WEDNESDAY’S WORD – OVERTHINK – Sadell Bradley- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

OVERTHINKING can be motivated by control, fear, perfectionism, or distrust of your own, others or even God’s decision-making. Paul warns against this kind of anxiety in Philippians 4:6-9, admonishing us to pray specifically when we’re worried and to think on things that are good, just, pure, honest, virtuous and praiseworthy. The person whose thoughts are fixed on the Lord will have “perfect peace” because they trust His sovereignty, everlasting strength and wisdom. (Isaiah 26:3) Overthinking invites stress: physical, emotional and even mental illness. Fearing making a wrong choice, we let PERFECT become the enemy of good.
I’m embracing that I just like thinking for thinking’s sake. It’s a gift that comes

in handy when problem solving, coaching, leading and counseling. Intellection helps me with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to decipher knotty situations and bring clarity. Thinking is my comfort zone, maybe that’s true for you. The challenge is acting on some of the things we’ve thought and considered. That’s where faith comes in. We’ve scrutinized it, but just being convinced alone is dead without corresponding action. (James 2) When we overthink, time passes and we don’t get to harvest the fruit of our thoughts. When caught in the paralysis of analysis, what can we do?

1. Be aware: Catch yourself and redirect your thoughts, especially if they are anxious or negative. Use gratefulness. Ask yourself, “What am I thankful for in this moment?” It lifts your countenance.
2. Do something…ACT! Get away from thinking all together for a moment. Sometimes it’s better to use your brain less.
3. Don’t judge your action, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly. Your goal is to stop overthinking. Give your brain a rest and trust God.