Broken promises to God and OCD

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Hi, I suffer from scrupulosity. I’m always afraid to make promises to God. Most of the times, I feel like I’m making promises but these are just thoughts. But one day, I broke and promised to God out loud to never play with my playstation again (pretty stupid but I was afraid to promise that and it came as a compulsion to vow). Right after, I’m afraid I may have said out loud again that I was giving up another hobby (nothing sinful). The problem is that the second hobby is something very dear to me. It’s the only thing that make me happy and I’m feeling totally depressed to even think I have to give up on it. I feel like crying everyday.
Yesterday, I broke once again and my vows took on what I was the most afraid of and I end up promising out loud (it was not really talking, it was more making noises with my throat while keeping my mouth closed but I was still making noises) that I will kill myself or someone else (I precise I would prefer to burn in hell than doing harm to others), stopping believing in Christ, accusing others of having done terrible things they didn’t do etc.

Do you think God could forgive me for these promises and, more importantly, don’t bind me to them anymore? I’m totally desperate right now :(.
 
You need to speak to a doctor and/or a psychologist. These are typical symptoms of a common and easily treated disorder. Like gout or diabetes it comes from having naturally-occurring chemicals in your body in the wrong amounts. Nothing to do with God. He is listening neither to your promises nor your worries. He has provided the way to retire your health.
 
God loves you and will forgive you for your broken promises, but I have to ask do you love God? Because if you do you wouldn’t be so frivolous with these shallow promises to him. Stop and think about what you’re saying when you carelessly make promises to God.
 
Thanks for your reply. I’m currently seeing doctors and taking medication for that but the problem is still there unfortunately.
 
thanks for your nice words :). It’s greatly appreciated :). I know my relationship with god is troubled because of my ocd. I can’t trust Him to save me and I know I have to change that.
 
Good you are getting treatment. Keep going. Take no notice of people talking to you about loving God. You are not required, in your illness, to ‘trust’ God. In fact I’m not sure anyone is. But even if we are, then now that the one person you can certainly not trust is yourself. When you are well you will be able to resolve your trust issues with God in probably a few seconds. Now,you never will. Ruminating on this, or anything, leads nowhere. You know this, but you can’t act on it. Your treatment is what needs your trust. Keep at it! And try and have a few moments free of worry today.
 
Your question indicates the frivolity of your false promises. I would suggest not making any promises to God until you are certain your love for him warrants a promise you intend to keep.
 
sorry, I’m not sure to understand what you mean by “your question indicate the frivolity of your false promises”. Can I assume that for you the promises are not binding?
 
Please talk to a priest. He can advise you on what is or is not binding. He can also release any vows or promises. Most importantly, follow his direction so that you can have peace.
 
Of course he can! I would encourage you to see a priest/confessor I tell him about
what you just told us. If you are nervous about telling him I’d suggest you print what
you typed out and hand it to him. He can give you guidance and assurance and absolution.
 
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thanks for your help! I already talked to my priest in the past about making promises (it was still before the last ones I made) and he told me to not worry about it, saying I didn’t even sin and that God didn’t want me to keep these promises but I can’t get myself to not worry about the verses in the old testament about promises to God :(.
 
needadvice said:
I already talked to my priest in the past about making promises (it was still before the last ones I made) and he told me to not worry about it, saying I didn’t even sin and that God didn’t want me to keep these promises but I can’t get myself to not worry about the verses in the old testament about promises to God
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See my previous post. Follow his advice so that you can have peace. There is no other solution. No one on these forums can tell you authoritatively that you are or are not bound by these promises. But the priest can and already has.
 
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Scruples can ruin a person. I know all about it. It is like sinning in the same manner after confession, “but I said I would not do it again!” If I were you, I would go to confession for the addiction of second guessing yourself. That could work wonders and would lower your culpability.
 
thanks for the help :). I alreaday went to confession but I think I will go once again.
 
Hey, being forgiven is partly about walking away with peace in your mind. Just remember, Jesus paid the price, we just have to get in there and let it all go.
 
Read about scrupulosity. Find a good regular confessor and establish a regular schedule of confessions. Trust your confessor’s advice. OCD/scrupulosity is really a psychological problem, not religious; but it can really damage your faith life if you let it.
 
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