You can hear it in the silence

My friend recently sent me this article that poses the topic of over-thinking and its generalised characteristics. I knew that I was an over-thinker before I read this article. I'm sure everyone over-thinks to some degree, and it's interesting to see how it manifests in different people. For me, it's clearly seen when I'm asked to make a decision, whether it be what food to order, whether to buy that pair of shorts or not, or choosing a card for my friend's wedding (I struggled for so long deciding between several cards at kikki.k that the shop assistant came by twice to check up on me).

Even now, I'm undecided whether being an over-thinker is a good trait to have or not. For some part, it can become pretty annoying and stressful to have numerous conflicting thoughts at one time on a matter that could probably be overcome instantly by any other person. It can also mean having a lot of cringe-worthy moments when replaying conversations in your mind, and having regret hit you a lot harder that it should for a decision you've made (or didn't make). However, for the other part, it can mean being more careful in making important decisions, paying more attention to detail, and being dubbed an 'ace and loyal friend' (as the article suggests).

Reflecting on this also brought forward the instance when over-thinking, which I thought, can be quite detrimental to one's well being. There can be many 'by products' of over-thinking: stress, worry, weariness, decreased self-confidence and general unhappiness; and these often stem from over-thinking in a way that belittles yourself and creating certain scenarios in your head that will probably never happen. I admit that I have been and can often be susceptible to this pattern of thinking. But being blessed with a strong support system of friends and having access to God's word, I have found a way out of it.

One verse in the Bible that I particularly like is from Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Over-thinking can be burdensome and pretty chaotic; especially when it comes to matters that can have a flow on effect to other things. But knowing and trusting in a God who can ease the flood of overwhelming thoughts in my mind gives me reassurance and comfort.

And to worrying about what the future holds: well, God says: "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I guess I will never stop being an over-thinker (and maybe this post is already a testimony to my over-thinking of the topic), but I can be assured that my excessive thoughts will be less likely to turn ugly when I can find comfort and a peace of mind in a God who cares, guides and provides for all who call on Him.