Hi guys me again with religious ocd. In December I had the very scary thought god doesn’t like what music I listen to. Prompted by this horrible verse (sorry but it does give me anxiety) ‘so brothers only think of good things, talk of good things... in all and everything you do it must glorify God’ I loved hip hop and rap. I have not listened to music since December. Because every lyric I now analysis. Whether t be sexual or drugs or love or anything. I feel bad and guilty and that I am a bad and dirty person. So.. how do I start listening again? And WHEN do I do it?! Like do I just put it on?!! And whennnn. Like I feel I have to schedule it as an exposure ? Please don’t laugh at me, I know it is silly but I really feel so much anxiety about it

Hi there! I definitely have experienced and still experience something similar to this. I used to have to pray and say “please forgive me for cussing” whenever I listened to song with curse words. I have stopped listening to a lot of music with curse words or inappropriate lyrics but unfortunately, sometimes I still do listen to certain songs even if I don’t like the words just because I like the rhythm . I still know I shouldn’t be listening to certain things because they don’t glorify God as well. I love music and have found some great artists/ Christian bands! Here’s a list if you’re interested: -casting crowns -elevation worship -Kim walker smith -NF -hillsong -Jesus culture p.s. there’s a Christian Rap station on Pandora if you’re interested ? You are SO loved by God! God already has the victory and loves us despite our flaws, nothing can separate us from Him. He is merciful and completely forgiving?

It’s not silly. I totally understand. Just try listening to a minute or so of a song and just listen to it. While you listen to it you can do calming breaths or just keep repeating to yourself, This is ok, this does not make me a bad person, this is just the OCD telling me this, etc. As you get more comfortable increase the listening time. I know it sucks and it’s gonna feel really scary but it will be okay

Yo! It’s not weird at all. God loves you, OCD and all, and even if you “slip up” (which, listening to music isn’t, but still), he will forgive you, because he is merciful and amazing! I personally like to listen to classical music, but since you’re into hip hop and rap maybe you can start listening to Christian artists like Marilyn said? Anyways good luck and I’ll keep you in my prayers

Thank you so much for replying!! I really appreciate it. Going to try!?

Thanks do much guys. I don’t want to have to listen to Christian music, it gives me more anxiety. I’m glad it makes you happy but when I listen to Christian music it just reminds me more and more of how much I have a problem with my religious ocd and the anxiety around it. Thanks so much guys. Wish my faith brought me a good feeling and safety like it does for others :(