FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
17 May 2023 
Overthinking: Its Causes And Cure
Overthinking means to think too much about something, to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing something in a way that is more harmful than helpful.
This can result in a person being paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake, which leads to overthinking to the point where they make no decision, or pursuing an imprudent or unwise course of action, often with unpleasant consequences.
In short, overthinking. is nothing more than another form of worry and fear...two things that as Christians we are repeatedly admonished by Scripture not to do.
So what is the dominant force that governs your behavior and decisions - the Holy Spirit or your overthinking/worry/fear? Knowing the answer to this question is essential to clearing your mind and taking the steps necessary to "walk by faith, and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7), assured that you and your future rest safely in God's hands.
SIGNS THAT YOU OVERTHINK
- Difficulty following along with and contributing to a conversation because you go over potential responses or statements time and again until the conversation has either ended or the window of opportunity for speaking was lost
- Continually comparing yourself to the people around you and how you measure up to them
- Focusing on worst-case scenarios either involving yourself or the ones you love
- Reliving past failures or mistakes over and over again and you're unable to move past them
- Worrying about future tasks and/or goals until they feel almost impossible to accomplish
- Reliving a past traumatic experience (such as abuse or the loss of a loved one) leaving you unable to cope with it.
- An inability to control vague thoughts, worries, insecurities or emotions.
HOW TO OVERCOME OVERTHINKING
- Don't think of what can go wrong, but what can go right. The battle belongs to the Lord. You are a precious child of the King of Kings. Place your fears and burdens in His hands...then step back and let Him fight for you (Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 3:22).
- Give your overthinking to God and trust in Him to bless you with a positive outcome and peace of mind (Philippians 4:7).
- Stop trying to force perfection. God will perfect you in His time, not yours (Ecclesiasties 3:11).
- Celebrate your victories, large and small, careful to give God the thanks, praise and glory for all of them (Psalm 52:9).
- Know that you are a work in progress. God is molding you and preparing you for something unimaginably magnificient (1 Corinthians 2:9). Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that you are above making mistakes.
- Be grateful to God for what you have (1 Thessalonians 5:18) as you wait upon Him for the blessings to come.
So stop overthinking and cast your cares upon God (1 Peter 5:7). He's got this!
May God bless you all,
Pastor Glenn Hunt
