Over the years, God has given me a lot of different Scripture verses to help me as I struggle with Pure O OCD. I would like to share them with you in hopes that they will help you like they have helped me. I recommend committing some of them to memory.
The first two I say multiple times every day. They are short but powerful. I say them the first time an intrusive thought rears its ugly head. Then, I take a deep breath and do my best to focus on something else. The second one especially has helped me realize that God wants to confront the thoughts for me but will only do it if I let Him.
"...The Lord is my Helper. I will not fear..." Hebrews 13:6
"The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Exodus 14:14
These next verses are longer. I don't recommend quoting them at the first sign of an intrusive thought or anxiety trigger. When I am not experiencing any symptoms, though, I find them comforting and uplifting. When I am in the middle of a full-blown OCD episode, they help me put my mind elsewhere and remind me that God is sovereign over my OCD.
"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of Christ, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
"For we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the days of evil come, you will be able to stand your ground. After you have done everything to stand, stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to this, take the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:13-17
"Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." Psalm 139:23
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
There are also a number of songs I like to listen to and find encouraging. A few of these include "Overcomer" by Mandisa, "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North, "Promises" by Sanctus Real, "Stronger" by Mandisa, "You are I AM" by MercyMe, and "Fall Apart" by Josh Wilson. There are many other songs that have encouraged or helped me along the way, but these are some that I always come back to.
The first two I say multiple times every day. They are short but powerful. I say them the first time an intrusive thought rears its ugly head. Then, I take a deep breath and do my best to focus on something else. The second one especially has helped me realize that God wants to confront the thoughts for me but will only do it if I let Him.
"...The Lord is my Helper. I will not fear..." Hebrews 13:6
"The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Exodus 14:14
These next verses are longer. I don't recommend quoting them at the first sign of an intrusive thought or anxiety trigger. When I am not experiencing any symptoms, though, I find them comforting and uplifting. When I am in the middle of a full-blown OCD episode, they help me put my mind elsewhere and remind me that God is sovereign over my OCD.
"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of Christ, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
"For we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the days of evil come, you will be able to stand your ground. After you have done everything to stand, stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to this, take the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:13-17
"Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." Psalm 139:23
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
There are also a number of songs I like to listen to and find encouraging. A few of these include "Overcomer" by Mandisa, "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North, "Promises" by Sanctus Real, "Stronger" by Mandisa, "You are I AM" by MercyMe, and "Fall Apart" by Josh Wilson. There are many other songs that have encouraged or helped me along the way, but these are some that I always come back to.