Do you tend to overthink things? Consider what you should have said or done? Relive discussions or circumstances? Analyze mistakes in great detail? Get consumed with what ifs or I should haves? I used to do all of this all the time. But, like a fine wine, I have gotten better with age. I think that, over time, I finally realized that it was pointless and didn’t add value in most situations.
It is important to have some insight into ourselves, our motives, our choices, our temptations and our actions. So, a certain amount of self-evaluation can be good, but it can definitely be overdone. Too much self-evaluation keeps us focused on ourselves and the things we should have done, ought to do, and will do. We dwell on our guilt, shame and regrets when we overthink. Overthinking can also lead to depression, anxiety, an inability to move forward, and negatively impact our mental health.
The great thing about having a relationship with God is that we are never alone in our struggles.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
One of the things that you can do to counteract overthinking is to begin to take your thoughts captive and talk back to yourself. As I’ve said before, I’m not great at taking my thoughts captive but I’m learning. I talk to myself a lot, and it helps! Learn the verses above by heart and tell them to yourself when you start to overthink.
Below are a few more thoughts and scriptures to add to your arsenal when you start to spiral into the overthinking trap.
Jesus reminds us to pursue the Kingdom of God – the most important thing we can think about and pursue in our lives. This certainly puts our problems in perspective.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
Rather than dwell on all the things that have gone wrong, be grateful that God can use anything (even the situation you are overthinking) for our good and His glory.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
As big as your particular problem or issue may seem, it is only momentary in the grand scheme of things. Try not to expend all of your energy worrying about temporary (earthly) things.
REFLECT
Do you tend to overthink?
Are there certain issues or situations that seem to suck you into the
overthinking spiral?
Which of the verses above will you add to arsenal when you begin overthinking?
