I am sixteen years old and Jesus has set me free from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety—conditions I’d battled for two to three years.
I was fearful of germs and would wash my hands, face, and mouth incessantly. I felt depressed and suicidal, often crying myself to sleep most nights, and could find no joy in life. I lost a total of twenty pounds and often felt uptight and nervous. Even my family told me that I looked like I was dying.
I visited many doctors, therapists, and psychologists but nothing worked. During this time, I started to tune in to a Christian radio station and Trinity Broadcasting Network. I came across grace teachings by pastors like Joseph Prince. I learned that God wants me well and started to have hope again.
I started getting into God’s Word and learned about my identity in Christ. I saw Jesus take away my label of “OCD” and put it on Himself. I saw Him putting on me the new label of “child of God.” I also learned how the devil throws deceptive thoughts into our heads and then blames us for having them.
Previously, I had always condemned myself for having bad thoughts about Jesus, even when those were not the thoughts I wanted to think. Now, if I do get these thoughts, instead of condemning myself, I say out loud, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Those bad thoughts don’t stand a chance against God’s Word!
I began to understand that Jesus was all I needed. He was the only one who could and would heal me. I told the Lord that I trusted Him completely and even wrote on a piece of paper that I didn’t need medication, supplements, doctors, or a mental hospital—all I needed was Jesus.
One night, when I returned home, I did not have the urge to use mouthwash or wash my face before I ate. I also did not over-wash my hands. It’s been a few months now and I no longer feel the need to do all these things in an obsessive manner!
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I hold on to this verse and speak it out loud whenever I come across a fearful thought.
Jesus is my Lord and my healer. Praise be to God!
The writer has requested to remain anonymous | Illinois, United States
