Am I Overthinking This?
“I think; therefore I am.”
This famous quote by Rene Descartes proves that our thoughts are more powerful than we sometimes give them credit for. It is a true fact, that what we think ultimately becomes our reality. Thinking is therefore good. Overthinking however, is not!
When we overthink things, we put too much time into thinking about or analyzing that thing in a way that is more harmful than helpful. I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point in our lives - that recent conversation, that looming decision, perhaps something as simple as the wording of a WhatsApp message. Been there. Done that!
The harm is that overthinking can quickly evolve into worry, anxiety and stress as these time-consuming thoughts circle around in our minds. We mentally relive those past, present or even future events, creating problems that weren’t even there in the first place. We therefore burden ourselves with this heavy cognitive load which weighs us down, distracting us from making real progress.
We can become so worried about making the wrong decision or taking the wrong action, that we take no action at all - Paralysis by Analysis! Can anyone relate?
So let’s Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S)! God has made it simple. We have made it complex. Often times we just need to focus on the key points and not get lost in the details. Like a good math teacher, He is good at taking the complex and making it simple. I’m just saying, that sometimes less is more.
Proverbs 23:7 - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Also check out Matthew 22:35-40, 7:12 and John 17:20-23
