Struggling with bondage to a spirit of legalism.

[Quiet Light]

I have been struggling for the past couple of months with bondage to "how to dress" and "how to eat" and "what to listen to" and "where to go online", and too many others. I have a strong case of obsessive compulsive disorder, but I think it might also be bondage to a spirit of legalism. It all started when I wanted to create music in computer software for music creation. I ended up fighting with myself, installed and re-installed the program more than three times, and kept getting a "feeling" that said that God didn't want me to create music because it could become an idol. Even when I wanted to create Christian music, I got a "feeling" that I was going against the will of God.

Next, I wanted to go onto a website that is a forum site where you can chat and make friends. As I was thinking about going, I got a churning feeling in my stomach that it was against God because of all the unbelievers and the fact that a lot of the people there support mysticism in certain cartoons. Even when my motive to go there changed from being about making friends to spreading the gospel, I felt like I shouldn't go because the churning feeling seemed to say I could turn it into an idol.

Next, I wanted to listen to some instrumental dance music. Not for the purpose of dancing, but because it's one of my favorite genres besides Christian music. And not even the loud music; the softer, relaxing instrumental music that makes you think. But something told me, "No, it's not Christian, so you can't listen to it."

I've been struggling with this for the past several months. I have trouble eating because sometimes I doubt whether I can eat sugar or not. I also feel like I'm obligated to pray every time I do something that might have been a sin--even if I don't know if it is or not! I feel like I'm being oppressed by a spirit of bondage. I don't know if God would work in this type of way, with feelings and confusion and fear. It's been horrible, and even though none of my desires have been to sin, I feel like I am "not allowed" to do anything until I get a feeling that I can, or else God will be angry with me.

Please, if anyone has any advice, I would really appreciate it. Prayer would be helpful as well. Would God work in this way? I've had demon troubles before, but it just feels so real at the moment, and I don't know whether it's God or not.

 

[Brighthouse]

Sister Quiet Light I once knew someone who worried all the time,if they did not have anything to worry about, then they would worry about not worring!! hehe How does the believer learn to hear from Holy Spirit if they are always being condemned in everything they may wish to do? ( Romans 8:1) What good is being fearful anyway?? Sure never did me any good sis! But this happens because many of us are not as serious about our relationship to the Lord as we should be.I am not judging you at all sis! I am using myself as the example of such fear and worry! Discipline and self control are establised through me saying or abiding in the Word of God for my own life!

When I decided to do this,my life changed for the greater good!( Romans 8:28 ) But Lord I would say what if I am wrong?? Holy Spirit came back and said what if you are right!! LOL You see sister the world is based upon the negitive in all things,even the weather!!LOl Well there is a 30 percent chance of rain today for our area.Yea but there is a 70 percent chance of no rain!! Then Holy Spirit gave me this scripture to study!!( Matthew 6:25-34 !!!) This got me on my way sis! The key to this is to believe this!! You will know when you do to!! Because when someone asks you to consdier something that may or may not happen,you will recall this! The treasure of God's own Word! may this bring you both comfort, and rest in our Lord Jesus!

 

[Fragrant Grace]

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:7

Greetings Quiet Light

It seems that you are being inwardly condemned for everything you do.....leading to confusion and a feeling of bondage.
The devil likes to create fear, doubt and unbelief
But he has no right in your heart dear sister.....you are a child of the KIng

Bondage is not the way of our Lord.....who loves you so dearly.
Commit all these worries and anxieties to the Lord and ask Him to gently show you His paths and His ways for your life.

When you have doubts about what you are doing.....ask the Spirit to shut every door and everyway but the right way. And trust that He will do this.
Keep your eyes firmly on Jesus committing each step to Him.

He guided them by the skillfulness of His hands
Psalm 78:72

This is a short devotional by FB Meyer that I pray will be an encouragement to you dear sister

God guides us, often by circumstances.
At one moment the way may seem utterly blocked;
And then shortly afterward some trivial incident occurs, which might not seem much to others, but to which the keen eye of faith speak volumes.
Sometimes these things are repeated in various ways, in answer to prayer.
They are not haphazard results of chance, but the opening up of circumstances in the direction in which we would walk.
And they begin to multiply as we advance toward our goal, just as the lights do as we near a populous town, when darting through the land by night express.

 

[DutchChristian]

Just some advice:

in my own life i have experienced my own spirit getting sick about something i was doing (not sin but it preoccupied me) and i felt great discomfort and unease so i would back off and repent and then i had Peace Return again. So The Lord Did not want me to go on in that!

If it doesn't feel right then don't insist nor continue in it, if you feel sick in the spirit or convicted it is there because of a reason i believe (is to warn someone).

God Bless you,
Dutch

 

[AbbysAunt]

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace

Quiet Light,

God doesn't want you to live in fear and confusion because as we see in the passage taken from corinthians He is not the author of confusion. There is one who does use these things to his advantage and that one is our enemy satan. Our enemy will do whatever he can to try to steal or take our peace, but our peace comes from one who is mightier and way stronger than our enemy could ever be because our peace comes from Jesus Himself who is within each and every one us who have given our lives over to Him and are saved. Jesus came so we can all have life and have it more abundantly. He wants us to be joyous and happy. To enjoy the life He has given us while we are waiting here on this earth to go to our heavenly home with Him. Listen to the Holy Spirit who was given to us to help us by Jesus Himself if something isn't right The Holy Spirit will let you know in a gentle soft quiet voice not the voice of confusion or fear.

Our Lord loves you quiet light and He knows all the decisions you will make before you even make them. We have all made bad decisions but God's love doesn't stop because of them. His love will always be there that is something that will never change. Give all your fears and confusion to God lay them at His feet and He will fill you with more peace than you could ever imagine. Our enemy satan only has power over our lives if we give it to him. I have learned that we need to take back what he thinks he has taken and to do this we quote scripture out loud and pray out loud. Tell satan In the name of Jesus you have no place here and are not welcome and that he has to go that you are more than victorious in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. for myself personally I keep a bible in my room at all times and at night I sleep with a bible on my bed I have also started to put scriptures down on paper and I even have one hanging on a sign in my room which states " I will acknowledge Him in all my ways and He will direct my paths" You are God's child and He loves you so much and wants you to know that you never have to fear or be confused when you come to Him and He will never give you fear or confusion.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I(Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.


Proverbs 325-26 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked(satan) when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

God is there and will uphold you my friend and sister as you face making decisions I pray that you feel God's peace take hold of you and replace any fear and confusion that you have been feeling.

God bless you now and always with peace, comfort and love.

AA

 

[Quiet Light]

Sister Quiet Light I once knew someone who worried all the time,if they did not have anything to worry about, then they would worry about not worring!! hehe How does the believer learn to hear from Holy Spirit if they are always being condemned in everything they may wish to do? ( rom 8:1) What good is being fearful anyway?? Sure never did me any good sis! But this happens because many of us are not as serious about our relationship to the Lord as we should be.I am not judging you at all sis! I am using myself as the example of such fear and worry! Discipline and self control are establised through me saying or abiding in the Word of God for my own life!

When I decided to do this,my life changed for the greater good!( rom 8:28!) But Lord I would say what if I am wrong?? Holy Spirit came back and said what if you are right!! LOL You see sister the world is based upon the negitive in all things,even the weather!!LOl Well there is a 30 percent chance of rain today for our area.Yea but there is a 70 percent chance of no rain!! Then Holy Spirit gave me this scripture to study!!( matt 6:25-34!!!) This got me on my way sis! The key to this is to believe this!! You will know when you do to!! Because when someone asks you to consdier something that may or may not happen,you will recall this! The treasure of God's own Word! may this bring you both comfort, and rest in our Lord Jesus!

Thank you. That helps. I really need to stop worrying, and just take it day by day.

 

[Quiet Light]

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:7

Greetings Quiet Light

It seems that you are being inwardly condemned for everything you do.....leading to confusion and a feeling of bondage.
The devil likes to create fear, doubt and unbelief
But he has no right in your heart dear sister.....you are a child of the KIng

Bondage is not the way of our Lord.....who loves you so dearly.
Commit all these worries and anxieties to the Lord and ask Him to gently show you His paths and His ways for your life.

When you have doubts about what you are doing.....ask the Spirit to shut every door and everyway but the right way. And trust that He will do this.
Keep your eyes firmly on Jesus committing each step to Him.

He guided them by the skillfulness of His hands
Psalm 78:72

This is a short devotional by FB Meyer that I pray will be an encouragement to you dear sister

God guides us, often by circumstances.
At one moment the way may seem utterly blocked;
And then shortly afterward some trivial incident occurs, which might not seem much to others, but to which the keen eye of faith speak volumes.
Sometimes these things are repeated in various ways, in answer to prayer.
They are not haphazard results of chance, but the opening up of circumstances in the direction in which we would walk.
And they begin to multiply as we advance toward our goal, just as the lights do as we near a populous town, when darting through the land by night express.

Thank you. I have been praying to God asking Him to lead me to where He wants me to go, and it's helped some, but I really don't know where he wants to lead me even still. I think of the scripture that says, "Wait on the Lord," and so I've been waiting, but it's difficult because I so desperately want to understand right now. I will try praying that He will shut the door to everything that is against Him.

 

[Quiet Light]

Just some advice:

in my own life i have experienced my own spirit getting sick about something i was doing (not sin but it preoccupied me) and i felt great discomfort and unease so i would back off and repent and then i had Peace Return again. So The Lord Did not want me to go on in that!

If it doesn't feel right then don't insist nor continue in it, if you feel sick in the spirit or convicted it is there because of a reason i believe (is to warn someone).

God Bless you,
Dutch

I've been wondering about that. But I just can't believe that God would ban me from doing something that isn't sin in itself. It's just so hard because I was able to go to the site before, and it was fine. Although, I might have been quenching the Spirit before. Either way, I want to do what God wants, but it's hard because I don't see the wickedness in listening to neutral music and doing certain neutral things. I just wish God would give me a 100% absolute knowledge that it is Him, because I've had problems with listening to my "feelings" before.

 

[Quiet Light]

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace

Quiet Light,

God doesn't want you to live in fear and confusion because as we see in the passage taken from corinthians He is not the author of confusion. There is one who does use these things to his advantage and that one is our enemy satan. Our enemy will do whatever he can to try to steal or take our peace, but our peace comes from one who is mightier and way stronger than our enemy could ever be because our peace comes from Jesus Himself who is within each and every one us who have given our lives over to Him and are saved. Jesus came so we can all have life and have it more abundantly. He wants us to be joyous and happy. To enjoy the life He has given us while we are waiting here on this earth to go to our heavenly home with Him. Listen to the Holy Spirit who was given to us to help us by Jesus Himself if something isn't right The Holy Spirit will let you know in a gentle soft quiet voice not the voice of confusion or fear.

Our Lord loves you quiet light and He knows all the decisions you will make before you even make them. We have all made bad decisions but God's love doesn't stop because of them. His love will always be there that is something that will never change. Give all your fears and confusion to God lay them at His feet and He will fill you with more peace than you could ever imagine. Our enemy satan only has power over our lives if we give it to him. I have learned that we need to take back what he thinks he has taken and to do this we quote scripture out loud and pray out loud. Tell satan In the name of Jesus you have no place here and are not welcome and that he has to go that you are more than victorious in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. for myself personally I keep a bible in my room at all times and at night I sleep with a bible on my bed I have also started to put scriptures down on paper and I even have one hanging on a sign in my room which states " I will acknowledge Him in all my ways and He will direct my paths" You are God's child and He loves you so much and wants you to know that you never have to fear or be confused when you come to Him and He will never give you fear or confusion.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I(Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.


Proverbs 325-26 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked(satan) when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

God is there and will uphold you my friend and sister as you face making decisions I pray that you feel God's peace take hold of you and replace any fear and confusion that you have been feeling.

God bless you now and always with peace, comfort and love.

AA

Thank you.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Thank you. I have been praying to God asking Him to lead me to where He wants me to go, and it's helped some, but I really don't know where he wants to lead me even still. I think of the scripture that says, "Wait on the Lord," and so I've been waiting, but it's difficult because I so desperately want to understand right now. I will try praying that He will shut the door to everything that is against Him.

Trust in the Lord
Psalm 37:2

Dear sister.....Be still and know that He is God.
Let the Lord do His perfect work in you
He knows the path of your life, even if you don't......you can leave it with Him

Try praising Him for all your blessings.
Sing and rejoice in all the riches you have in Him......the ones that you can see now

Remember our times are in His hands.....and His timing is perfect

Neither know we what to do; but our eyes are upon Thee
2 Chronicles 12:20

 

[sintheticg]

(John 8:28-32) "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. {29} And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. {30} As he spake these words, many believed on him. {31} Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; {32} And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
have you believed on him?
are you faithfully continuing in the word? if so then your are a disciple and the truth will make you free.

I use to struggle very badly with music friend, my first church preached that anything with a 2-4 beat was satanic, the holy spirit has lead me to believe that is sillyness. I really love rap music and according to this church that was a sin in it of itself. Now i would agree that the rap I use to listen to praised and worshipped sin and planted seeds of sin in my heart, but during my dilema the lord lead me to wonderful artists like timothy brindle and shai linne who pack more theology into their lyrics than a years worth of preaching in most churches. Their argument was that the beat in itself causes the mind to experience emotions such as anger, desire to dance, reflection, all sorts of things, and that is very true. Take a few music theory classes and you learn how to change someones mood with music, but that in itself I dont believe is evil. We see psalms in scripture with beautiful lyrics, we obviously dont know what instrumental goes with them, but we have an idea what instruments were used (Psalms 150:1-6) "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. {2} Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. {3} Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. {4} Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. {5} Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. {6} Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

we see that just about any instrument was used, brass, strings, organs, even cymbals. So the simple rap beat is not sin, it's how it is presented and what it does to my mind. my old church would tell me guitar, drums, anything but a piano basically was a sin, but that's just not supported with scripture. If you enjoy an instrumental track and it helps you meditate on the Lord, then listen to it. I listen to classical music all the time, sure, i wont find the songs im listening to in the hymn book but it helps me focus and I absolutely love the sound of a violin and a piano, I praise the Lord for out ability as humans to make such beautiful melodies.

If your music causes you to stumble then cut it off, but just because it's not approved by someone else does not make it sin. I certainly wouldnt suggest worldly lyrics, but an instrumental? For goodness sake, if you have the ability to write music write music to your father in heaven! psalms were certainly not a waste of time. Yes you can allow it to become an idol, but dont write for fame and fortune, write for your father! I write raps all the time, i've never made an album, never recorded (except for sinful stuff i've repented of since being saved) and barely anyone has ever heard anything i've written. sometimes ill share a rap which is simply a poem with someone, but most of the time they just sit on my computer as little hymns of worship I wrote to my Father in heaven. Just make sure your heart is right and praise the Lord with your gifts and talents.

who knows maybe someday God will open a door for your music to be used for his glory? maybe someday ill meat someone who can make a beautiful beat and my lyrics will lay over them perfectly and we will make an album and send it into the world for the lost to hear about the Lord, or maybe nothing will come of it, but I only wrote it to my Lord anyway.

additionally, obsessive compulsive disorder is a very real thing, but i believe scripturally it is proven to be a worship issue. the Lord is not a spirit of legalism and bondage, he makes you free from sin and it's bondage and makes you alive in Christ Jesus, you are made free to worship him in all that you do, you are not a servant of your flesh any longer, do not allow it to control you. learn to discern between feelings and spirit. if you feel a churning, pray about it, and then look for scripture. if scripture says thou shalt not make music then by all means dont make music, and show me the verse because i've never read it. but i have read 150 psalms that ends with the beautiful one i quoted above (Psalms 150:1-6) "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. {2} Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. {3} Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. {4} Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. {5} Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. {6} Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

 

[sintheticg]

additionally my dear sister, I was just praying for you and the Lord brought this to my memory.

(Jeremiah 17:9) "¶The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

To follow after emotions and feelings is dangerous because we see that our heart is deceitful above all things! that means it is more deceitful than lucifer himself! how then do we know what to do?
(Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Measure all feelings to the word of God, if they are in alignment, it is the spirit, if they are not in alignment it is that deceitful heart trying to make you stumble. don't give in, stand on the Word of God, dont add to it the traditions of men or anyone's extra biblical teachings.

 

[DutchChristian]

Dear sister,

God Bless you.

It seems to me that the things that you wanted to be involved with (the music etc.) may seemed to be "neutral" for you but is not so neutral after all.

Because a things is either glorifying God or glorifying man, the world or the devil.

i think the warnings and checks that you got in your spirit were from God indeed.

i encourage you to pray about this matter! the heart and mind may be very deceitful, i once thought something was The LORDS Will it was very strong only later to find out (after asking for confirmation) to find that it was not His Will but the will of my soulman, which can be strong opinionated force at times in a man / heart but is still of the flesh!

God Bless you,
DutchChristian

 

[Quiet Light]

additionally my dear sister, I was just praying for you and the Lord brought this to my memory.

(Jeremiah 17:9) "¶The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

To follow after emotions and feelings is dangerous because we see that our heart is deceitful above all things! that means it is more deceitful than lucifer himself! how then do we know what to do?
(Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Measure all feelings to the word of God, if they are in alignment, it is the spirit, if they are not in alignment it is that deceitful heart trying to make you stumble. don't give in, stand on the Word of God, dont add to it the traditions of men or anyone's extra biblical teachings.

That really helps. The worst part about a cunning liar, Satan, is that he will try to mix in lies with the truth, to make you believe that everything is one way. For example, the longer I've studied the Bible, the more I've been realizing that putting myself into a tempting situation on purpose would be deadly to my spiritual walk, which is why I probably shouldn't go to a forum with mostly unbelievers. Yet the enemy mixed in the truth of the churning feeling with a lie that I also could not practice creating music. Thank you for the insight. I will continue to add scriptures to my "library."

 

[SBNmediamember]

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him."
Proverbs 3:56 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Remember how He saved you, Quiet Light, because it's the same way He carries us through each and every trial. For it was at the Cross that the tempter's snare was broken.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 1:7 Which you can only do as your faith is placed in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Don't trust your own strength to resist the devil, because your strength can only come through the Cross of Jesus Christ and His resurrection power. Rejoice in that revelation. And, again I say, rejoice! For He's already won our every battle! Hallelujah! Therein, in that knowledge, lies our rest, peace, hope, joy...everything we need to get through this life victoriously. Oh, yes, "in all these things we are MORE than conquerors through Him that loved us!" Romans 8:37

Much laughter and Sonshine to you, Quiet Light.
SBNmediamember