Question from a reader:

The last two years have been very difficult for me as I’ve struggled with multiple health problems, a stressful job, and panic attacks. What got me through was my focus on the eternal kingdom and knowing there was a New Earth to look forward to. But I also have OCD, and somebody told me the other day that Heaven was a very spiritual and ethereal experience, and we couldn’t possibly understand that. Even though I read your book and studied Heaven exhaustively, my mind grabbed onto that negative statement. My joy, peace, assurance, and truth about the eternal kingdom has been stolen from me.

Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:

As someone who has not walked through your specific struggles, I’m inadequate to advise you on the particulars of OCD, and our small ministry isn’t set up to provide counseling services. (I trust that you have a good counselor in your life to walk with you through this? I will include some resources at the end in case you need help finding one.) But I can share some general thoughts that might be helpful.

What first came to mind is that the information that person told you about Heaven simply isn’t true. I would assume that unwittingly and unknowingly, they are repeating and passing on some of Satan’s favorite lies about Heaven. Randy writes, “I think Satan lies to us about Heaven so we don't anticipate the great and glorious eternal plan God has in store for us (Ephesians 2:7). Jesus said of the devil, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Some of Satan’s favorite lies are about Heaven. He doesn't want us to long for the resurrection and the endless beauty God has in store for us.”

The best thing you can do is replace those lies with the truth, and let the truth be what you focus on. Randy has shared this quote attributed to Martin Luther: “You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair.”

Randy was writing this about sexual purity, but I think it applies:

We can build our relationship with Christ by praying, reading God’s Word and meditating on it, reading great books, listening to Scripture and audio books and teaching from God’s Word. We need to fill our lives with the best things, those that glorify God. Then when we see how satisfying they are, it will be easier to resist the things that tempt and destroy us. “In your presence is fullness of joy. At your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11).

As we eliminate the garbage, and replace it with what honors God, we will find it easier to obey Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

When we choose to feed our righteous desires and starve our unrighteous ones, by God’s grace we will program our lives for righteousness. We will begin to think and live like the new creatures God has made us in Christ. 

I would encourage you to read through this article by Randy about meditating on Scripture.

That verse Randy shared above (Psalm 16:11) would be a wonderful one for you to focus on, to replace those lies about Heaven with the truth about being in God’s presence. Randy writes, “When we copy Scripture and carry it with us throughout the day, reading it and memorizing it, we make God’s Word a part of us. As Paul said, ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly’ (Colossians 3:16).”

Consider printing it out and putting it where you’ll see it (in your car, on the bathroom mirror, in your kitchen, at your desk).I like to find and print out beautiful graphics with the verse to put around my workspace; here is one I like for Psalm 16:11.

Those who know Jesus as their Savior have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them. Don’t forget that He is infinitely more powerful than Satan’s lies or any obsessive thoughts (1 John 4:4).As you partner with the Holy Spirit in focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, He will help, guide, and protect you. You can pray with Psalm 86:

1 Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my soul, for I am godly.

You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.

3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,

for I call to You all day long.

4 Bring joy to Your servant,

for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Finally, here are some counseling resources in case you choose to pursue finding a Christian counselor:

Focus on the Family: Counseling Consultation and Referrals - “The consultation is available at no cost to you due to generous donor support and will be with one of our licensed or pastoral counseling specialists.”

KLOVE: Speak with a pastor

Association of biblical counselors referral link

God bless you. May your mind find peace and joy as you focus on Jesus and your eternal home with Him.

Photo: Unsplash