You have probably heard of people who label themselves overthinkers. Maybe you have even labeled yourself with this term. Some may not give themselves this label, but they will admit it when they are overthinking something. This seems to be such a ubiquitous term in our society, especially among younger people. Beyond labels and actions, it has now even become a personality trait; a fun quirk to pull out at parties to receive a little bit of pitiful and humorous attention.
Should we as believers accept this label? Should we acknowledge this as a quirky personality trait? Or is this simply yet another rebranding of something the Bible calls sin? The world likes to rebrand sin to make it sound more appealing, and the action and label of overthinking is the latest rebrand. What lies beneath the surface of this rebranding? The sin of worry.
The dictionary definition of overthinking is simply to think too much about something or to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing something in a way that is more harmful than helpful.1See https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overthink It is a given that overthinking is not productive and that it only compounds feelings of angst and apprehension about a situation. Overthinking will often result in sinful actions of assuming to know the heart of others, having a lack of joy, neglecting God-given responsibilities, idleness, acting out, and withdrawing.
It is clear from the Scriptures that worry and anxiety are sinful (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6). From these passages, we can easily gather that overthinking is a form of worry. It is a cycle of self-focused, shallow thinking that keeps us from trusting in God’s promises. Overthinking is a deceptive label. It comes across as if one is a deep thinker who reflects on the realities of life. Yet, the reality is that those who claim to be overthinking are not overthinking; they are underthinking. Those who claim to be overthinking are often not thinking deeply enough about what is true, what God has said, and who God is.
Worry, anxiety, and overthinking dwell on the what-ifs of life. Dwelling on the what-ifs is simply not dwelling in truth, and Scripture calls us to think about things that are true (Philippians 4:8). If one were to truly reflect on reality and truth, then their thinking would lead them to the promises of God, His Word, His character, and His attributes. God only dwells in reality and truth. Dwelling on untruth is to dwell in a place where God is not. In the end, overthinkers are not thinking too much about their situation, but too little! If you were to think things all the way through, then you would inevitably come to a place of worship and trust because God dwells in all things (Ephesians 4:6, Colossians 1:17).
In every circumstance, believers should bring Christ to bear on their situation, casting down their thoughts that don’t exalt Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), and casting their cares on Him (1 Peter5 :7). Overthinking is a failure to put your thoughts, concerns, and worries in their place; in the hands of God. Overthinking says that you can do a better job of predicting the future and handling it than God can.
So, what should the overthinker do? Start by confessing overthinking as a sin (1 John. 1:9). Furthermore, we should not be afraid to call it a sin. Failing to call it a sin removes the power to change (Proverbs 28:13). Jesus did not die on the cross for your mistakes, quirks, or personality traits. He died on the cross for your sins, promises restoration and redemption, and promises to help you overcome them through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). These are all God’s promises to you for your sin. However, if you fail to acknowledge it as such, that power is not yours.
There is great liberty in labelling it sin. If you don’t label it a sin, then the only other option is to label yourself a perpetual victim. There is no hope for that. The world and secular therapy offer you no hope, only symptom management.
After confession, the overthinker must become immersed in Scripture to renew their mind (Romans 12:2). When you saturate your mind in Scripture, then Scripture is what your mind will think about when you are tempted to become anxious. You can’t dwell on truth if you are not abiding in God’s truth. Know the promises of God. Know His character. Trust Him.
The scary part of all this is what it will inevitably lead to. Surrender. Anxiety is a disguise for future discontentment. When you are anxious, you are telling yourself and telling God that if a certain set of circumstances happens or doesn’t happen, then you will not (or cannot) be happy, and God Himself is not your greatest good. When we renew our minds, we will come to understand that we can be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11). No matter what happens or where we end up, God is still good, faithful, and gracious; He can still use you, and you can still walk with Him. Let go of your “rights” and trust God’s provision for you.
Overthinking is not a label befitting believers. It is not a personality quirk, and it is a false name for a fretting mind. If you think you are an overthinker, you might just be underthinking. The Bible challenges us to think things all the way through, and when we do, we will find ourselves meditating on God’s goodness. Puritan Thomas Goodwin aptly concludes, “It is not what thoughts are in your hearts, or what passes through them, but it is what lodging you give to them that makes the difference, that proves your repentance. Multitudes of vain thoughts may make a thoroughfare of a believer’s heart, disturbing him in good duties, knocking on his heart to interrupt him. These may break in upon the heart of a good man, but they will not be allowed to stay there, they will not be fostered or harbored there.”2https://www.eternallifeministries.org/tg_thoughts.htm
So, Christian, you can choose to not allow vain thoughts to foster or harbor in your heart; instead, choose to fix your thoughts on the glory of Christ, which is the greatest privilege given to believers, in this life and the next.
