A huge part of OCD is superstitious beliefs. Really, that’s what it boils down to when you think of all the bad feelings and “signs” which bring about compulsions.
Honestly, I’ve never really thought about it much before. I mean, I know I don’t really believe in superstition, but I’m also not anxious to walk under any ladders. Like Barney says in the Andy Griffith show: “You call it superstition; I call it caution!”
But is that wrong? Out of curiosity, I googled superstitious beliefs and their origins. Almost of all the common superstitions I looked up had some kind of demonic, magic, or mystic history. A lot of “beliefs” have to do with Ancient Greek mythology or Egyptian gods.
I came across a short article by gotquestions.org which they give permission to copy as long as it is properly sourced. I really couldn’t word it any better, so here it is:
“Question: “What does the Bible say about superstitions?”
Answer: Superstition is based on the ignorant faith of an object having magical powers. Another word for superstition is “idolatry.” The Bible does not support the idea of things occurring by chance, because nothing is done outside of God’s sovereign control. Either He causes or allows everything in keeping with His divine plan (Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:10).
There are many types of superstitions in the world, ranging from the benign—such as not walking under a ladder—to the occult practices of astrology, black magic, divination, voodoo and sorcery. Scripture condemns those who practice astrology (Deuteronomy 4:19), magic, divination and sorcery (2 Kings 21:6, Isaiah 2:6). Idolatry is also forbidden, and no one who practices it will enter the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:27). These types of practices are extremely dangerous because they open the minds of the practitioners to the influence of the devil. First Peter 5:8 warns us to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
We should get our faith not from objects or rituals of man-made origin, but from the one true God who gives eternal life. “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10).” – Article taken from http://www.gotquestions.org )
I think that sums it up pretty well. I especially like the last paragraph. “We should get our faith not from objects or rituals of man-made origin, but from the one true God who gives eternal life.”
So take heart. Walking under a ladder will not really upset the Egyptian “gods”. A broken mirror will not limit your days of health and life. Knocking on wood won’t keep out evil spirits and a black cat will neither bring you or take away from you luck, for there is no such thing.
To be clear, I’ve never believed in any of these evil practices. But I think the bad OCD “feelings” which cause compulsions can bend people towards superstitious beliefs. It’s the same concept as someone who spills salt, then is overwhelmed by fear of bad luck, and then throws salt over their shoulder to undo the initial spilled salt. This stuff sounds ludicrous just writing it. Yet, the feelings of OCD tend to make us want to obey those compulsion desires “just in case”.
Be free of these thoughts, friend. As Charles Spurgeon said, “Blessed is that man who is done with chance, who never speaks of luck; but believes that, from the least even to the greatest, all things are ordained of the Lord.”
So whether you are way into superstition or are as disgusted with it as I am, choose today to stay away from it. Be done with luck. Turn to truth and trust the sovereignty of God.
Flee from evil, it’s temptations, it’s powers, and rest in the safety of the cross.
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” Proverbs 16:33
Photo curtesy of Isabella Baeten.
The Misplaced Mom 
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