How to Stop Overthinking (Jesus’ Way)

I’m a recovering overthinker. One of the biggest problems I have is overthinking. I tend to ruminate and get trapped in analysis paralysis. I am getting much better; maybe I am getting older and practicing Jesus’ teachings longer. But recently, I found out I am not alone. 99% of people overthink everything.

Some people overthink because they are perfectionists; some because they are people-pleasers—they want to impress people. Still, some people overthink because they want to please God—in fact, they misunderstand what really pleases God.

Let me tell you a parable to start with.

There once was a farmer who discovered his horse disappeared one day. The neighbors helped him search for it, but they couldn’t find it anywhere. It must have run away into the forest far away. So, they expressed their sympathy, “Old man, we are so sorry for your loss. What did you do to deserve that misfortune? Without a horse, how can you make a living? You are cursed.”

In those days, owning a horse was essential to making a living as a farmer. A horse helps till the soil, plow the field, and carry the produce to the market. So, losing the horse was a big blow to the family’s livelihood. However, the old man responded to the neighbors, “Don’t worry! It may not be as bad as you think.” To which the neighbors thought the old man was crazy not to worry about it.

A few days later, the old man woke up and saw a bunch of horses standing in front of his barn. This horse had returned, bringing ten more wild horses with her. The neighbors came praising the old man, “Old man, you are so lucky, and now you are wealthy with eleven horses. You will be the richest man in the village.” The old man replied, “Well, it may not be as good as you think.”

The next day, the old man’s son tried to tame the wild horses. He fell from the horse and broke his leg. The neighbors came and said, “Old man, you are cursed. Since your only son is crippled, who will work the farm and feed the family when you are old? Now, you have to take care of him instead.”

In those days, parents depended on their sons to secure their later life. But the old man said as usual. “Don’t worry! It may not be as bad as you think.” The neighbors again thought the old man was crazy. How could anyone be so optimistic about not having anyone to depend on in their old age?

A few weeks later, a war broke out with a neighboring country. The government came to draft young men to go to war. The old man’s son was spared because he was disabled. The neighbors came crying, “Old man, you are so lucky. Even though your son is crippled, he is at least with you. Now, we don’t know if our sons will return from the war.” The old man replied, “It may not be as bad as you think.” The neighbors ignored him. (End of story.)

This simple parable depicts human nature. It describes the wisdom of the old man among the overthinking villagers. Today, we will look at how Jesus teaches us to stop overthinking. Do you overthink? If so, today’s scripture lesson will help you. If you don’t overthink, you can use this lesson to help others not to overthink because many people around you suffer from overthinking. So, let’s begin!