Overthinker. I’m not always an overthinker, but when I do I —–. I mean, I literally just overthought that opening sentence. Should it be funny? Should it be deep? Should it tie to scripture quickly? It definitely has a Dos Equis commercial feel to it, haha! Wow, message received, God. I need to stop overthinking it all.

I get in these spaces, days, weeks, where I overthink things. I know I’m not alone. I mean, we all are different, but in many ways we are the same. I overthink things I should have said, plans with my finances, how I utilize my daily time, just to name a few. Another thing I catch myself overthinking about is how to study God’s Word, scripture. 

I’ll think I have this bible plan, that bible study, that group work, and I want to make sure I keep up with them all. Then I start thinking, okay, let me think about the time daily and/or weekly to spend on each. Lastly, how will I take notes? In a notebook on my iPad, in my Bible App? 

Well, if you haven’t noticed yet, when I do this, I completely miss the point of being in The Word! I’ve started overthinking and making it a checklist instead of a relationship with God. So I’m slowing down today to remind myself to STOP overthinking it, it’s okay that I don’t ‘complete’ a reading plan or devo for a day, and to keep it simple with ways to jot down my learning.

If you are reading this and struggle with this, know you are not alone. I also want to give some extra help if you overthink ways to respond to scripture, too. Here are 3 quick, simple ways to journal or jot ideas as you read:

• Summarize the verses in 3 to 5 sentences
• What characteristic of God stood out to you in these verses? 
• What verse stood out to you? Why?

Super easy, not a ton of extra research needed, but a simple way to connect with God while reading His Word. Bonus, when in doubt, just read, then sit and listen for God, no need to answer anything or write anything down, just let His Words wash over you. 

–💜Fuel your faith. Build your foundation. Live it out. ✝️

A rhythm of reflection and real faith, one day, one post, one spark at a time.