Talk to God Before You Overthink

Author Sarah Shanahan

Psalm 56:3 ESV—When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

I was about to wrap up this devotional series when I heard God tell me I had missed the closing devotional.

At first, I was upset; I had worked hard to plan, research, pray and write this devotional. I was focusing on the difference between self-reflection and overthinking. I thought I was on the right path in showing how self-reflection holds a purpose and that overthinking only traps us in fear and anxiety.

But then, I was still. I closed my eyes, and I listened to His correction.

I stopped my own overthinking, and I put my trust in Him.

Once you experience the voice of God in your life, you will be overcome with joy at hearing Him. However, there will be times when you don’t, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t listening or speaking.

After all, the scriptures say, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV.

When He corrects, it is never fun; after all, no one wants to be disciplined. But when we are corrected, take a moment and pause, stay silent, and wait on the Lord.

Don’t overthink what God is speaking to you!

Children are a great example of this. My 8-year-old has been asking many questions lately about hearing from God. Through our talks, I can see his mind clinging to the practices we talk about, and I have watched his prayers go from robotic to natural.

Then a day came that took me by surprise. We were in a fairly crowded gathering for a sporting event when I turned around, and he was gone. As I looked around, I saw him standing next to another little boy around his age. I watched him as he smiled at the other kid and then hugged him. He said his goodbyes and came running back to me.

I asked him where he knew the boy from, and he said, “I didn’t know him. I just knew he needed a hug.”

Shocked, I looked down at him and asked, “What?”

He smiled and said, “I heard God whisper that he needed a friend and a good hug, so I gave him one and invited him to church.”

As adults, we have experienced the disappointments and pains of life. Sometimes, because of those experiences, we tend to overthink that small whisper asking us to be His hands and feet. We would have overcomplicated it, and we should just respond to it.

When we start to overthink, that is when we need to turn to the Father. Ask Him for clarification and wisdom with whatever situation you are going through. Rest in the peace that He is with you.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle in our way is ourselves.

Always start by talking with God first!

Let this be our prayer, “I want more of you, Father, and less of me!”

As we close out this study on Be Still, know that this isn’t the end of your journey—it is just the beginning!

Continue to reflect, pray and search the Scripture. Invite the Spirit into your life daily!

When we draw near to Him, he draws near to us (James 4:8).

Don’t stop seeking Him!

Reflection

Are you seeking God before you overthink?