“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, resent your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV)
I have often wondered if I am the only person who wakes up at the crack of dawn, dwelling on yesterday’s decisions or today’s to-do list. I do it so frequently my husband bought me the t-shirt; “Don’t Overthink It!”
Medical science shows anxiety is bad for health. Additionally, the Bible is packed with verses about worry and anxiety. But unfortunately, knowing this doesn’t help me stop. In fact, it makes it worse because I know overthinking takes me out of the present. Attempting to fix the past is pointless, as it can’t be changed. And endlessly trying to control the future is putting faith in my strength rather than trusting God’s plan. Simply put, overthinking leads to under-trusting God.
The Bible shows us how to free ourselves from compulsive overthinking.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
- Spend time with God: As you draw near to God, His love will fill you up and replace your anxiety.
- Pray and Petition: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22a, NIV )
- Make a gratitude list: It is incredible how fast our level of anxiety can change when we remember and thank God for all He has already given us.
- Strengthen your spirit: Meditate on God’s word. Listen to Christian music or a podcast. Read a devotional or Christian book. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV)
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you with a heavy heart and a weary soul. Please take all these worries from me and fill me with your peace. Please also forgive me for trying to solve everything with my human strength. Thank you so much for loving me and having a good plan for my life, even when I can’t see it. I trust you to have good plans for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
