It was cold that night. We huddled in a small circle still wearing our pajamas, wondering what was going on. “Just a false alarm. You can go back to your rooms now,” our leaders assured us. Back we trod to our dorm rooms and collapsed into our bunk beds. In a short time, the shrill ringing of the alarm echoed down the hallway. Out into the cold night we waited again. Another false alarm. “What is wrong with the alarm? Will we ever get to rest tonight?” Back and forth we tromped, inside then outside. “When will the madness end?”
This memory from college reminds me of the problem with OCD. In the brain, God has put an alarm system to warn us to run away from danger, or it will help us fight if we are attacked. When one struggles with OCD, the alarm system is broken and goes off all the time. It’s like a mischievous toddler who keeps hitting the panic button. In order to combat the tidal waves of fear, some people develop a behavior to relieve this pain like checking stuff over and over or washing their hands every few minutes. This behavior relieves the anxiety temporarily, but eventually the list of rituals grows and consumes more and more of the person’s life.
Thankfully, the grip of OCD has lessened since my college days. But my internal fire alarm is still in hyperactive mode. I am grateful for my counselor who is teaching me techniques to respond better to these obsessive thoughts and emotional storms. I am also grateful for the many caring friends and family who have prayed for me as I journey through this healing process.
Good Evening Father,
Sometimes I feel like the trembling Piglet from the Winnie the Pooh story, always nervous and worried about the next catastrophe. The verse: “Be anxious for nothing” seems like an impossible task. Show me how to trust you. Give me courage to face my fears. Be my anchor when the waves of doubt crash against my soul.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Scripture
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.“ (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
Prayer Request from Tina
I had a relapse in my health this month and need prayer. The fatigue and chest pains have returned. It is very discouraging since I had been doing so well. My husband is also having health problems. Your prayers are appreciated! (4/29/2026)
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