My mind does a funny thing when it freaks out.
It decides to take a perfectly normal situation, and come up with about seven different things that could go wrong out of it. Or it can take something someone says, something completely innocent, and turn it into five different reasons why that person hates me.
It’s classic overthinking, and it tends to happen because:
I’m worrying about “what ifs” when I don’t need to be.
I’m taking something personally that doesn’t really have much to do with me.
I care too much about what other people think.
The problems with overthinking?
It’s useless, and it’s exhausting. You wear yourself out over it, and it doesn’t get you anywhere.
But sometimes I really think it’s how things are supposed to be. I have to think of every possible outcome, so I’ll be “prepared“. I have to worry about what everyone thinks of me, so I can get everyone to like me.
However, I’m pretty sure that’s not what Jesus had in mind when he said he wanted us to “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV).
A full life doesn’t mean full of crippling thoughts and fear.
1 John 4:18, NIV says that “perfect love drives out fear”. But before you go off the deep end with that thinking, as you realize that your love for God is probably nowhere near perfect, consider this: it’s not about our love for God. It’s about his love for us.
We don’t have to live in fear and self-protection, because we can be confident that God loves us perfectly, knows how to answer every fear, cares for our wellbeing, and will fight for us.
And if that’s not enough, I have more good news.
You don’t have to live under the cloud of anxious overthinking.
It can feel impossible to defeat, I know. How do you keep one thing from spiraling out of control in your head, going from one innocent thought to many worries and cares?
The Bible has words for that. There are tons of sources of inspiration, and there are people out there who will help. But start with God. Remember, he rises to defend us. His promises give us everything we need.
Here are 10 Bible verses for when you’re overthinking, to help you get back to a more peaceful, faithful place.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Nothing will separate us from the love of the Creator who watches over us. Take a step back and realize the magnitude of this. How incredible it is that such a good and powerful God is always on our side.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14 NIV
When I’m full of fear, I naturally want to take control of everything. Often I come to realize that less is in my control than I think it is. But God promises he will fight for us, and – here’s the best part – we only need to be still. Of course, do what you can. But when you have nothing to offer, God works incredible miracles.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
When we focus on what’s around us, our problems overwhelm us and God can appear small in our minds. Another quote I love? Tell your mountain about your God. Keep things in their proper perspective by looking up, not around. (Shout-out to Lauren Daigle for a beautiful song and perfect lyrics.)
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 NIV
If it’s not the circumstances that are stressful, it might be the people involved. So much overthinking can be traced back to trying to figure people out. What are they thinking about me? Am I making a fool of myself? Do they know what I’m thinking? Again, look up, not around!
Also consider – could it be that person you worry about is just as anxious or as vulnerable as you?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” – Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Keep your eyes focused ahead, on the path already marked out for you. Overthinking holds you back; acting out of fear can lead you to doing the wrong thing. Choose faith over fear, every time. (Even if it means being still and waiting for God to work – see above.)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
You have power over your thoughts. They don’t control you. You control them. Choose to make them obedient to Christ, by focusing on the good, fixing what you can, and believing God’s promises.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
You can choose not to worry. At the very least, you can learn how not to worry. Let go of the things that you can’t do anything about.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 NIV
You can choose to not be afraid or discouraged. We can give into our feelings and think we’ve lost power over our own emotions. But we can take back that power! Remind yourself of every time God has come through for you, and remember that he is with you always, wherever you go.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 NIV
You can be proactive about protecting your mind and heart. Are there certain books, movies, or shows that contribute to your anxious thinking? Are there situations you can avoid? Conversations you can have? Go on the offensive against that line of thinking before it even starts.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:6-8 NIV
Possibly the most practical of all the scriptures on negative thoughts and anxiety. How to stop overthinking and worrying? Decide not to be anxious. Pray about it. Think through the things you are grateful for. And set your mind on things that are true and worthy, not on the lies and fears. Peace is on its way.
Here’s a practical study on how to take refuge in God if you have trouble with that concept. And find more insight and verses on overthinking on this lovely page!
***
How about you?
Do you have trouble with overthinking? What helps you to overcome it?
Download a list of all the scriptures used in this study below!
Scriptures are quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Photo Credit:
All by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Love these, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading! 🙂
That was a good read! Thank you for sharing, really enjoyed it!
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for visiting!
God is awesome and worthy to be praised!!!! Thank you for sharing this will help everyone to stay free from mental bondage!!!!!
Ah, I really love this encouragement…I am SUCH an overthinker. Thank you for this!
Thank you, Helen! I am so glad it was encouraging for you!
Thank you, I eas experiencing a server anxiety attack due to overthinking and read this and found peace thank you god bless
Oh no! I totally understand. Sending prayers, Aneshia! I am glad you found some peace!
Love these verses especially the last one – guard your heart! Thanks for sharing these!
Thank you, Clare! That one’s probably the one I have the hardest time with! Letting myself indulge in overthinking isn’t guarding my heart at all.
Like Clare mentioned above – I really love the last verse “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23, NIV
I am such a people pleaser and want everyone to like me. Therefore, I let everyone walk all over me. I always turn the other cheek.
I can do exactly the same thing, Michelle. It’s such a needed reminder to protect our hearts. Also lately I’ve been trying hard to go back to scripture so that I can remember what pleases God, and that his opinion counts more than any person’s. I hope you’re hanging in there as you fight that battle!
Thank you so much, it was indeed a really great help for me
I am so glad to hear that, Liya! Prayers that you can face overthinking with God and his Word.
Loved this post.. much needed! 🙂
Thank you, Lauren!
Thanks for sharing! Badly needed these promises of God. God bless!
I am so glad it was helpful! I hope you stay encouraged through whatever you’re going through.
Oh I definitely worry more than I need to! Thank you for these verses 🙂
I found you on Pinterest and this blog is so gorgeous – did you design it yourself?
You are so welcome! Thanks so much. I wish I could say I did 🙂 It’s by 17th Avenue Designs on Etsy!
Great verses for overthinkers, like me. Trying to make it a habit to go to God’s word FIRST.
Absolutely! It can be so hard – I get so caught up in my worries. Thanks for visiting and sharing!
As a biblical licensed counselor, I can tell you “anxiety” is the most prominent issue that I see with my clients. I tell them, “If you can start a sentence with ‘What if’, it isn’t likely to happen”. 🙂 What important and encouraging scripture you shared, Jenn. Thank you!
P.S. I, too, am a lover of God, strong coffee, and classic movies (preferably black & white, pre 1960!) hehe
Oh my goodness, I probably need you in my life! Biblical counseling is probably one of the most helpful professions out there. I know I had trouble visiting a counselor who had little to no understanding of my walk with God, and didn’t point me in that direction at all. But I digress 🙂 I definitely will take your “What If” advice to heart! I am so guilty of that. Thanks so much for visiting and your thoughtful comment! We’re a rare breed, but I love our unique tastes 🙂
Thank you very much
Thank you for this post. I have been an overthinker my entire life, but lately it has been overwhelming. I have been reading these same verses in my recent studies, but seeing them again I am reminded how good God is and how much I need Him every day. Thank you, again, for posting this.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch! I love hearing familiar scriptures from another place – I feel like it’s God setting up the universe to speak to me clearly 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
So helpful! A much needed reminder of my need for God!
I’m so glad! I neglected to add prayer – I need that as much as I need to hold onto these scriptures.
Beautifully written. Thank you for being a sister I’m Christ, and reminding us overthinkers of his unwavering love for us. Giving my worries to the LORD by prayer helps to ease my mind and heart. Also, TRUSTING the LORD and that everything is going to work out according to HIS plan helps me move forward when overthinking is all I can do, it seems!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you stopped by to visit. Agreed – prayer, prayer, prayer, all the time! I so need it. And I agree on trusting – it’s such a decision I have to make again and again.
Hello Jenn,
I just wanted you to know how blessed I have been by this post the past few days. I have been struggling this past week, and I have read this post several times, and every time I have been greatly encouraged. Thank you so much! God used your post to minister to me and I am starting to overcome my struggles! God bless!
Wow, I am SO encouraged by this note, Emily! Thank you for letting me know! I absolutely agree – it’s totally God at work. Who would have thought my personal struggles would create an opportunity to connect so much with others? So glad that his words keep us going, even when it’s difficult. I hope you get through what you’re going through very soon.
I totally ran across this post by accident, but between the gorgeous photography and wonderful scriptures I was able to find a bit of peace of mind and reassurance. Thank you for writing this post and using your time to try and brighten. The lives of others. This truly was a godsend.❤️
This is so kind and encouraging, Melissa, thank you! I can’t really claim any credit for the photography or scriptures 🙂 But I’m so glad this was an uplifting resource for you today! Thanks for brightening mine.
Thank you so much for these scriptures. I have been struggling with over thinking since I woke up this morning but knowing someone else out there goes through it too eases my mind. May God continue to use you to bless others.
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having trouble, but happy God worked through this post to help! It always helps me to know I’m not alone, too. I hope your anxiety is relieved soon!
Thank you for posting this blog post. I’ve had trouble with overthinking lately, to the point where I feel like I can barely cope with it. The words you typed were perfect for me, which happens so rarely. I like how you said you think of everything possible to “prepare” – that’s so me! I literally took out a notebook and started taking notes off of this blog post because it helped me to chip away at the anxiety that overthinking can give me. The fact that you opened up and shared a little in the beginning, and you were relatable to me, made it easier for me to really take in the scriptures you suggested. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Please write more about this topic! 🙂
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been going through so much. It always helps me to know I’m not alone, so I’m glad you were able to connect with what I’ve been through! And I’m so glad it was able to help with your anxiety – it is definitely God at work. My anxiety has been really intense lately for some reason. It’s one thing for me to share these scriptures, but I so need to be going back to them. Your comment was such a great reminder! Thank you! I will have to pull my thoughts together, but I’m pretty sure I have material for another post 😉 It’s definitely a constant battle.
This was so encouraging! Thank you so much for putting all of these helpful verses in one place!
Thank you so much! I am so glad!
I came across this post to late. I should of looked it up in the midst of my horrible overthinking. I think i lost someone bc of it. Pushed him away 🙁 we had just gotten back in contact after while without it. I was so excited and now there’s silence.
I’m so sorry. There’s so much that overthinking can affect. I hope it ends up better for you both! And that you can cling to scriptures when overthinking rears its ugly head <3
Thank you so much for this ❤
Thankyou!
It is just what i needed…. God bless!
I’m so glad! Thanks for visiting.
Overthinking is the absolute worst, I tell ya. Thank you so much for sharing these verses!
I especially love the Exodus verse about being still. My tendency is to busy myself when my brain overwhelms me, and the idea of being still drives me crazy. I even hate walking slow (my husband holds my hand to make me slow down whenever we walk together). But sometimes that’s the best way He can reach us.
Also, the “What If’s” are essentially the bulk of my anxieties. I taught myself that I can change my “what if’s” to “what is.” I remind myself of what I have now in the present that God has blessed me with instead of thinking about what I can’t control in the future. Not saying I’m 100% great at it, but it’s a fantastically helpful reminder.
I’m so glad it’s encouraging for you! And it’s always a win to be able to connect with someone who relates. I’m a fast walker, talker, everything too, so I totally understand that. I looove that advice, to think of “what is” instead!! Thank you for that! I’m going to file that one away for the next time the “what ifs” crop up!
This hits home for me. Thanks.
I’m so glad, Dee!
And after 2 years, this is still reading people, particularly me. Starting to realize that I have mental health issues to work on, particularly in overthinking and anxiety. Thankfully, I have a few wonderful friends who share this struggle and have gone this path before me. I know that I can go to them with anything! I really needed Philippians today, and coupled with Mina’s comment from Feb 2016, I feel much more peaceful! I’m going to put those up somewhere as a reminder!
Amanda, I am so encouraged to hear that. It’s funny how I just put this post together and sent it out into the universe, not really expecting much. But the feedback and connections I’ve had from and with people through this post have been amazing! I am so glad it is a help! Sending a prayer for what you’re going through – I completely understand.
So I’ve been having trouble lately with just enjoying the positive. It’s like when everything is going great, I’m waiting to see what’s going to go wrong next. I googled my mindset and your blog was one of the first that came up. Thanks so much for posting those Scriptures! Your article helped a ton 😀
Wow, that is crazy, girl! I am so encouraged that it was helpful for you. It’s funny, but when I put this out there, I thought, “I wonder if anyone else relates.” But it seems like so many people do! Even my IRL friends 🙂
Thank you so much! I woke up today with anxiety, yet after reading these, felt so much peace coming into my heart this morning !
I am so glad to hear that, Alyssa! Sending a prayer for your anxiety – I so relate <3
Thanks for the write up, i’m such a terible thinker, those words of wisdom that the bible says “the word God is like good medicine” has brought relief to my mind in the midst of great unrest.
*** God Bless ***
That scripture is beautiful and so applicable! I’m encouraged you found the post – thank you for saying hi 🙂
Beautiful reminder. It’s also nice to know that when you feel like you’re the only one with thoughts that run away with you, that this is a problem for most everyone and God recognizes it to the point he put it in the Bible for us. Thank you!
It is so encouraging to know us overthinkers aren’t alone! Grateful for your encouragement and kind words 🙂
Boy was I surprised to see all of those comments! Sometimes I (we) go around thinking I’m the only one who has this problem , overthinking. We start to sabotage a new friendship by this way of thinking before we even get to know the person! How very much we need to be reminded of these scriptures! Thank You so much for using your blogging space to do just that!
So encouraging to hear those words, Tish! Thanks so much! Isn’t it crazy how much we can connect through our struggles? It’s in my nature to buck up and show the best side of myself, but when I get real, it’s amazing and encouraging how many people I can connect with. Good luck as you’re fighting overthinking in your life!
Sister in Christ, thank you for sharing these scriptures and helping the over thinkers out here. God Bless 🙂
I’m so happy this still resonates! Good luck with the overthinking – you are not alone 🙂
Useless- this is the word that struck me the most. I thought I was alone, then I saw your blog and your commenters.
Thank you and God bless you abundantly.
I’m so glad to reaffirm that you are NOT useless and NOT alone. Praying for you to feel encouraged in your battle of the mind!
Thank you much for sharing, this was very helpful and calming.
I’m glad to hear that! Sending a prayer that you keep feeling relief from anxious thoughts!
Wow! Powerful post! Thank you for sharing!
Wow! Powerful post! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Julianna! That’s so encouraging to hear <3
This is very beautiful. Thank you ❤
I hope it is helpful! <3 Thanks for visiting!
I have pick out something which I will start using from now. Thank God for this.
I hope it helps! Thanks for reading.
You know sometimes we see our spouses go through stuff and do not understand why they are thinking, or acting, a curtain way. Sometimes their comments of, maybe I need a shrink, or their is something wrong with me, hits our thoughts as we start to wonder why. Reading these comments and replies, after these verses, allows for an eye opening moments that makes this not a single problem, but a fight against a enemy that wants to make us believe we are along in this world by attacking how we view anxiety and life’s struggles. Reading these makes me know that what we go through is not a single issue and we are never alone in this world.
The greatest act the enemy can do to us as believers, is to make it look like this is only happening to me, that God does not really care about our well being and that life sucks, when the opposite is reality. We were never suppose to focus on more then today and never on the future, or the past. However, learning from the past and asking God for guidance on the future is a must. This is where our trust (faith) in God comes from that makes us stronger and have less anxiety. Our daily focus is under attack, more then ever, and we, as believers, have to start talking about what is wrong instead of “I’m ok” every time we are asked. Only then will we realize this is a attack and not the normal for life. We will also learn that there are others that can help guide our thoughts, properly, through life backing everything up with what the bible says of us and how we should think. That is the greatest most accomplished goal of the above posting and comments. We are all here to help one another no mater what one is going through.
Thank you for posting this over five years ago.
So grateful for these words, Kenneth! That seems to be one of Satan’s greatest tactics – that we think we’re the only ones who struggle with something. Every time we open up and share, we break that lie down – thanks for that reminder, and the reminder that God is the one who keeps us strong and focused.
Absolutely Love this! It helped
I’m so glad to hear that! Sending a quick prayer that you feel relief from overthinking today and every day.
This is so relevant for the time we’re living in. Isolation can easily lead you to believe you’re the only person struggling with this issue. Thank you for sharing this. I realize it’s 5 years old but I feel especially blessed to have connected with it today. Really needed it. 💖
It encourages me so much to hear that this post still resonates! I can definitely feel like the only one – and so much more so this year. Sending a prayer that you can take back your thoughts every day and find relief in God instead.
I never comment on blogs but I just needed to say to the writer that the fact this post is still speaking to people after years is such a testament to the truth presented. This has blessed me sooooo much. Thank you for following God and sharing!
That is so encouraging to hear, Hannah! I appreciate your kind words. It’s truly a testimony to God’s Word – his words are still true and faithful millennia later <3
Gods words of peace and comfort can transcend time and space. Good words have no time limit. A post like this can go on for decades because God’s truth is infinite. There’s peace and comfort in knowing others are going through similar overthinking thoughts as yourself and to understand that we are never alone. We must keep reminding ourselves that god is always here for us to help and guide us away from the thoughts that pain us and through his love for us and our love for humanity, the earth , all living creatures and ourselves we can pray, meditate or focus through him and we will overcome adversity. The power of belief and faith can and will heal our souls.
God blesses everyone who believes. Believe that you will overcome and get better and you will. It is through our lord and savior that all things are possible.
Thank you so much for this. I really needed this. I struggle with insecurity and anxiety and overthinking. Prayer. the Word, therapy, and reading stuff like this has helped so much. Thank you for letting God use you. Blessings to you and your family!
So grateful for your comment, Bryanna, and glad this post was encouraging for you! <3