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As I opened my Bible for my daily reading expecting to need the footnotes and explanations to fully understand all that I’d be reading, I was shocked by two verses that resonated so clearly with me. While I am a person of great faith, if I’m being honest, sometimes my daily Bible reading is a challenge to get through depending on the content scheduled for that day. Many times, I have to put on my concentration cap in order to decipher the meaning into today’s terms. However, recently, I came across two verses that were clear as day exactly what I needed to help heal my overthinking and perfectionism and remind myself to stay present in the moment.
Overcoming overthinking
As many of you know, I often overthink which stems from a desire for perfection in all situations, which I’m working on healing. My overthinking comes in two main forms: 1) replaying the past over and over to determine if I acted in the best way possible or to determine what courses of action could have been better, and 2) fabricating various potential scenarios regarding some worry that I have and trying to solve every scenario so I can stop worrying about whatever relevant potential issue is floating around in my brain.
While I’m consciously working to overcome this susceptibility that I believe many people fall victim to, it can be difficult depending on the circumstances that are present in my life. While it’s easy to set an intention to be present in the moment, it can sometimes be difficult to actually execute that intention in practice. When it becomes difficult, I try to find reminders here and there to keep me present in the moment.
Although I shouldn’t have been surprised, I was struck when I saw two reminders so obviously appear in my daily Bible reading.
Matthew 6:27
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Source: Bible Gateway)
I often have to remind myself of this. Will my worrying and overthinking some circumstance in the past or in the future really protect me? I’ve learned through the coaching program that I participate in that overthinking and perfectionism are protection mechanisms in the minds of those that have these habits. However, will worrying really protect you enough to prolong your life?
While I recognize that there are more extreme cases that truly do come down to life and death situations, the worries that many of us have are more inconsequential in nature. In fact, the worrying will likely lead to more stress which may deteriorate mental or physical health.
So next time you find yourself worrying, think about the grand scheme of your life and if worrying is actually protecting you or harming you.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Source: Bible Gateway)
While it’s not particularly uplifting to think about each day having enough trouble of its own, the essence of this verse should still provide comfort and a reminder to stay present. I often do find myself worrying about tomorrow when I haven’t even made it through today yet. When I do that, I’m just compounding my problems on top of each other and lowering my energy.
I may waste a perfectly joyous and pleasant day by worrying about something that may or may not happen in the future. On the other hand, I may hinder my abilities to solve the challenges of the day by already worrying about some other issue that has potential to occur in the future.
And if you’re reading this, you’ve made it through and handled all the troubles of your days thus far. Therefore, you can have faith that “tomorrow will worry about itself” and that you will again make it through whatever trials may come your way.
Finding inspiration in everyday sources
While I hope these two verses in particular spoke to you, I hope that this article can also serve as a reminder to you to find inspiration, beauty, and comfort from things, people, or events that occur organically in your everyday life. These reminders may help you stay present in the moment which will allow you to more easily find inspiration in other simple daily pleasures. All of a sudden, boom! You have momentum!
If you’re looking for some inspiration from your faith, check out FaithGateway for books, bibles and more. And if you love my content, I invite you to subscribe to my mailing list to not miss an opportunity to feel inspired, empowered, and heard.
Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide, professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences for those that may find them relatable and helpful.