A Christian Perspective on Overthinking

Just like the ceaseless beating of the heart, the brain remains in constant activity, never pausing its functions. Well, that's a good think because it proves you are alive. But here is the thing, the constant chatter in our heads can be too much with the mind dancing from one thought to another, refusing to stay still for even a moment. Most of these thoughts arrive uninvited, occupying our attention briefly before vanishing, making room for new ones to emerge. And lets be honest we all go through moments of worry or anxiety at some point in our lives.. When it starts becoming a way of life that's when we know it's time for us to make some adjustments.

You see contemplating is an aspect of our existence. Plays a crucial role, in developing our critical thinking abilities and making sound judgments. Many creative souls thrive in deep contemplation. However, overthinking can be detrimental, leading to missed opportunities, fear, and diminished confidence. Dwelling on "what ifs" creates self-imposed limitations, hindering progress and achievement. Let us embrace balanced thinking, steering clear of overthinking's confinements, and unlock the full potential of our minds.

In the Bible, God teaches us to direct our thoughts toward things that are good for us and honour Him.  Having our thoughts aligned with the Bible and wisdom brings us life and peace. However, when we allow our thinking to become negative and worldly, we discover outcomes that diminish us and hurt others.

Thinking too much is dangerous 

Frequently, our minds attempt to dictate our understanding and behaviour. As believers, we may pray about one matter while our thoughts wander elsewhere. Deep down, we hold the belief that through constant problem-solving and analysis, we can unravel every situation and find the answers we seek. When all you hear is your voice, replaying your problems endlessly, dominating your thoughts, there's little room to hear God's voice—His guidance and encouragement awaiting to uplift and direct you.

And this is how Satan cunningly exploits our tendency to overthink, sowing doubts and fears regarding spiritual matters. For some Christians, overthinking hinders their peace in salvation, as they excessively analyse their grace-based connection with God, missing out on the beautiful simplicity found in Christ.

Introverts are more susceptible to overthinking compared to extroverts, as their innate inclination to dwell within their own thoughts often leads to deeper contemplation and analysis.

Overthinking has led to the formation of cults and false religions. Spiritual overthinkers often analyse and dissect Scripture passages to the point of convincing themselves of a newfound meaning—one that eludes the understanding of both the Apostles and the revered Christian leaders of the past.

Prayer, Worship and Meditation

Personally, I've observed that when I fail to communicate with God about my problems and specific situations, I tend to fall into the trap of worry and overthinking. It's crucial to address the root of the problem; otherwise, it can spiral out of control. While talking to a friend might provide temporary relief, only seeking the Lord can truly eradicate the overthinking virus. I've experienced immense peace in my heart after engaging in a night of worship. Worship has a transformative power that shifts our focus away from ourselves and onto God.

To overcome overthinking, one must be proactive and determined to fight against it. Even if it means getting out of bed, I encourage you to go and pray to God, worship Him, and acknowledge His sovereignty. Remember that He has made a promise to be with you through every challenge and situation. Trusting in His presence and leaning on His promises can bring a sense of calm and clarity to your troubled thoughts.

To escape overthinking, embrace Scripture and prayer. The psalmists set a remarkable example in Psalm 94:19, 

"When anxious thoughts overwhelm, Your consolations delight my soul." 

Overthinking can be transformed into positive activities like healthy meditation, prayer, or Scripture memorisation. Researching specific verses that address overthinking and keeping them ready when obsessive thoughts arise can be helpful. Quoting them aloud and intentionally surrendering the issue to God, while affirming, "I will change my thoughts now," helps resist the impulse to overthink. Engaging in constructive projects, like writing, music, or art, redirects the mind from harmful obsessions, bringing forth beauty from negative thought patterns. Prayer, meditation, and creative expression all work together to relieve the pressure that leads to overthinking.