#Obsessive-compulsive disorder

"Obsession"

To say that the 15-year-old boy is into his video games is an
understatement.
He was so into "Modern Warfare 3" on his Xbox game system that he emerged
from
his room only to take quick bathroom breaks and to grab a snack. After four
days he finally came out, however, to be taken to the hospital to be treated
for
dehydration. Reportedly he is doing fine in Columbus, Ohio.

Yes, his activities seem to qualify for the label "obsession". An obsession
is
an activity which we just can't put down or turn off. We're hearing more
and
more such stories of people becoming obsessed with video games.

Some obsessions are harmless. There are those who have to keep the
different
foods on their plate separated. If one touches the other, it somehow causes
the
meal to lose its appeal. (Wonder how they keep these separated in their
stomach?)

But sometimes obsessions become serious issues. "Obsessive-compulsive
disorder"
- OCD - has become a familiar term, and may require professional
intervention.
"Monk", the television program, portrays a detective who suffers from this
disorder. His determination to keep things in perfect order and to keep his
home spotless and sterile often interferes with his ability to do his job.
In
real life, OCD is not a laughing matter.

In the word of God there is one behavior over which we are encouraged to
obsess
(if we may use the term loosely). Doing so will lead to a better life, one
that
will please the Lord.

As Joshua prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land, God spoke
important
instructions. One thing was especially needful: "This Book of the Law shall
not
depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you
may
observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).

The few things that we do "day and night" are vital matters that we do
without
thinking: breathing, circulating blood throughout our bodies, etc. Here is
one
activity, though, which requires deliberate thought and resolve. Could
meditating in God's Book of the Law have been that important? That seems
clearly to be the case.

The generation that arose after Joshua demonstrated what happens when
careful
study of God's word is neglected: "When all that generation had been
gathered to
their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord
nor
the work which He had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10). A casual reading of
Judges shows a nation in chaos. If only they had heeded the Lord's
instruction!

The admonition to us is the same. "But his delight is in the law of the
Lord,
and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree
planted by
the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf
also
shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper" (Psalm 1:2,3).

Here is one obsession we should desire; it will lead to a much improved
life.

Timothy D. Hall