Home     

  22^nd March 2024

FridayReflection

************************

'Mariandreina Farias'

explains how people of faith can cope with 'Overthinking'

************************

Overthinking can lead to depression, anxiety, an inability to move forward, and wrecked emotional health, according to groundbreaking research from psychology professor Susan Nolen-Hoeksema of the University of Michigan.

We may not even realize we are overthinking because we're thinking all the time and it comes so naturally to all of us.

I find myself constantly living out scenarios in my mind that don't come to pass.
It gives me relief to know I am not alone in this.
When we are nervous about something - whether it be a deadline for work, a conversation we are not looking forward to having, or a major event that could go well or poorly - it is so easy to let ourselves be consumed with the "what ifs."

Believers feel that God equipped us with minds because we need to be able to "figure out" some things for ourselves.
Our minds are meant to be the logical conduit that connects spirit to body.
Our spirits know, our minds think, and our bodies act.

Believers may pray about some things, but think about all things.
Somewhere, in the back of our minds, we are convinced that if we spend enough time problem-solving and analysing, we will figure it all out.

One day after a particularly excessive amount of thinking, I Googled "overactive mind disorder."
Though I don't share all their worries and concerns, the Google search returned hundreds of stories from people whose overactive minds made my excitable stream of consciousness seem mild.

When all I hear is my own voice repeating my own problems over and over, I have little space to hear God's voice and the encouragement and direction he has for me.

The moment spiritual people start overthinking is the same moment they start blocking God's voice and guidance into the things he has prepared.
If overthinking is keeping you from doing something else you ought to be doing, then you're overthinking.

I sometimes turn to scripture when I feel myself overthinking issues I can't control.
Based on what he wrote in Philippians 4:6-13, I think the apostle Paul would agree that we all, not just Christians, need to stop overthinking.

He essentially says: don't worry about anything, but be grateful, and put your trust in something greater than you.

Paul says in verse seven, we will begin to experience amazing peace, a kind of peace we can't even imagine, if we follow these instructions.
It's a kind of peace that makes no earthly sense!
This kind of peace is so powerful that it has a protective function on our hearts and minds that only makes it easier for us to stop worrying and be thankful.

When we allow ourselves to get caught up in all of the proverbial "what ifs," we are essentially not trusting that our faith is big enough to help us in this particular situation.
What we really should be considering is, "What is the right thing to do on my end?"

The funny part about that question is that the correct answer is often far easier to find than we originally think.

The real root of overthinking comes from answering the question: Who do we trust?

Do we trust that by playing out the scenario in our head 100 times somehow we will manage to make everything right when the time ultimately comes?
Or, do we seek the wisdom of our beliefs and of people who have come before us and have been in similar situations?
Stressing over what you can't do will stop you from doing what you can.

Do what is in your power.
Then trust in 'who-ever you believe in' to do the rest.
Then amazing peace will rest upon you.

Talkspace
With an increased demand for online therapy, Talkspace allows you to help

  Contact the Rector
  The Revd.
  Nic.Edwards
  The Rectory,
  Church Lane,
  BUGBROOKE,
  Northampton,
  NN7 3PB

  Land Line: 01604 - 815496
  (Can be accessed from the mobile device)
  Mobile: .....
  E-mail:
  thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com

  Contact the Benefice Office
  Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
  BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
  Land Line: 01604 830373
  E-mail:
  thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
  Mon., Tues., Wed,, Thur., Fri.
  9:00^am to 11:30^am

  For Baptism bookings  (Christenings)
  to arrange an appointment please contact
  the Benefice Office.

  For Wedding bookings:
  please contact the Benefice Office to arrange
  an appointment.

  Who Made This?
  Seeing as you asked, if you can give helpful
  advice or report factual corrections and
  'deliberate mistakes',email:-
  regparker3 at gmail dot com

  Email addresses shown using words in an
  attempt to avoid 'spam',
  Type the email address replacing 'at' with '@',
  and 'dot' with '.'