What does god think of intrusive thoughts. It says we should change our minds and thoughts.

What does god think of intrusive thoughts Overview of the Concept Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform. We are called to fill our minds with Godly thoughts rather than being ruled by tempting or intrusive thoughts (Philippians 4:8). Whether it’s negative thoughts, blasphemous thoughts, or even sexual thoughts, these unwelcome ideas can cause a lot of distress. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts that enter our minds and cause distress. God Allows Unwanted Thoughts to Help You Let Go of Perfection and Love People Right Where You Are At So much more could be said about this important topic of overcoming unwanted and intrusive thoughts. What do I mean by God-talk? By God-talk, I mean a conversation with God that reflects who God says you are as reflected in scripture. When thoughts arise, you have a choice: act on them or trust God to help you resist. Introduction Intrusive thoughts can feel overwhelming, especially when they seem to pop up out of nowhere. It reminds us of the importance of our Apr 30, 2024 · But your mind is a gift God intends to be leveraged for his glory. I can't help but wonder if it offends God or Jesus even when I can't even stop them even when I want to. There is an undeniable connection between the body and the spirit. This common experience leads us to a profound question many Christians have asked: Can Satan plant thoughts in our minds? This post explores both sides of the debate using Scripture and offers biblical tools to resist unwanted thoughts, regardless of where they originate. An ego-syntonic Apr 13, 2021 · Over time, those “intrusive” thoughts simply become just thoughts. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible has to say about intrusive thoughts and how its teachings can provide solace and strength during difficult times. Apr 1, 2025 · Thoughts are not actions: Having a thought does not mean you will act on it. Jul 20, 2023 · God’s Faithfulness Experienced In Obsessive Compulsive Disorder To better care for these people, it is necessary to understand and view OCD through the lens of Scripture. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing, and often recurring thoughts that can pop into our minds without warning or invitation. I want to encourage you that this is not the same as therapy OR gaining direct wisdom from Jul 9, 2023 · Introduction How to Get Rid of Bad Thoughts about God: You’re in the sacred space of your quiet time, nestled in the warmth of God’s presence, and suddenly a cold gust of doubt sweeps through your mind, bringing with it unwelcome thoughts about God. A firm foundation in biblical truth will prove a reliable base from which to evaluate all thoughts and compulsions. Aug 1, 2024 · Intrusive thoughts can be unsettling, leaving you wondering about their origin and how to deal with them. Nov 26, 2025 · Intrusive thoughts are one of the most misunderstood symptoms of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are adaptive to each religious belief and tell us something about ourselves. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. I want to encourage you that this is not the same as therapy OR gaining direct wisdom from. Thoughts are Thoughts Thoughts are thoughts. Having unwanted intrusive thoughts does not make someone sinful, but these thoughts can lead to sin if indulged. Learn ways to differentiate OCD's "god voice" intrusive thoughts from the real thing! Jul 6, 2025 · The battle against intrusive thoughts is ongoing, but God’s strength never fails. They may leave a feeling of guilt, shame, or doubt regarding salvation or God's forgiveness. What does God or Jesus think about my intrusive thoughts? I often have misbehaving, terrible, and blasphemous thoughts that my OCD conjures everyday. I think one of the most important factors to consider, however, is the connection between unwanted thoughts and are desire for perfection. ” For example: your Sep 8, 2019 · 3. A typical reaction to them is "Ugh! How could I have thought something so awful ?" Most of the time, we can shrug off bad thoughts, and turn our minds to other things. For some reason, most likely OCD, I get horrible intrusive thoughts about God, most commonly about The Holy Spirit. This may be spending time in prayer for the needs of the people around us, counting our blessings, thinking of ways to serve others, and/or meditating on the promises of God. We can respond to intrusive thoughts by testing them and refocusing them on what is true and good. God knows the difference between one who sins willfully and one who desires to Sometimes I have intrusive thoughts and some of them are anti-Christian, even afraid that some are blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In this guide, we'll cover everything you ever wanted to know about these intrusive thoughts, such as: What are blasphemous thoughts (meaning)? Are blasphemous thoughts sin? Will God forgive blasphemous thoughts? Does God forgive intrusive thoughts? Can you Many Christians secretly struggle with intrusive or disturbing thoughts. Discovering the wisdom and May 20, 2022 · Change your focus from the intrusive thoughts, to righteous thoughts that further God’s kingdom. Obsessions are intrusive Jul 9, 2025 · Intrusive thoughts are brief, unwanted images, urges, or ideas that pop into your mind and feel disturbing. Evil thoughts give birth to evil actions—just as good thoughts give birth to good actions. What the Bible Says and How to Manage ThemIntrusive thoughts can be challenging and distressing, often leading to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. ” It’s easy to blow through a standard prayer like this more or less superficially. Many seek spiritual guidance to understand these unwelcome mental intrusions. Nov 6, 2020 · God created us as holistic beings. Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Feb 2, 2024 · In summary, the Bible acknowledges evil and tempting thoughts but calls us to something higher. Aug 15, 2025 · When confronted with an invasive thought, a person suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can help combat it with the Word of God. Indeed, we live as human beings but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy 1. Reply reply More repliesMore replies Brilliant-Cicada-343 • For me it’s two-fold: TL;DR Intrusive thoughts are spontaneous, unwanted, sexual, violent, or even blasphemous thoughts that pop into many Christians' thoughts. By Rejecting the Idolization of Sex, You Will No Longer Fear Sexual Sin, Thus You Will Think About Sexual Things Less Compulsively The term “intrusive thoughts” is not a biblical term but I do think it is a helpful psychological term. How can you use the Bible to help change your thinking? Here are 16 Bible verses for intrusive thoughts. Our brain generates thousands of thoughts and feelings every day. I would suggest you try and memorize verses, read God's Word, study it if you can. How can you put this into action? Here are two practical invitations: May 6, 2021 · So here are 4 ways God will help you stop unwanted, intrusive sexual thoughts. Can Satan Put Thoughts in Your Mind? Dec 7, 2023 · What Does the Bible Teach About Intrusive Thoughts: Understanding God’s Guidance. While the Bible does not address OCD by name, the Scriptures offer many principles about anxiety, unwanted thoughts, self-control, and trust in God that can guide those Jun 12, 2020 · Bad religious thoughts that won't seem to go away despite being unwanted may be a sign of religious OCD, which can cause repetitive, intrusive thoughts. The Bible helps us understand and deal with them. But how does this distinction relate to intrusive thoughts? When it comes to our thoughts, there are certain thinking process that take place in the biological “body” part of the brain, and certain thinking process that are done by the conscious mind, the “spirit. He desires to reshape your mind to become a factory of God-glorifying curiosity. If this does not help, it may be necessary to seek professional medical advice, as intrusive thoughts can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-partum depression or attention Apr 4, 2023 · Discerning God's voice when you have OCD can be tough. Jul 8, 2020 · Blasphemous thoughts can intrude upon the most devoted believer -- but for some, they become chronic, sticky, and absolutely terrifying. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts that cause distress and they are Sep 12, 2025 · Intrusive thoughts are pretty normal to experience. And some begin to ask: Can the devil give you thoughts? Is Satan behind this? This post will walk you through the truth using the Bible, answer your questions, and show you how to guard your mind with God’s help. But having the truth of God’s Word to combat these thoughts can empower us to overcome them. Then when you have thoughts you don't like you can compare them to what the Word of God says, just like Jesus did against satan. Intrusive thoughts might be from spiritual battles or mental health issues. Nov 19, 2018 · Audio Transcript All of us experience it: blasphemous thoughts about God emerge in our minds. Apr 7, 2025 · Thoughts have power, and the Bible teaches us to guard our minds against evil. “Dear Pastor John, for seven long years, I’ve had hard thoughts of Christ. By definition, the imagery is unwanted and deeply troubling. No matter what’s Jul 31, 2014 · A person with OCD typically finds himself the host of intrusive thoughts — fears of contamination, of committing the unpardonable sin, of embarrassing himself in public — that kick up intense anxiety and refuse to leave. These “sticky thoughts,” as Mike Emlet calls them, are considered obsessions and make up half of the OCD equation. Sometimes I get a bad thought and I panic, trying to 'justify' the thought I had and making it worse. At times our thoughts can derail us. Jul 26, 2025 · Bible Verses About Intrusive Thoughts Understanding Our Intrusive Thoughts As we navigate life, we often encounter thoughts that seem to intrude upon our peace. If you are prone to intrusive thoughts, this fear of losing your salvation will fuel your blasphemous thoughts about God for the reasons we discussed in point 1 of this article. Dec 3, 2022 · Romans 12:2 What does the Bible say about intrusive thoughts? Here are six Bible verses to help you battle unwanted intrusive thoughts. They can be disturbing, confusing, and frightening—especially when people do not understand why these thoughts appear or what they mean. Oct 28, 2025 · Bible Verses About Intrusive Thoughts Recognizing Intrusive Thoughts As we walk in our faith, it’s crucial for us to recognize when intrusive thoughts enter our minds. While intrusive thoughts are common, they can be particularly distressing for Christians who believe that their thoughts reflect their character or that they are being punished by God. Jan 14, 2024 · Intrusive thoughts that pop into our minds unexpectedly can leave us feeling disturbed. They are unwanted ideas or images that pop into our minds, often causing anxiety and distress. Sometimes, the more you try not to think about them, the stronger they may become. It’s tempting to believe that we’re alone in this battle of our minds. As Christians, we navigate all things related to mental health through the lens of His Word. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance on how to manage these intrusive thoughts, encouraging us to May 20, 2022 · Intrusive thoughts can be unexpected and upsetting. Apr 5, 2025 · Have you ever struggled with intrusive thoughts that seem to invade your mind, causing worry and anxiety? The Bible offers comfort and guidance for dealing with these challenging mental struggles. They can be about anything, from violence to blasphemy to sexual acts. Where Do These Evil Thoughts Really Come From? Let me give you a crucial psychological insight. Jun 17, 2019 · Do you suffer from disturbing or obsessive thoughts? If so, relief is available. But what does the Bible say about OCD? Jul 4, 2023 · The thoughts swirling in your mind may lead you to wonder, “Will God punish me for my thoughts?” This question has truly troubled many faithful individuals.   But sometimes, bad thoughts keep coming ba Jan 4, 2022 · Nearly everyone, at some point or another, has been subject to intrusive thoughts. As we meditate on these verses, we’ll find May 23, 2024 · Intrusive thoughts are not your ally. Let’s dive in. I believe that it's because blasphemy against The Holy Spirit is unforgivable, which is why my brain focuses on it. Jun 29, 2022 · While some people understand that their OCD is a mental health disorder that leads to obsessive thoughts and compulsions, others believe they have committed the unpardonable sin or that they haven’t repented enough and are being punished. Oct 16, 2022 · Nobody wants to deal with unwanted intrusive thoughts! This article is written specifically with Christians in mind- authored by a licensed Christian Counselor. How could such thoughts arise in your mind? This is spiritual warfare of the mind and heart. Reduce Stress & Improve Sleep High stress levels and poor sleep quality can make intrusive thoughts worse. It says we should change our minds and thoughts. The thoughts themselves do not mean you agree with them or plan to act. Millions of individuals experience intrusive thoughts, yet few talk about them due to fear, shame, or the belief that these thoughts reflect Apr 29, 2022 · This 3 part series explores a common question for Christians struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts: "Can thoughts be evil or sinful? What does that mean?" All good questions are best explored in community; consider this a conversation. Intrusive thoughts are not necessarily sin, but the actions we take leading up to or after we have the thoughts can be. They arise when the brain’s threat-detection circuits misfire, most often during stress, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, depression, or after sleep loss. You’re taken aback, even a little ashamed. But are they even sin? God is not Aug 31, 2023 · Intrusive thoughts about God are common with religious OCD. There have been good seasons in which I have been overwhelmed with the beauty and grace of Christ, and there Jul 29, 2024 · Explore how God views OCD thoughts and find reassurance in faith, mental health, and coping strategies for religious individuals. So where do these thoughts come from? And how do we respond? The question comes in from a listener named Hayden. Mar 15, 2025 · Intrusive thoughts can be confusing and troubling. Feb 29, 2024 · Christians with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be especially alarmed by intrusive thoughts that involve aggressive, sexual, or religious themes. I think my advice still stands though. Effective treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure with Nov 22, 2023 · 2. Jun 16, 2025 · Today we will talk about bible verses about fighting evil thoughts. Jun 16, 2020 · These chronic fears about the devil are a sign of obsessive compulsive disorder, and in this article I want to talk more directly about intrusive thoughts of a demonic nature. The second you think, “oh that thought might be right” Satan gains a foothold and pushes more and more intrusive thoughts. May 7, 2025 · What are intrusive thoughts, and does the Bible provide any guidance on how to deal with them? What Are Intrusive Thoughts? Firstly, an intrusive thought appears to pop up out of nowhere, during the day or night. One way they can slip in unnoticed is through negative self-talk: Who do you think you are? You idiot. The first step is to realize that the bad thoughts you’re having are wrong—not just in your eyes, but in God’s eyes. We don’t have to believe or value or act on a thought just because we have it. Random thoughts are common: Many people’s brains do this. Feelings are feelings. Let’s explore what scripture says about controlling our thoughts and focusing on what is pure, true, and honorable. However, if you’re religious, you may wonder if these unwanted thoughts are sinful. Feb 1, 2023 · Intrusive thoughts intrude, scare us with their initial presence, then scare us more by making us ask, did I mean to have that blasphemous thought? No, you didn’t mean to have that blasphemous thought. In this article, we will explore biblical texts and seek to comprehend God’s nature to find answers to the question that might have kept Feb 8, 2017 · We confess having sinned “…in my thoughts, in my words, in what I have done, and what I have failed to do. Nor did you mean to have any of the hundreds of other weird, unruly, unwanted thoughts passing through your OCD mind. But what does the Bible say about intrusive thoughts? Nov 24, 2025 · Here are 50 Important Bible Verses About Intrusive Thoughts! What does the Bible say about intrusive thoughts? Are intrusive thoughts a sin? Let's dive in. If you’ve ever asked, “ What does the Bible say about intrusive thoughts? ” you’re not alone. Every thought and behavior that you have falls into one of two categories: ego-syntonic or ego-dystonic. Sep 19, 2018 · All Christians have unwanted intrusive thoughts from time to time. 4. By identifying these thoughts, we create an opportunity to confront and challenge them. It will be in an uphill battle, but with perseverance and the help of God, it’s a battle that’s worthwhile because it can be won. Get the answers to the tough questions… What are intrusive thoughts? What are examples of intrusive… Aug 21, 2025 · Struggling with intrusive thoughts about God? Learn why they happen, why they feel real, and how to manage them effectively with expert-backed strategies. Obviously not all intrusive thoughts are the result of spiritual warfare but I’ve noticed agreeing with intrusive thoughts can cause more problems for me The Bible talks a lot about our thoughts. Whether it’s anger, lust, or jealousy, evil thoughts can lead us away from God’s will. The good news is that the Bible has wisdom to offer on this topic. You may wonder why you have these thoughts and what God thinks about them. Christians with OCD might start to wonder, “What does it mean about me, that I’m having this thought?” and may wonder if they secretly are, deep down, a pedophile, murderer, or monster. Walk in God’s Grace and Accept You Cannot Lose His Love Many times we fear we will lose our salvation if we think the wrong things about God. Before we do something, we must first think about doing it. ” You don’t have to be perfect; God’s grace carries you. Here's how you can get better while nurturing your faith. Many people struggle with repetitive thoughts that seem uncontrollable, and it’s essential to understand that you are not alone in this battle. These intrusive thoughts can leave us feeling unsettled and confused, leading us to question our faith and purpose. Many people experience these thoughts at some point in their lives, but they can feel especially overwhelming for Christians who may wonder what the Bible says about them. If sins count with intrusive thoughts, does that mean I will go to hell? Apr 22, 2022 · This 3 part series explores a common question for Christians struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts: "Can thoughts be evil or sinful? What does that mean?" All good questions are best explored in community; consider this a conversation. Learn why we have intrusive thoughts, when they may become a problem, and how to manage them. Some appear very random. Spontaneous and intrusive thoughts of violence to children or animals, inappropriate sexual contact, and blasphemy can be extremely disturbing and even cause some to question their salvation. But God knows all our thoughts, and they don't surprise Him one bit (Psalm 139:2). 1. When you do have these demonic thoughts we must start by: 2nd Corinthians 10:5 “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” Attack and replace these lies with God’s Word day and night in your heart and mind and eventually the Jan 7, 2025 · It is advised to submit your heart and thoughts to God and to study Scripture, reaffirm the truth and memorise the Bible to help overcome intrusive thoughts. And as Christians, we often grapple with understanding the boundaries of thought and morality. And you can work to exchange destructive intrusive thoughts for convicting and empowering God-talk. You’ve put your finger on a very important issue—because our thoughts influence everything we do. These involuntary, unwanted images, phrases, or impulses are extremely common. I don't want these vile thoughts and I'm afraid that I'm going Oct 4, 2024 · In this article What is scrupulosity OCD? Are my intrusive thoughts sins? Does God forgive intrusive thoughts? How can I tell the difference between OCD-related fears and wrestling with my faith? How therapy can help you overcome your fears What is scrupulosity OCD? OCD is a treatable mental health condition characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Many Christians may struggle with intrusive thoughts that do not align with the grace and goodness of God. Replace Negative Talk with God-Talk Intrusive thoughts aren’t your allies. These can often come as negative or distracting messages that steer us away from God’s truth. Sep 4, 2023 · If you worry about being punished for intrusive thoughts, you’re not alone.