Sunday Drive - Overthinking

I'm sure none of you struggle with overthinking like I do...  If you do, I'm sure you'll understand. I'm talking about thinking and thinking and thinking about the little things that really aren't that important. Or maybe it's spending too much time thinking about things too far in the future. (Now, I'm not talking about vacation planning or estate planning. We do need to spend some time thinking about them.)

Another way of overthinking is trying to figure out all the things and make decisions about something before you really need to. This can be an attempt to grasp control. Most of the time I will end up changing my mind or forgetting what I actually decided! Ugh! What a waste of time!

There's so many different areas of overthinking... from our job to our children to relationships... the list can go on and on. So much of our overthinking isn't even fact... it's all the 'what ifs' or 'what did they think'... it's the scenarios we create in our minds.

I want to live in the present. Resting and trusting in Jesus.

Psalms 23:2-3 (NLT)
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

There is a time for planning... I've adopted this saying that really helps me stay in 'the now'. "I'll cross that bridge when I need to." I'm not always at the beginning of the bridge. That bridge could be miles away. I'll wait until I'm there and it needs my attention.

I love this next verse... It's so true.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

With Jesus by my side, I really don't need to worry about that 'bridge'. I can trust that He will guide me and give me wisdom and strengthen me exactly when I need it. I don't need to overthink it. I can relax.

Ephesians 3:17-19 (NLT)
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

When you spend time in His presence, peace fills you. He restores you. Then you realize how parched your soul is. Jesus will fill you. Draw near to Him, spend time with Him. Stop overthinking and trust in The God of All the universe. He cares for you.

Psalms 63:1 (NLT)
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord.

Blessings,
Lori