The online age expanded the breadth of our experiential exposure, intensifying the pressure and heat of our circumstances. In the online world, the human heart does not face new temptations but the same old ones in new form, higher frequency, and greater intensity. Continue Reading →
Read MoreThis article explores the prevalence and impact of intrusive thoughts, particularly in the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It delves into the development of intrusive thoughts and offers biblical counsel on addressing them, emphasizing the normalization of such thoughts and the importance of controlling attention towards them.
Read MoreThe purpose of this article is not to fully explain what good counseling for OCD entails. Instead, it aims to caution against two unhelpful tactics often used by those with OCD in response to intrusive thoughts—and sometimes even encouraged by counselors. These two tactics are: (1) Avoidance and (2) Reassurance.
Read MoreHamartiology Hits the Homefront
Read MoreScripture calls us to govern our bodies as part of our sanctification, but oftentimes biblical counselors neglect the physical body while ministering to those with OCD.
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So many minds get stuck in unproductive places. They get into a mental rut and can’t escape. It could be a past regret that is replayed and replayed, or a fear about the future. Or it could be another person’s comment that you take personally, or doubts about your salvation, which means that you are […]
The post When Your Mind Gets Stuck appeared first on CCEF.
We could discuss many reasons for being indecisive. Here, I’d like to point out one of the paralyzing factors: our emotions. Sometimes, we wait for peaceful emotions to make decisions. If peaceful emotions mean seeing signs of a “burning bush,” then we might be waiting for a long time. While we’re waiting, the temptation is to analyze again and again the present options and, of course, the better options. Then, there are the “what if” possibilities that keep us from moving forward. We might talk to family or friends but hear different opinions. It doesn’t help if we’re wanting certain people’s approval, such as parents, friends, or work/church leaders. These factors combined could add to our internal turmoil of wanting to know God’s will. If we’re not careful, however, we may overanalyze as a way to be in control of our lives. It could be a tactic to avoid regrets, suffering, or embarrassment. Continue Reading →
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Why is it that the middle of the night thoughts are always the worst? It seems to me that the cares and concerns of life gang up and all decide to visit when one cannot sleep. These are the fretful hours, the ones where minutes tick by like hours as you toss and turn on your bed.
The post When Sleep Departs appeared first on Biblical Counseling for Women.
Years ago, while driving home from work, seemingly out of nowhere, I had a monster panic attack: my heart raced, sweat beaded my forehead, my knees turned to Jell-O, and a terrible sense of doom overcame me. Well-meaning Christian friends sometimes made unhelpful comments and insinuations like “A good Christian doesn’t get bad anxiety.” And conflicting advice like “Take medication. It fixed my brother” and “Do not take medication. You’ll become addicted.” Topping these off were my two most hated suggestions that if I “prayed harder” or “had more faith,” then my anxiety would disappear like Houdini. Can you or your counselee relate? Continue Reading →
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Worry, worry, worry. We worry about today, we worry about tomorrow. We worry about the bills, the future, the conflicts at home and abroad, and the economy. I know a woman who has spent a large part of her life as a habitual worrier.
The post Feeling Overwhelmed? appeared first on Biblical Counseling for Women.
How does the Bible answer the question, “Are anxiety and fear sin?”
The post 10 Resources Addressing the Question: “Are Anxiety and Fear Sin?” appeared first on RPM Ministries.
Living with anxiety is hard. Yet as finite beings in a fallen and broken world, anxiety makes sense. We are each confronted with life circumstances we cannot change, decisions with no obvious right answers, and a future that is more uncertain than we would like. Our lives always entail a degree of risk—there are no […]
The post A New Prayer for Anxiety appeared first on CCEF.
