Seven Biblical Truths about Overthinking
(1) Overthinking is not necessarily a sin – though it often is. However, it frequently has harmful effects because (1) it often distracts us from present duties, and (2) it often manifests deeper sin issues of the heart.
Successful people in the world are very aware of the importance of avoiding overthinking. As one secular author notes, “Half your problems are just your mind making minor things seem like major things.” (James Clear) However, the Bible also has much to say about this topic.
Whenever we are thinking – and especially when we are overthinking – we must take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
(2) Overthinking is often a manifestation of anxiety.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26)
(3) Overthinking often results in being distracted from present duties and eternal hope to instead focus on past experiences or future situations.
Past-oriented thinking can be good in moderation – trying to understand a situation, or trying to learn from it. However, this can often lead to false thought patterns, self-doubt, unnecessary guilt, questioning, and a whole host of other harmful thought patterns. Our focus should not be on the earthly but on the eternal:
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
Future-oriented thinking often tries to ‘fix’ a problem by gaining a deep understanding of it. This often manifests a desire to control a situation, rather than resting in the sovereignty of God and recognizing his control over all things. As such, this is often the result of a lack of faith. The Bible calls us to not worry about tomorrow’s challenges:
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
Rather than focusing on the past and the future, Christians are called to focus on present duties and eternal hope:
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10a)
(4) Worry about the future is combatted by trust in God and a recognition of his personal presence in the midst of all life situations. Hand the burden over to God:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
Remember the personal presence of God, and take dramatic steps to be constantly reminded that he is near:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
(5) The temptation to control a situation is combatted by a high view of God’s sovereignty and his control over all things. When we have learned to trust God as a Father, we will be less anxious to control things around us:
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
(6) Thanksgiving is a biblical way to redirect the mind from overthinking. Thanksgiving is powerful because it roots us in the present, not the past or the future. It calls us to recognize present circumstances, not what has happened or will happen. How can you practice radical, frequent thanksgiving, to redirect your thinking?
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
(7) Love for others draws the mind away from overthinking and gives it a positive, constructive task. This means focusing on others and not on one’s self. It involves being fully engaged with others, which can include things as small as smiling at others, listening attentively to them, and being fully engaged in conversation.
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