Do you ever sit there and start thinking about how the scene is going to play out? Or how would you respond to an imaginary situation, created entirely in your head? Or what would you say/do if _____ happened?
Welcome to the biggest part of my brain.
I blame the writer on me, but it’s a tough time, I think too much. It’s natural, (at least that’s what I tell myself). I want to prepare myself for the possible consequences. I want to be ready for whatever comes. I want to try to anticipate reactions or events so I don’t have a stupid answer. So I will be confident. So I will know, and I don’t have to worry later (not much).
But the problem with overthinking is that you can’t imagine yourself dying. You can start worrying about what hasn’t happened yet, or worry about something negative that has already happened. You can start thinking the worst of everything. You can become so paranoid that you don’t even know what to do. You can become so focused on the future that you neglect what is right in front of you. Then miss the now.
And that’s why one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in faith is this: stop thinking, start believing.
See, the universe already has a plan. God already knows all the crazy thoughts that bounce around in our heads. He already hears our worries, and he listens to the beating of our heart. You know our worries. He understands all the silly, little things we analyze in our minds.
And He knows the consequences, too.
That’s why it’s pointless to worry your mind about what you can’t plan, what you can’t control, what you can’t shape to suit your desires. That is why when it comes to the future and what has yet to happen, putting your faith in something bigger than yourself is necessary. And it helps you slow down.
When you overthink, you worry. You worry about all the things you could have/should do, you worry if you say too much or too little, you worry if you could change something or be better. He worries about the future and whether he will be ready.
But when you stop letting your mind get distracted and instead trust in the universe, trust in God, you quiet that troubled heart.
You realize there’s no point in fearing what you can’t when someone is already looking out for you, preparing you and supporting you to face whatever comes next.
Sometimes it’s good to overthink. You become a cautious person. He is considerate of others. You’re trying to be better, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it’s too much. Sometimes you spend your life looking back or forward instead of seeing where you are now. Sometimes you let your worries and thoughts take over your happiness—and those are the times when you have to learn to let go.
Stop thinking and start believing. Know that there is a purpose to your pain and a reason for your struggle. Know that you are not the first person to go through something difficult, and you will not be the last. But remember that you are not alone in your battle.
Let this book stay with you.
Stop trying to make sense of everything that happens to you and let life happen and show you blessings and lessons. Don’t get frustrated because you don’t have the answers; know that you will find them later.
Don’t let your mind race or your heart race with worry. Remember that God does not abandon His children, especially in their times of trouble. Even if it seems that he is impenetrable, know that he is far from prayer.
And trust.
Trust that what is meant to happen will happen, that the people who should go, and those who should stay will be by your side. Trust that your heartache is necessary for your growth and that your failures will strengthen you. Trust the decisions you make and the answers you feel at the core of your being.
Trust in God. Trust in the universe. Trust in your strong legs and beating heart.
Stop trying to organize what you can’t, or control what you’re not meant to touch. Stop thinking about yourself and be quiet and know that you are meant to be where you are.
And you will be fine.
