Over-Thinking

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ot by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV

I have recently come to the understanding, and probably knew it all along, that I am an over-thinker.

Now grant you, not all the time. I can make a decision. I can go spur-of-the-moment. I am nimble and can maneuver. And have fun doing it. However, I evaluate and even re-evaluate decisions and directions... and even play the “what-if” games sometimes.

What-if I made a different choice?
What-if I said yes instead of no?
What-if money wasn't a concern?
What-if I worked harder?
What-if I truly committed?
What-if I went this direction instead of that?

And the over-thinking and over-analyzing kicks in.

My problem is not necessarily making the decision or choice, but more over-thinking it after the fact.

I am my father’s son when it comes to thinking and over-thinking. My dad would worry and think up reasons to worry or be concerned even f there was nothing to worry about.

Now, I don’t think that I’m quite that bad. I’m not a worrier per se, I’m an over-thinker. And I can find myself doing the same thing when it comes to matters of faith:

Am I in His will or in my will?
Am I doing too much in my power.. on my own?
Did I say enough?
Did I do enough?
Do my actions represent what I say I believe?
Could I do more.?
Am I doing in order to somehow earn God’s favor or doing out of the love I have for Him and the love and grace that he has given to me?

And that’s where I have to stop the thinking. And start the remembering. Remembering what faith is and what trust and believing in Jesus really means.

He died because He loves you and me. His death forgave our sins if we only trust and believe. It’s a free gift. We can’t earn it, it’s already done.

Anything that we do after accepting that gift is (or should be) out of love and obedience to Jesus. It’s out of growth and maturity. It’s out of love for Him and the people He loves.

No checklists. No “you gotta do’s”.

But what about the day to day living?
What-if I’m doing to help my children or family?
How do I hand that over and rely on God?

There I go again…over thinking. Maybe there’s another lesson to be learned in all that.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem