herlucidlife

Hello Naje here…overthinking houses the bones of anxiety and a spirit of worry. 

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up (Proverbs 12:25)

Not everyone’s mind operates as mine does, there’s beauty in that we’re different. This post will reflect what I experience only, and if things resonates then, maybe to yours too. 

Using this verse because I believe it sums up my overthinking (topic for today). I truly believe that my overthinking stems from anxiety, worrying about how others will perceive me, wanting to have more control over a situation than what my authority allows. Hoping that by riding this merry-go-round I can find a small detail I missed that will give me peace of mind about the situation or circumstance.

On the other hand, knowing that goodness flows into me when I hear a good word, an uplifting word, God’s word. Speaking goodness over myself, by allowing my mind to breath. Take a break from obsessing and overanalyzing. Knowing that sometimes a “good word” is no words at all. Using the action of “take everything to the Lord in prayer” approach with overthinking. 

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down. Of course, not all overthinking is negative. I’ve overthought about a positive occasion, building it up so much in my head that the joy is taken out of the actual activity and placed into the overthought that occurred days before. I’ve allowed myself to enjoy the anticipation more than the activity. Regardless the reasoning and timing of the overthought, there’s no peace of mind because overthinking takes focus off of the present and into an imaginary world. 

Dreaming up worlds where I need to defend myself, having to explain my behaviors. I’ve allowed my mind to steal the joys of visiting family, friends, to steal the joy of being in the moment with my husband, to steal the joy of the unknown and being excited about God’s creative paintbrush. Honestly, overthinking brings comfort yet pain. Comfort, because I’ve found a groove in my own misery. Pain, because I’m no longer present in my life. 

God doesn’t want me carrying around mental and physical baggage. My mind and body were created to be in connection with God at all times. He doesn’t give more than I can bare, with Him anything is possible, yet I have to realize when I’m sabotaging myself. God would have me to give every care to Him and flow through life not overthinking but giving everything the proper attention; and when I find myself rambling, quietly nudge myself into gratitude. Quietly nudging back into a space where God is in control, where I’m obedient, thankful that I don’t have to overthink.  

But a good word cheers it up. Being mindful about the thoughts I give attention, if I’m fixated on something I can change then change, but if I can’t change it then let go. My mental health is not strong enough to carry activity that doesn’t bring me into alignment with God. Overthinking, also brings my focus away from God. How am I supposed to see and hear His good word when I’m distracted by the story telling in my mind ? Satan, uses the merry-go-round of overthinking to distract me from present life, from goals, from people that need my attention. 

We all get distracted, God is faithful and never leaves. Meaning, He gives us the grace we need when we aren’t focused, giving us patience to get back focused. He is so eager to whisper goodness in my ear. He is so eager to share His love with me. He wants me to see the people I talk too, He wants me to be so fully present in every moment that I can’t even fathom any moment more beautiful. 

God doesn’t want me to miss the beauty He brings to me everyday. Satan would have me to analyze until I’m anxiety filled and angry, there’s always a negative. But God promised He would work everything out for my good, so I only need to focus on the good, being thoughtful to obey His commands. God will handle the negative, choosing not to overthink gives power and trust to God alone. 

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your request be known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Though overthinking and worrying is natural, God did not give us a spirit of overthinking. Rather, He gave us a spirit of courage through relying on Him. Talk to Him, let Him know every single thing, every single detail. God can handle ALL baggage, He is bigger than ALL. Tell Him about the good, bad, and the ugly but do not forget to always give thanks. Giving thanks allows the mind to focus on God and what He’s doing. Prayer, is a conversation with God, it’s an intimate one-on-one, meaning prayer can be done any where. Pray for yourself, pray for others. God hears all and wants to love all. 

Yet, be warned to only ask God for things that are in His nature, His character. He will not grant sins or anything that could bring you further from Him. He wants you to trust Him with every thought, never giving power to the negative. He is bigger than any fairy tale that swarms your mind. He is bigger than the enemy, He rules over the enemy, He is ruler of ALL, period. Trust it. Our journey with God is not easy, but He gives everything to us that we may live life near Him. 

I pray God brings you closer to Him.

Please read Matthew 6:25-34 if you need more encouragement on overthinking/worry. Please seek counseling or therapy if needed. God is community focused meaning, a counselor can be apart of your community that keeps you spiritually and mentally aligned with Christ. 

*The questions below are for your personal journaling. I pray God leads you to His heart.

Discussion Questions:

1. List the positive AND negative side effects of overthinking in your life.

2. Describe the ways gratitude and thankfulness have impacted your overthinking and your relationship with God. 

3. What has God shown you through overthinking ?