to get a massage as much as I’ve bothered the poor man. He essentially forbade me from reading Hebrews until further notice, but it’s not just Hebrews. The longer I stay in this struggle the more even the most comforting Scriptures cause me anxiety because of the “what if this isn’t talking about me” struggle. The enemy, meanwhile, hasn’t been idle during this affliction. There has been temptation to just walk away as a mental palliative, and the enemy has definitely whispered “well, if you’re condemned, you might as well go ahead and just do as you please.”. I, however, utterly refuse both of these temptations and hold out for the hope of assurance, deliverance, and renewed fellowship with God. Grace, peace, and love to all of you brothers and sisters out there dealing with this. And thanks to you Aubrynn for being open with your struggle. The knowledge that we are not alone is a precious thought amidst the pain.

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    1. Berg, thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry for this suffering. I don’t know why God allows us to suffer in this way, but I do believe that he loves us and is with us in the pain. And clinging to God even when you don’t feel that assurance—that itself is faith, truly.

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  6. Reading through this article, I honestly feel very similar. A couple of years ago during quarantine, I began to believe in God and follow him. Reading God’s word (sometimes a whole book in a day), praying continuously, worshipping but as I’ve looked back on the so-called “growthful” time, I’ve realized just how much pain, I had experienced and still experience. I remember the day of Christmas not opening any of my presents because the night before God spoke to me to not open them. My parents were completely puzzled and probably afraid as I just sat there looking the other way from what I thought would be a “sin”. Trying to follow the commands of every bible verse in my mind – especially the really tough ones. Today, it rang me to try and obey “every Idle word will be judged” which Jesus spoke in Matthew 12:36-37 and how that translates to me not being able to joke around with my friends or poke fun at them (in a loving way); I’m not trying to actively tear them down. So after that thought what do I do, I love to have fun with my friends, joking around, and being lighthearted even with my Christian friends but if I joke now, maybe I have to confess it, so maybe I should just keep my mouth shut. I want to have fun in life, I feel as though as I’m still in my teenage years, these are issues I might have to deal with for the rest of my life. Wrestling with these thoughts and fears all day because how can I combat them? I do believe the Bible is God’s word so even the thought of sinning against God’s word can scare me, I honestly don’t want to die from stress so early on and this type of living brings me a lot of pain at times. I feel as though when I’m not reading my word or praying as much such as in my grade 11th year, I had so much fun. Laughing with my friends, listening to music that’s not always Christian but still keeping my morals and God in my life – it now seems though that to progress in my relationship with God, I have to give up on the things that I love to the point where I can’t do anything that I remotely enjoy. I don’t want to leave God but the immense pain I feel takes a toll on me. I’m glad though that I’m not alone as I’ve read all of the comments on these posts that a lot of these experiences are very common with mine. I’ll try to pray for you guys cause I know scrupulosity firsthand what it’s life and am still living with it now. Maybe we could make a group chat to support one another as so many people have no idea what “scrupulosity” is. I appreciate this blog post and hope that all of you have peace especially if it seems impossible. It’s funny cause the daily verse today was nothing is impossible with God. Love you, guys :).

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  7. am with you girl. This has haunted me for years. Your story is me to a T. It has kept me away from God, and scripture for many many years. I always felt guilt and shame. And felt deathly afraid of reading scriptures that would cause me to panic. Everytime I read I always have cynical thoughts that pop into my head. I’ve dealt with intrusive thoughts since a child. Ive always felt destructive and destined for doom! Recently I had a dream that scared me because I said I the dream “I didn’t believe in God” it sent me into a spiral where I’ve been reading the word and praying daily.

    Though I get these intrusive thoughts and never ending cynical thoughts, doubts and go from one day of peace to tears the next, I KNOW there is a reason why I suddenly decided to pick up the word again.

    I MUST face these fears and KNOW that these thoughts are just thoughts!

    Peace be with you sister in Christ. For he knows our suffering.

    WordPress.com / Gravatar.com credentials can be used.

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  8. Thank you for writing this and sharing. I love that you are using what you go through to help others on this website. I definitely relate to many of the things that you described.

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  9. Sounds like me. I suddenly went blind. I struggle with everything in Bible. My mind tells me that isn’t possible. I have to remind myself everyday that it is because it’s God. He can do all things. A lot of mine comes from trying to “visualize” it like a story. That’s a huge blunder and an enemy trap because our minds aren’t able to comprehend it. We are human. Those are to be studied as facts not stories. It also comes as doubt. We are human and will never fully understand God bc our minds are finite. Just remember the joy it once brought and journal as a reminder. I still have struggles after years of no issues, but God’s always there. Keep praying and he’ll give you reassurance no matter how small. It may be as simple as going outside at night and looking up at the stars and being amazed. Keep fighting. It’s an eternity your fighting for and God knows your heart. Jesus loved the doubters and helped them when they asked. He doesn’t condemn you because He knows your heart and your mind is finite. He created you, so any issue you have isn’t going to hinder your salvation. It’s a fight. Jesus said following him won’t be easy and the OCD is just a part a Satan’s attack. He will use anything to get you away from God. And remember, Jesus saying blasphemy the Holy Spirit was talking about saying and using the Holy Spirit for evil, not having a doubt or bad thought or bad thought about God. Keep fighting. It’s OK to take a break and drop back to just remember the main thing. Try listening to worship music which helps a lot when reading causing anxiety. That helps with me. You can stir the Holy Spirit that way. Stay in a group of believers and not alone and keep busy. Find a hobby because idle hands are Satan’s playground. He can get to our minds that way, because our minds are powerful. But God’s love is there for us and so are other Christians. Like iron, we sharpen each other. Last two cents is let out your struggles. Never be ashamed of anything because the only thing that matters is what God thinks, not the world or others. I struggled with physical OCD for awhile. Try telling your doctor and get a prescription for Risperdal or another antidepressant/OCD prescription. It will help relax and restore chemical imbalances in your brain. That may help. God made those for a reason. Don’t be ashamed to take them. Use all His resources. Keep fighting. We can do it. He’s waiting on the other side arms open wide.

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  10. My throat feels tight with emotion and I feel in awe, because I almost could have written this, down to the verses that have caused fear. Something I was told by a fellow Christian during a time of extreme anxiety was this, “Your thoughts have twisted this verse into a club and you are now beating yourself over the head with it.” I sure was. Both my husband and I could clearly see that. I say this in the hopes it can help someone else.

    Anyway, yhank you so much for candidly sharing your thoughts. I feel so much less alone now and I imagine this post has many others feeling the same way, whether they’ve commented or not. I hope for us all that this anxiety will lessen and that God will help us and give us the peace we so hope for.

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  11. I struggle with this a long time too and sometimes still feel the anxious feelings during a sermon. Even tho I know I am saved and born again. Only a relationship with Christ can bring true peace and assurance and it’s knowing that our salvation is about Him and not us it what brings real comfort. It’s okay to feel down sometimes and saddened and even anxious. When Peter said to be anxious for nothing but to make your request known before God he said it in an encouraging manner. He didn’t condemn believers for being anxious or for being sad. Take your anxiety to Jesus and remember that Satan is the one who is trying to keep you from being close to your savior. He wants you to think that because you experience negative to God’s word
    that it means your not saved when in reality that is your flesh that is against God’s word. If your a Christian then your not of a religion but in a relationship with the living God. You have value and are precious in His sight. ❤️❤️❤️ Don’t worry, I have to remind myself of that all the time too ☺️ God bless you and rest in His grace 💕

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  12. I have been struggling with this for the past two years and more intensely in the past month not knowing what I was struggling with until now. I’ve been doing a lot of research lately on taking thoughts captive, what the Bible says about fear and anxiety and depression, trying to find out “what was wrong with me”. I began having intense fears of reading the Bible. I cried out to God to show me if there was any sin in me that I hadn’t repented of and if he was punishing me. I feel like I’m spiraling downward and feel like I’m in a pit and I’m clawing to get out. I only briefly read of scrupulosity after looking up on how to take thoughts captive. I didn’t think much of it. I then googled to see if there was such a thing as “fear of reading the Bible” and I was led to this sight. After reading the article and many of the comments I’m just learning of scrupulosity and that it’s an actual thing and the many fears associated with it. I relate to almost everyone on here and it was such a relief to know that I’m not the only one. My fear and anxiety intensified after I began reading a short comment about the unpardonable sin. I suddenly froze in terror and couldn’t finish reading. I believed it was cussing the Holy Spirit. Satan began attacking me to commit it. I spoke to an elder in my church and was told it was something different. I then began to question what he said. I have heard four different ideas of what it is and each idea makes me thing of them and now I fear committing each one of them. I’m afraid to find out what the consequences are of committing it. “Will I go to hell if I commit it?” I became obsessed with this thought and later other intrusive thoughts began to fill my mind. They just come out of nowhere. I began doubting my salvation and feared God had abandoned me to my own depravity. I fear death. I fear God’s judgement and being forever separated from him and never entering his rest. I fear I’m turning into a Judas. I doubt God’s love for me and if I have I been forgiven. I struggle to understand grace. I wonder if Jesus really died on the cross for me. I compare my relationship with God to other peoples. I fear not being in the rapture and having to face the Tribulation. Then the fear of thinking these thoughts causes me to think of them even more. I’ve had other intrusive thoughts that I’m ashamed to even say what they are. It’s a roller coaster of good days and bad days, of feeling connected, to feeling somewhat connected to God to deep, dark anxiety and depression. It sometimes feels like an evilness is welling up inside me and I’m afraid it’s going to take over. It’s so exhausting.

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    1. Cynthia, I’m so sorry you’re struggling in this way. Everything you said sounds very much in line with scrupulosity, but that doesn’t make the experience any easier. You are right—you are not alone, and it’s not just you! We’re all with you in this, and God loves you and has more mercy for you than you can possibly imagine.

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  13. Relate so hard, this scrupulosity has made me break one of God’s commandments on purpose due to my heart being so watered down and exhausted/hardened from fighting these thoughts. Though, even though I’m forgiven I hope I do nothing like that again, youch.

    Hoping everyone’s scrupulosity gets better, for this fight ain’t over yet! Plus God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit loves y’all!

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  14. This is so relatable. I really appreciate you writing because it helps me to realize that my thoughts are just OCD thoughts and not reality, which is a big deal because they feel extremely real and it’s so scary. I’m sorry you have to deal with this stuff too but you’re doing a great thing here and helping people a lot. God can do great things even in the hardest of times!

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  16. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I came across your website today and I identify with everything I’ve read so far! It really is comforting to know that I am not the only one who suffers with this.(Not that I want ANYONE to suffer this or any way!) I wanted to ask if you or anyone else here can relate to what I do. I think it is the way I “ruminate”, but am not sure. I will go to my husband or my best friend (who are so supportive of me) and tell them my fearful, doubtful thoughts, but when they tell me it’s not true, I argue with them! I really believe I do this looking for them to assure me that I’m wrong, that what I’m thinking are lies, and that I am saved, YET, I don’t believe them when they do! I really feel crazy!

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Michelle! I’m glad we all have each other. Yes, I do that too and it is very common. I think it’s part of wanting to be 100% sure, so we can’t just take people at their word if they might be wrong. It feels risky to rest in their encouragement, because what if?

      You’re not crazy—you just struggle with scrupulosity! 🙂

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  17. It’s not just the Bible, my OCD has made me scared to read a lot of other books that I like (and did even before I knew there was anything wrong with me). That’s one reason I know it’s lying. /

    The great thing about Bible-reading is that we aren’t ordered to read it on a schedule. Every few days I go through some pages if I’m feeling well, with my laptop nearby so I ask questions about disturbing passages, and it helps me to both understand God better and overcome my fear. It’s slow, but so are a lot of good things in life. A while ago I finished the NT, and that made being brave a lot easier. /

    “By far the most comforting words come from it; so do the most terrifying.” /

    Exactly. But “He who began a good work in us will carry it on the completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I’m glad I can share my fears honestly with comrades like you.

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  18. Pingback: My Tools to Help with Teen Anxiety - Bravester

  19. I’m so thankful I found these posts. Growing up when I misbehaved my mother would tell me the devil was gonna get me and when there was a creak in the tv or the house settling in she said that was the devil gonna get me if I don’t behave and go to sleep. It was really traumatizing how my mom pushed religion on me and it was in a hell fire kind of way and it made feel so distant from god unfortunately. As I’m older and have been through a traumatic childhood and I’m working through it as an adult and can not let it hold me back. I’ve been working on building a personal relationship with God and I’ve been reading the Bible and these post have been exactly what I’ve been feeling and it scares me. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone in these thoughts.

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    1. I am so sorry, Mariah. I can’t imagine how difficult that was and is. You’re right that you’re not alone in these thoughts and fears. Thanks for commenting ❤️

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  20. Hi Perez, I don’t know enough information to be able to speak into this situation, but I would encourage you to see someone who is trained/experienced with OCD. If you think you may be dealing with scrupulosity, it isn’t more research and study that’s going to help you, but a different way of approaching your thoughts. Someone that understands this dynamic can greatly help you walk through it. I would encourage you to trust your pastors, too. They are not perfect, but if they are faithful to the Lord, then you can trust the shepherds he has given you. I am praying for you now!

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  21. Heyy I have felt this too. Recently I discovered the bible in a year on YouTube by Father Mike Schmitz and it really helped me. He explains it really well especially during the commentary towards the end. You can go check it out.

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