Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Don't Overthink

 The winner of the monogram giveaway from my last post is commenter #17 - Allison Morrison.
I'll be back Friday to post the winner of the book in today's giveaway.

In my teen years I experienced some highly stressful situations, and developed the tendency to ruminate. (I also had it modeled for me by a loved one.)  Ruminations - a fancy word for overthinking things or dwelling on our problems and all their possible causes and effects - are very compelling.  

When you're in the middle of ruminating, you feel you absolutely need to continue in order to figure things out.  You feel you're gaining insight or preparing yourself for the next move. The obsessive dwelling feels necessary and makes sense to the person caught in it's grip.

If you do this kind of thinking much, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

In reality ruminating wears you down - emotionally, spiritually, sometimes socially, and often physically.  I'm so glad I've learned how to stop this type of thinking in it's tracks.


The professor I quoted in today's P31 devotion, Dr. Lyubomirsky, emphatically states, "If you are someone plagued by ruminations, you are unlikely to become happier before you can break that habit. I will go so far as to say that if you are an overthinker, one of the secrets to your happiness is the ability to allay obsessive overthinking, to reinterpret and redirect your negative thoughts into more neutral or optimistic ones."

She has done years of research on this, and poured over the research of others on happiness and rumination.  And her conclusion mirrors what the Bible teaches us in Philippians 4:6-9.

Once again, ancient truths from the Bible prove real and relevant today.

So how did I stop ruminating? First, I became aware of it when it was happening, which was usually late at night when there was nothing else happening to distract me from such thoughts. Perhaps by God's grace, I began shivering when I'd followed the negative thinking for too long. The shivering caught my attention - I was powerless to stop it (unless I stopped the thoughts) and usually I wasn't even cold.

The shivering became my cue I was ruminating, and that became my trigger to pray it out to God, ask for His help and peace, and then let it go.  If I still couldn't get my thoughts off the problem I'd put them onto God by listening to christian music, journaling my blessings, or reading a book or the Bible.

Those sound like pat answers, but they're not. They're power-filled answers.

 “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing.

Then the God of peace will be with you.” ~Philippians 4:6-9

The God of peace is now with me.  May He also be with you today. Let's both turn each worry over to Him to deal with. Leave a prayer request or a statement of thankfulness in the comments here and you'll be be entered to win a copy of my new book It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

 Grateful for God's Peace.

158 comments:

  1. My husband has been without a job for 3 years, and GOD found him a job. I am so thankful, now we are in the process of moving out of this rundown cold rental, however things are not moving as I plan, all I care about is my 79 year old dad, and this old cold house is getting the best of me. My husband and I have maintained through all of this, because of GOD. This is the 3rd house we have made an offer on. The bank has all the paper work, we have the down payment, we are even 90% packed, we are just waiting....living out of boxes...for the last three months. I am tired, frustrated and cold, however I have a great job, my husband of 31 yrs now has a good job, we are relatively healthy along with all my children and grandchildren. I am thankful that I have all the above, yet I battle with myself because I am doing the best I possibly can and yet I am still in the cold house. Please GOD take this from me....you know how tired I am and how hard I have worked to get here. Thank you for listening.

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  2. Rachel, thanks so much for this devotional. Your opening statements about overthinking stopped me on my tracks because it sounded like me. I always beat myself up over the littlest things, so I feel so heavy and sad. I know that I am making myself sadder by thinking and analyzing more about it, but it seems that overthinking is just automatic for me. I say that I'm an introspective type of person but I guess that it's just a nicer way of saying that I think too much. Thank you for sharing those verses on Philippians. I've already read this passage but today you've brought it new meaning. It gave me concrete examples on how to deal with my overthinking. Thank you, you've blessed me with this devotional. =)

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  3. Thanks for that devotion...over the past few weeks I have really been struggling with my over thinking..something I have long been overwhelmed with...I find myself thinking about everything..what will be appropriate, what would this person think, why did they do that, why did I react that way...and it is hard...I really felt like you were confirming what God has laid on my heart...even the shiver part you mentioned in your blog...so thank you and I ask that you pray that God continue to work in me and bring healing to my life..HE IS A TOTALLY AWESOME GOD and through him nothing is impossible! thanks again God bless

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  4. Thank you, Rachel, for bringing Phil. 4:6-9 to our attention. I use to share with friends to "give it to God" and to "thank Him for what He's going to do about your issues." I like how you included stop worrying, too.
    I thank God for Prov. 31 Ministry and reminding us daily of God's grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and protection. I will pray these verses this week when struggling to love certain people in my life.

    Blessings on your day!
    Pat

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  5. Good morning. Thanks for this amazing devotional that hit home with me. I have a habit to overthink situations and boy can this be exhausting to the mind. Your devotional will be very helpful to me. -Colleen G.

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  6. This so hit home with me. I was actually up this morning because I was "Overthinking" situations in my life right now. Last April my mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Since then, we have put both of my parents into assisted living, my mother has gone thru chemo and recently went on hospice care. As a caregiver and now having to make decisions for and in regards to my parents, I constantly worry about making the right choices. This message that you gave me today, will go into my journal and I will try to do the best I can and give over the rest to God. This will not be easy for me...I have alway thought of myself as a worry wart, but living this way will only wear me down and I need to be there for my family.

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  7. Rachel,
    I'm so thankful for YOU. I'm struggling with a situation right now and Satan (and yes I) let it rear it's ugly head last night. I don't know why but I'm always amazed when God uses people in my life to show me the way and he did that through you and your devotion this morning. Thank you for sharing what is on your heart. Hugs & Prayers. Chris Baker :)

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  8. Hey Rachel! Loved your devotional today. Oh, this is a wonderful topic and a hole that I frequently fall into. Thanks for sharing! Praying blessings over your new book! I know it is ministering to many women's hearts!
    Amy King

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  9. Great devotion! Always lifts my spirits to know that I am not the only one struggling with these and other situations.

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  10. I would like prayer for our situation. My husband lost his job almost two years ago. We have been making it through our faith in God!!!! God continually provides for us. However, I would like prayer for my husband. He loved his old job so much!!!! He is working a job he does not like very much just to make ends meet. We have never lived paycheck to paycheck before, so this is a new experience for us. God is good and I know he will provide. I just pray that He will guide my husband and open doors for a new job that my hubby will love again!!!! I trust God to do that. I look forward to seeing the amazing blessings God has to bestow upon us through this experience!!!! Amen!
    Thanks for your prayers!
    Staci

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  11. Hi Rachel~
    As soon as I read the title of your devotion when I saw it in my inbox I knew it was for me!!! You pegged me! Thank you for writing this. I am going to memorize those two words and say them to myself often! :)

    Blessings,
    Cheri

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  12. Thank you for your devotion today! I can definitely related to overthinking problems. However, I am very thankful for my jobs, for God's financial provision even though I take home less than what I owe in rent and bills, for being much healthier this year than last year, and for amazing friends....and many other things.

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  13. I am thankful for my children. God has them in His hand. I pray protection from evil, direction toward their future, to have godly friends, and to grow in God's character. I am struggling with my oldest child in so many ways. mheard11@frontier.com

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  14. God led me to read this devotional today. I have been so overwhelmed with all that my life involves. If I could just plan more or think it all though I would be ok I think. But I think the reality is that God is allowing me to be overwhelmed so that I need Him. I start felony so down and depressed but I should rejoice that He sees me, knows me and my situation, and can more than handle it!

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  15. Your devotional was posted at just the right time. I needed to be reminded to pray instead of worry! Thank you for allowing God to use you.

    Praise- I am thankful that God takes care of my needs. He’s given me amazing parents that are a great witness and support to me.

    Request- I graduated from college 5years ago and have not been able to find a permanent teaching job. I’ve been substitute teaching for the past 5 years. Each year gets emotionally more difficult. God provision and guidance was evident in college and the first year or two of teaching. But as the days and years go by my thoughts do wonder to what I’ve done wrong and feelings of being forgotten by God.

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  16. Last night my husband and I were up for two hours with my 10 month old nephew. He has come to live with us because my brother and his "woman" are abusing drugs and by default him. I started praying for the little guy the minute I knew about him because I knew there was no other way to help. God was faithful to answer my prayers and even though we are up many nights now, we are thankful for him.

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  17. I have two things to thank God for today.

    My husband just had a promotion today and its something that he has been longing and hoping for a long time and its what he studied.

    I also had a fall just last week.I thank God for his protection on me that nothing bad happened to me.Only a little swelling and even that is healing well

    My prayer is that I will be able to submit to the Lord for His will in my life.

    Thank you.I love todays reminder to pray and not worry.

    Will practice that.

    Sweet blessings

    Sheena

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  18. Hi Rachel! I am thankful that your devo was in the perfect time for so many of your readers! I am not a worrier...denial is more my style. No less detrimental, just a different path to inactivity and keeping the burden for myself. I am thankful for a husband who loves, supports, and encourages me as I step out onto the path that God is leading me towards.

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  19. Your post today resonates deep within me. I realize that I spend most of my time in this state of mind, and that I need deliverance! So my prayer request is just that - to be delivered from rumination and focused on the deliverer! Thank you!

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  20. Feeling a bit overwhelmed on several fronts and your words of encouragement and scripture encourage me this a.m. Thank you Rachel and blessings abundant.

    Caroline
    thegrossmans@carolina.rr.com

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  21. My pray request is that my son likes his job and appreciates his life. That he starts going back to church again and has positive uplifting friends to be around.

    I know I over think way too much and need to be aware of it and be stopped immediately.

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  22. I so know that feeling -- that you're solving something and you can't stop thinking about it until you figure it out. But so much of our world is not solvable for our tiny minds. Only God has it all figured out. And it is so much more comfortable to let God handle our worries and just trust Him, but we forget that sometimes.
    I am so thankful He sends reminders, like your devotional this morning. I have a dentist appointment today and was tempted to begin worrying about how expensive treatments I mignt need will be, and how I will be able to afford it with no insurance. BUT God will be faithful to provide and I will not worry I will thank Him.
    And I will thank you for being faithful to write what God leads you to write, to give His message to so many of us who needed this reminder (and reassurance) today. Thanks. :D

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  23. Thank you so much for your devotion. I thought that this was normal because it is something I have done (and struggled with) my entire adult life. Worry has been a big problem in my life and has affected those around me. My husband calls it beating a dead horse. With Jesus help, I am going to work on letting go of my problems. The only question I have is does letting go mean that I ignore the problems? They are still there and still need resolution?

    Thanks!

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  24. I am so very thankful for the power of encouraging words. Words that give us exactly what we need to continue on our journey whether it's through a verse in the Bible, a timely spoken word from a friend, a devotional or a song. From the very beginning God shows us in His Word just how powerful words are when He spoke this world into existence. Yes, I'm thankful for words and the encouragement they can bring : )

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  25. Thank you for the encouragement in the P31 devotional today. What an "on-time" word for me.

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  26. Thank you so much for your devotion today, Rachel. It's extremely pertinent to my life currently, as I struggle with the end of another semester and still not being sure that this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life right now. But I can be thankful that through this transition (moving to a new state, starting graduate school, starting a new job, finding a new church, etc.), the Lord has provided some wonderful new friends, a fabulous new church, and enough to make it through the past few months. Blessings to your and your family =)

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  27. I am so blessed in more ways than I can ever count. This scripture is a great one to remind us not to spend all our time worrying;that we need to turn it oer to God. Thanks for rememinding us of that as we enter this Christmas season.Thanks too for the opportunity to win your book.

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  28. Linda HarrisonDecember 01, 2010

    Thank you Rachel for letting God use you for this purpose. It still is so amazing to me how God sends words of wisdom at the right moment you need them! Keep up the good fight!

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  29. Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I over-think things all the time. I am tired of worrying (sinning). Please pray that others & myself will have victory over this sinful habit. I will be singing: What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in Prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
    ~Sherri

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  30. I can't even begin to tell you how much I needed this today. Thank you so much for sharing this. It always amazes me how God gives us just the message we need at the right time (and sometimes several days in a row so we will really get it!) I am so glad to know that I don't have to overthink things like I am prone to do. I believe this devotion will really help free me from my ruminations! Thank you for being open and honest about your life. I have also experienced the shivering when I am at that point of extreme worrying. So glad to know I'm not alone and that I don't have to do this anymore!! Praise God. Thankful for P31 Ministries and its faithful servants.

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  31. This last year has been very difficult. My husband had lost his job, my mother passed away, my son and his wife separated, then yesterday I was told I might have some serious health issues. I try not to be a worrier. I want to give it all to God and let him take care of everything, but I keep taking it back. I so needed your devotion, thanks so much. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will give me the strength to leave it all with Him and that the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard my heart. Thanks again and many blessings to you.

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  32. Rachel,
    Thank you for such an encouraging post on P31's blog and here on your site. I think you've been spying on me! So I'm putting into practice what you so lovingly reminded us - give our problems - our ruminations - to God and thank Him for taking care of us!

    Blessings!

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  33. Rachel...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this devotional! For the last several months I have been battling some mid-thirties displacement, in my life. It was a constant struggle about what to do next in my life, due to what seemed to be sudden pauses in my careers. This eventually caused me to question my worth as a woman in society. Always being perceived as the "strong" one, this stressed me all the more.
    Just last night I made the decision to just do what I know to do...be obedient. As soon as I read this daily devotional in my email, my eyes screamed and the cheesiest smile appeared on my face! This devotional will be marked as a beautiful paradigm shift in my life.
    I am a hip hop artist. Do not be surprised if you are directly thanked in a project. :) Thank you for your being obedient and open...You sparked something, I can't begin to explain...
    - Renee(MOC)

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  34. Oh this is so helpful! I have my moments when I over analyze too, and have over the last 3 years been really learning Phil 4:6-8. It has been so helpful to just trust God; He's got my back. And though I know this and have experienced it, still, the worry and analyzing creeps back now and then. It's hard to make it go away for good.
    Kirsten
    kirstenjett@yahoo.com

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  35. Thank you Rachel for the whole article. It came at such a pefect time for me. I love the way God works through this ministry to bring peace to women when they need it. I not only highlighted the pssage in the Bible I wrote it down. I will pray the prayer everyday until I can give everything over to God. I know the mind is the battlefield and a lot of time I go right into the mode of what can I do to fix this mess I have gotten myself into. I always try to fix things myself instead of going to God in prayer and trusting Him. I forget that His grace is enough. Thank you so much God bless all that you do to help His daughters. Please pray for employment for me.

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  36. I just have to respond to the comment posted below by anonymous....I will pray for you, that you will experience a warmth in your home, like the first sunshine of spring, that you will be warmed from the inside out, with no human explanation......I believe that GOD loves you so very much, and his desire for you is warmth, and food, and lodging. I will pray for you, for warmth that can not be explained by humans. I know how you feel, my heat went out 10 years ago and we haven't been able to replace it. We are fortunate to have a fire place, but even with that the winters are so very cold and can start to really wear you down. Claim victory, and wrap up in the sunshine of Christ, that is what I try to remind myself to do. It is hard, and I will pray for you.

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  37. This devotional was what I needed today. I constantly overthink everything. God is in control and I need to turn my mind over to Him. Trust Him with what He wants me to do today-- not worry I am not doing the right thing-- whatever that is. Thanks for your honesty.

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  38. I am thankful for my healthy children; and for the season of Christmas. Giving thanks to God for his son, and being able to show my loved ones and friends I love them with gifts makes me happy! God Bless you all this Christmas!

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  39. I fall into the category of overthinking. I understand the need to give it to God. However, I echo Stephanie's comments above. I can give it to God, but that doesn't mean it changes anything. Bills still go unpaid. So, we aren't supposed to worry about that? I don't quite understand. I do have a lot to be thankful for. I have a great husband and two wonderful children. My husband has been working in a dead end job for two years now, we have had such a string of rotten luck, I am disabled from a car accident (of course, that doesn't mean I get disability), and many more things that just don't seem to get any better. I have gotten so depressed, blaming myself so my self-esteem is zilch. Is not worrying about it going to make it better? I don't see how. Anyway, great devotion Rachel....thanks. kelbla@aol.com

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  40. Worrying, like breathing, becomes such a natural part of our lives that we hardly know that we're doing it. It's a battle between good and evil in which it keeps our minds on things that are not good as oppose to what is pure, right, etc. It's one of those things that our flesh struggles against with our spirit and until we pay attention to what we're doing our lives stay in chaos. Thank God that He is beside us to give us the peace and calm in our souls we so desperately need when we freely give it to HIM!!!

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  41. Rachel~
    Such a great devotional. I am in transition right now with work. The Lord called me out of my past job, which I continuall am thankful for. I am now currently waiting on the Lord to guide my next step.
    Thank you for praying!
    ~Colleen

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  42. I used to be a master ruminator :). But thank God for deliverance and peace of mind. I used to allow my thoughts to grab me and take me to a dark pit. I've made great strides in this area, but I feel myself trying to go back. Please pray that God helps me to keep advancing towards His perfect peace and learn to cast my cares completely on Him. Thank you.
    ~Mimi
    myrlanded@gmail.com

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  43. I woke up this morning humming Fred Hammond's "Thank You Lord I Won't Complain". I have played it three times now. I have been thanking God lately despite my situations now. This is a turnaround for me. He has been there with me and it's not easy. Worry is something that once you are hooked that is the only thing one can think of but God can change things around. So I am grateful today that I can give thanks. Beautiful devotion. Love the power verses and the translation you used. Please pray for me that there will be a break in my financial situations.

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  44. My husband and I are trying to have a baby, please pray that God's will be done!

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  45. I worry about EVERYTHING, I'm an over thinker and it keeps me up for days, this devotional really spoke to my spirit and has showed me that I really need to give it ALL over to God.

    ~My Prayer Request: My oldest son is going through an ordeal and I pray that no matter what the outcome is that God's will be done and that this situation turns my son's heart back to God.

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  46. Rachel, I am VERY thankful for your devotional today!
    In the past month my husband lost his job, his father and his brother. Amazingly (is that spelled right?) I am at peace with the situation as I know it will all work out. God is in control, whether we believe it or not. That is the truth.

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  47. Good morning! Thank you for this devotional. Out Lord is so very faithful!
    Blessings to you!

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  48. Rachel;

    You wrote about me today. Last night I hit a point of despair and realized that the only way I am able to survive as an overthinker is because I know my God and by His grace I can live each day.

    Thank you so much for this devotion and for shedding new light on how to apply Philippians 4:6-13. For those of us who ruminate and have practiced this stronghold, those words have been possible, but not believable. By God's power and grace, we can choose to believe Him and His promises and His peace will come.

    Today, I will CHOOSE to believe Him and intentionally catch myself when I begin to ruminate on the enemy's lies about past mistakes, etc. You have no idea what this message means to me. I almost deleted the P31 email with this devotional, but something (or rather Someone) moved me to read it.

    God does know who and what we need right when we need them. Thanks for being faithful.

    Monica

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  49. Ah, yes, Philippians 4:6-9 are my life verses!
    During current times of trial and struggles, I need to be reminded of the truths in God's WORD. I need to look back on past trials and see the hand of God guiding me through it all along, even when I don't sense God, He is always right there and always will be with me! What an AWESOME GOD we serve!!

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  50. I pray for healing on our children's babysitter. She has become more like another grandmother to them and she recently had polyps removed from her colon. She is a great woman and I honestly don't know what we would do without her in our lives. I'm so grateful for God sending her to us. I pray for our community that is hurting right now with a member of our EMS staff who committed suicide this weekend. He leaves behind a beautiful family and children. This lesson touched my heart because I also ruminate on problems.And I'm so thankful this came today.

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  51. Rachel,
    Phillipians 4:6 has been my mantra and "go to" bible verse for the past 2 months. I knew I needed to learn to trust God and not myself to understand some situations going on my life. I had to learn to ask God daily in prayer for what I needed and thank Him for what I have. It is a very hard thing to do, and I still have a long way to go, but what a relief and a joy. My daughter needs to hear these words right now to understand God "has her back" and this was the perfect reminder to send this on to her. Prayers that she receives the message well. Thank you!

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  52. I appreciate what you have written today because I have been there, seemingly trapped in the middle of my ruminations in utter despair. God gave me a plan to use in the times that I am overwhelmed that is based on the power scriptures you used today. I think and ruminate over scriptures dealing with the love and peace of the LORD and His deliverance. I put them on index cards and read them over and over, as I did this I could feel a transition in my mind. It wasn't an instant cure but you have to get out of that box that you put yourself in when you decide that you will fix the problems in your life and allow God to move in your life. Do I ever have a day where I slip? yes, but I pull out my book of index cards, my journal and my Bible,I pray, I repent and I start over. I believe that there are women and men alike who feel defeated as if there is no answer for their dilema but fear not, for our help comes from the LORD, He made us and He can fix what ails us. Thanks so much.Rhonda

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  53. Rachel, these wise words are for me today! I wasn't familiar with the word "ruminator" but realize that I am one. Thank you for the verses to meditate on. After reading what you said about having the ruminating modeled in your life, I have decided to copy this devotion and give a copy to my two teenaged daughters. And thanks for your offer to pray. Please pray for my oldest daughter, Anna, who has cronic health issues. She loves Jesus and walks with Him, but sometimes just dealing with this on a daily basis as a teenager is very hard.
    And I'll pray for the requests shared here, my heart especially goes out to Shelley who has had such a difficult year.

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  54. Thanks for today's devotional! I have an appointment with a doctor later today and could be worrying,but will be turning it over to the Lord to handle instead!

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  55. Rachel, Your devotional today is so me! I am that person. Thank you so much for the suggestions of how to overcome this. I am going thru a difficult time, and so my overthinking is in overdrive. Thank you again and please pray that God take this from me- I know He can and will. God Bless You and thanks for the wonderful devotionals!

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  56. Thank you Rachel, for this devotional today. It's just what I need at exactly the right time. I am one of those "ruminators" and am awake well into the night worrying about all the things going wrong in my life. I focus on all the things I can't do to control a situation, when I should focusing on God and all the things He CAN do. You are so right that when we give our worries over to God, there is such a peace that fills us. I am so thankful for that peace.

    I would like to ask for prayer for my teenage stepsons. I have struggled with them throughout their schooling and they are now at the point where they are failing almost all of their classes. Please pray that God puts it on their hearts to want to succeed in school and be willing to take the help they need.

    Thank you so much
    Heather

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  57. Thanks Rachel for your great devotional today. I am an overthinker, if I got paid to overthink I would be a millionaire by now. People always say I over analyze things, and I worry more than necessary. Its become a habit and sometimes I wish I could just stop myself but my mind keeps replaying stuff over and over again. I do listen to music, read the bible which helps a lot though sometimes it just feels shortlived. Sometimes I wish I could unlearn how to worry.
    Please keep sending the devotionals and God bless you for how you keep reaching out to us women. I'll end by saying my thank yous...I thank God for keeping my family safe and blessing me with one. I also thank God for loving us.

    Agi

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  58. I'm very thankful for P31 ministries because, like the bible, the devotion is always exactly what I need to hear that particular day. You know when you just open up the bible and it's just what you need to refocus and feel refreshed. That's how I feel about P31's daily devotions. And, once again, today's devotion "Don't Overthink" is exactly what I've been consumed with the past few weeks and this week hit a low point. After reading Rachel's words, now I feel normal and understand why I'm having these feelings. I have always been a worrier and prone to anxiety so realizing that I'm ruminating my concerns makes complete sense to my lost, lonely, depressed state.
    I'm so thankful for your williness to share your deepest thoughts so that we can grow and enjoy life full of God.
    Thank you!

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  59. Thank you for this post today, my heart needed this so badly! I am a CHRONIC ruminator, and this tendency has increased in the past two years as I have endured a layoff from a 23 year job and a frantic search for fulfillment. I took the first job offered to me out of worry about finances, and I try so hard to be thankful for it. My heart longs for relief from worry and regret, and it seems that I turn to Jesus on a moment by moment basis these days. I so much want to be able to not work outside the home now and care for my elderly, ill mother, but due to finances my husband is just not comfortable with me leaving the workforce. I'm searching the bible daily for encouragement, but I'm afraid that I've wasted too much time, and that it's too late for us to recover financially. Please pray for me, as I will be praying for all of you.

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  60. Thanks so much for this today. I am so thankful that God's peace is bigger than circumstances and gives us direction.

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  61. This past summer, God told me to thank and praise him for selling our house. I am tried so hard to do it. But sometimes it seems so impossible. Just because of a lot of things, and the way our city and county are raising cost, it has become very hard to stay here. And a long story why we need to move. So thanks so much for the devotional. Another reminder to turn it over to God and thank Him.

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  62. sI feel like God is speaking to my heart with every devotional that I read. It seems he knows exactly what I need to hear at the right times. I am so thankful for that. I struggle with so many situations and circumstances in my life, but through it all I know that I am beyond blessed. Both me and my child never go without even though I am currently unemployed. God always makes a way for us. Also, I am blessed with two of the best parents a person could ever have. I know that God has smiled on me and I can't express my gratitude enough. Whatever problems I face I know God is going to fix them all.

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  63. Thank you for this. I tend to overanalyze quite often and this verse will help me give my worries to God. I am thankful during this cold season for a warm home and for a loving family to share the holidays with. I pray that God continues to help my husband and I work together in our marriage.
    lucky7_ks@yahoo.com

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  64. Thanks for the timely reminder! I am a 'worrier' when I really want to be a prayer Warrior!

    Blessings!

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  65. Rachel,
    Thank you for the great post. I am thankful for my husband and two sons. I am thankful God has sent my oldest son on a mission trip to Slovakia and has been keeping him safe. I am thankful because of technology I can talk to that son at least once a week by Skype. I am thankful that my youngest son has a full ride scholarship at college, so this is one less financial burden. I am thankful for our jobs. I am thankful for all my extended family and friends. I think I could go on and on.


    God's blessings to all!
    Deb V

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  66. Thankful that I can cast all of my cares upon Him. And that His yoke is easy, His burden light :-)

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  67. I am so thankful for my salvation and God's relentless pursuit of all His lost children.
    :)

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  68. WOW! God must have really wanted me to hear His voice today! I have not been reading these and boy do I need to remember them. I have been overthinking for as long as I can remember and today has been a mountain to climb already. I am getting ready to take an airplane trip tomorrow to visit family...and I have been worrying instead of praying. I like to fly, it's all the preparations and thing such that's got me thinking too much! So, I just wanted to say thank you for reminding me to let go and let God and to give it to Him in prayer. And oh, I would love to get this book too! Thanks and God Bless you for all you do for strangers everywhere!!

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  69. Thank you so much for your devotional today!! You described me and my ruminations, and then gave me the answer to focus on instead: Don't worry, pray, and thank God for everything. This was such a blessing for me to read today after having a sleepless night due to all the over thinking I was doing. I'm a single mom and it's so easy to get caught up in the thoughts of how hard things are and how am I going to take care of everything for my daughter. I need to read this devotion every day until it is fixed in my mind!

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  70. Elizabeth G.December 01, 2010

    God's message is always on time. This is a message that I desperately needed today as I have been fretting and not praying over some decisions that my husband and I are facing for our family. He is career military looking at possibly retiring (a MAJOR LIFE CHANGE); we have four children at home with us here in Alabama, and two in college in Arkansas (where I am from). We are very torn as to what to do and where to go. Just yesterday I was speaking with a friend stating that I hoped God would smooth the path when I realized then that I had not really given it to Him to smooth. Thank you for the reminder today to stop worrying and give it to Him.

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  71. Thank you Rachel for speaking to my heart. This is the second time I have heard I was a overthinker, but it is the first time I knew what to do about my over thinking. since the first time I was told I was a over thinker I put that information in my brain and then realized that no matter what I tried to realize the outcome of a certain situation ultimately God was in control. So from that realization of releasing control I thought of all the times God had and still is carrying me through all the situations in my life. The person that told me this did not use scripture, so it is a blessing to my soul today to have scripture in front of me to have a solid ground. Thank you and God Bless.
    Brenda

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  72. Thank you so much for your blog today. I am an overthinker and worry about things. Your message today really touched my heart because my husband and I were just dealing with a very stressful situation and I really do need God's peace and to not worry about this matter. May God bless your day,

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  73. Thank you for your devotion today. It is something that I struggle with. God seems to use this devotion to get my attention. Thank you for sharing what is in your heart. I appreciate all that you and your fellow writers do every day. Have a very Blessed and Merry Christmas!

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  74. Rachel,

    Good Morning! How are you? Thank you so much for this devotional on this topic that always gets me down. I try and tell myself to overcome things or let things go, but I continue to dwell on whatever the subject might be. Even though the longer I think on the subject, the more likely I am to feel down and depressed or even angry.

    I printed out this devotional, so I can remind myself of Who is in charge and will take care of me...no matter how much overthinking I do.

    Thank you again!

    Have a Blessed day!


    Deborah

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  75. I just want to thank you for today's Proverbs 31 devotional. It was something I needed to hear today and felt like God was speaking directly to me through you. I moved to Atlanta, GA over seven years ago from San Diego and have had a hard time adjusting to my life here. I've been wanting to move back to CA pretty much the minute I got here. The first two paragraphs you wrote could of been taken right out of my journal. I still can't seem to figure out why God brought me here. Nevertheless, I've tried my best to make lemons out of lemonade and recently have finally come to peace about making Atlanta my home. Then suddenly two nights ago my husband got a phone call from the president of his company saying that they need to transfer him to Kansas City and that he would need to start in two weeks. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I feel like it just has. But after reading your devotional today I realized that I need to "not worry about anything, pray about everything and thank God for everything." I know that it is only through Him that I will find peace, the kind of peace "that makes no earthly sense!" Thank you for that important reminder.

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  76. Rachel,

    I have been getting the devotionals for about 3 weeks now---don't remember how I found out about this site???

    But, I have been so blessed, and reminded daily, what it means to love and serve a great God!

    Today's devotional is such an awesome reminder that God is in control,and we can "give" it all to Him to have peace in such a troubled world!

    Thanks, and may God bless this site for His glory for years to come!
    Susan in Arizona

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  77. Thank you for you devotional today! I needed it so badly! I overthink everything! It is as if you took the words right out of my mind and mouth!

    I am leaving my words of thanksgiving - I am grateful that God loves me enough to care if I am headed in the right direction. I am thankful that even when I am way of course, he finds me, gets my attention, and sets me on the right path. That is how I feel today after reading your words. I hear him whisper - "Let me have it! I can handle it, you can't".

    Today I will meditate on the scripture you provided and Jeremiah 29:11 - remembering that even at this stage in the game, God has a plan for my life! Thank you and God bless you always!

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  78. My husband's saying is, "You must think at all times." We kid him about this. And I know what he means. But now it's funny because my husband and boys are telling me that, "I am over thinking things." Today I woke with the need to pray. Right now (as everyone) we are in need of a financial blessing. And I know the Lord will make a way for us. He Always does. But I have to say, without "writing you an entire book," your encouragement for Today from CrossWalk.com spoke LOUDLY to me. I have been baptized in Jesus Name for over 20 some years. My husband is an ordained minister. We have a home church. But even living with Jesus & for him for all these years, we are still in "the flesh." So the cares of the world can bring you down & make you "over think" things. I wish you knew how grateful I am for having the Lord use you today to minister to me today. God Bless...Jo-Ann

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  79. Thanks for the devotional-That's one of my statements of thankfulness. I, too, obsess when I should stop and turn it all over to God-let Him handle the big stuff and the small stuff.

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  80. Our house has been on the market for 2 years now. We had to move before it sold. We have done everything humanly possible to sell it, our only hope is in the Lord. Please pray for the selling of our home to be a blessing for the buyers as well as us. Thank you.

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  81. Rachel, when I read your devotion it felt like you and I had coffee together this morning and I told you about my feelings...my ruminations...It's not that I do it all the time, but just sometimes..God spoke through you today to me very loud and clear....Thank you for your devotion, thank you for taking the time to write about it...It surely touched my heart and my life. Thank you Lord for people like Rachel.

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  82. We are moving 550 miles at Christmas. Three cats, 2 little kids! Did I mention it will all happen at Christmas time?! My house in Georgia has not sold- or rented out yet! Major stress and worry builds. But I know God has answered prayers and provided this new job for my husband and provided a house to rent in Ohio and even some new friends to call on up there. God is good and great!! I am trying hard to have praise and thanksgiving in each of my days but the stress and worry easily creep in. Please pray for the house to sale and for peace in this time.

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  83. God just spoke directly to me through your words. The last few days have really been a struggle. Thanks for the encouragement.

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  84. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that I can stay home with my children and watch them grow, although I wish I could make them slow down. Thank you so much for this post. I definitely do this all of the time and the power verse should be a real life saver for me from now on. EM

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  85. Rachel: Thank you for today's devotional, and for all that you do to encourage your sisters-in-Christ. You are a blessing to me and I give thanks to God for you. The power verse you cited is one of my heart verses, and it brought me through some very dark times in my past. However, I always struggled with how to give thanks to God in all things. Last year, I was memorizing these words for Scripture recitation, and God called me to see it in a new way that I wanted to share. Look at Philippians 4:4-5, for I believe this is where this section of Scripture should be started, with the action key for how accomplish the rest. Paul instructs us "Rejoice in the LORD always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The LORD is at hand." (NKJV) Are you anxious? Rejoice in the LORD! Are you having trouble praying in thanksgiving? Rejoice in the LORD! Do you struggle to stay in God's peace? Rejoice in the LORD! Joy, like love, is a decision we are all called to make. Choose this day to rejoice in the LORD!

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  86. 'Overthinking' - what a great term! I often feel I'm literally 'worrying' at stuff like a dog worries a bone - I just CAN'T let go! So this reminder of Philippians 4:6 was brilliant.

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  87. eziaha iwueke.December 01, 2010

    hello, Rachel,
    I just want to thank you for letting God speak to me through you and this devotional, this is truly a blessing, for about a week now i have been worrying, and stressing about how i will save up enough money for my wedding in may.God has blessed me in so many ways, i have a very secure job, i have a God fearing , born-again man of God as my fiance, who unfortunaltely is unemployed at this time, we are nigerians, im here in the states and hes in nigeria,he just finished grad school a year ago and has not been able to get a job, so i have been thinking about how we will be able to afford our wedding, yesterday i was on the phone with him,crying and trying to apply for a 2nd job,and so i woke up in the middle of the night due to a bad dream and called him and we talked and he prayed with me, so this morning, i was checking my email and came across todays devotional,and realized i have been doing everything ,except for praying and leaving it to God, so i just want to thank you sooo much , i just felt like this was God telling me, hello, hello, you havent asked for my help.thank you sooo much again, and may God continue to bless as you bless and touch lives out there like mine.i know this is really long , but thank you sooo much.

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  88. Kelly kpruitt@charcamp.comDecember 01, 2010

    Thank you Rachel! I am so thankful that God puts these messages in His Word for us to use as comfort and guidance!

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  89. You are so right Rachel! I always thought it was my responsibility to take apart God's word and see what practical application every bit by bit. Ruminations, maybe it should be ruinations....

    Even as I was reading the last part of the power verses, I heard Paul saying, everything you learned, received, heard, saw me do, do that. And I thought...."Hmmm, can I say that about my life? I need to do more to be more like Christ...."then I stopped and laughed, out loud. There I go again! That was what I was drawn to in that verse, not the don't worry, pray, give thanks. You are right it will take some retraining but I am starting right now.

    I have just gone through a very stressful situation where I didn't even want to live, just wanted to dissolve away and then maybe people would just forget I had even existed. I see how wrong I was for my God controls life and death! He is life!

    Therefore, I am thankful for the beautiful day God has given me. I'm thankful for those anointed women of God, like yourself, who can say the "hard things" with a smile on their face! I'm thankful that I do have family and friends who love me and want to see me succeed.

    Blessings to you this day-

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  90. Thank you so much for the reminder today, Rachel. I sure have a lot on my plate that i could "ruminate" about but i choose to do as the verses say once again. I am so grateful that I can trust in my Daddy God and rest in His arms. He goes before us and prepares the way.
    Prayer request: Financial provision (we are behind on everything and my husband will soon be taken off work i'm sure for medical reasons). Also for our 17 year old son whom we prayed demons out of recently (yes, they actually manifested and we took the authority given by Jesus to command them to leave) but he has given them access again.
    Thank you so much, Sharon

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  91. I know I need prayer for my relationship with my brother and his wife--it is broken, and they are NOT interested in peace. They have a son who I'd like to be close to, but I don't see how it will work out.

    Also--I tend to ruminate about finances. God always makes everything okay in the end, but it doesn't seem to stop the worrying each paycheck. Thanks be to God--my husband and I are both working, and I work a full time job with benefits in only a 32 hour workweek.

    I am thankful for my beautiful, albeit rambunctious almost 2 year old son. We didn't think we would get to have any kids--he is a blessing!

    Thank You Jesus, for Your saving work in my life!

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  92. Rachel,
    As I began to read the devotion today I thought you were talking about me.I had just written in my journal that the Lord had reminded to forget about the past and that He was beginning a new work in me. You see I'm 54 and have recently become an empty nester. The scriptures from Philipians were just what I needed to hear. I'm thankful for the Father's unconditional love and how he is continually wooing us back to Him when we've gone astray.
    My prayer request is for a young wife and mother who tried to take her life 10 days ago. She has been battling depression. I ask for prayer that the LOrd would reveal himself to her and her husband and strenthen them as they start the journey to healing.
    God Bless, Grace:)

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  93. God has you used you in a very powerful way today, Rachel. I am very thankful for that. This devotional was something I needed. I have been overthinking everything. I keep replaying situations in my mind trying to figure out what I did wrong and how I could have fixed it.

    Right now, I am trying to make decisions for my life. I recently graduated from graduate school and am looking for full-time employment. I am having a hard time figuring out what God has made me to do.

    As I read through the comments, I see that I'm not the only one worrying about the same things. I'm glad I'm not alone. But, I can't wait to look back at all of this after God has overcome it all and say the same thing. He is a great God and will take care of us. He always does.

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  94. Great lesson! I can relate in SO many ways. Sometimes I just need to be reminded to give it all to God. Thank you!

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  95. Thank you, I so needed this today!

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  96. Rachel- A friend from my Bible study group sent me your column for today - about over-thinking things. That is exactly what I tend to do. I am facing MRIs tomorrow, to measure growth / shrinkage of brain and spinal cord tumors. I am anxious over the test itself, as well as the results.
    I try to put it in God's hands, but keep pulling it back from Him. Thanks for reminding me to quit over-thinking everything.
    May you be blessed in your continued efforts to reach out to others.

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  97. I am a worrier by nature, so this post hit home for me. Thanks so much for sharing this message at a time when I really need to hear it.
    Maria
    mariambennett@gmail.com

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  98. This really hit home for me. This just happened to me yesterday. I started to worry about something, then after talking to my husband, we decided to just pray about it. God came through and it was worked out today.

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  99. What timing - I made a stupid mistake at work today and I've been dwelling on it (ruminating?)ever since. I don't want to make the same mistake again, but I can give it to God and then stop rehashing it in my mind and get on with the rest of my work. I could feel those late-night feelings in myself as I read your words.Thank you for the insights and help.

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  100. I am new to Proverbs 31 and love all the new links I am finding. It is so refreshing and feeds me everyday!!! Your book looks like a must have...at this time I am unemployed so will buy a copy for a wonderful friend first. Then for me. I def will be doing so tho. Thank you for your blog....awesome!

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  101. Thank you for this devotional..I think this hits home with everbody in todays society.we need all need to rely on God more, give thanks to Him, and give our worries to Him!!! - Amy

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  102. Hi Rachel,
    thanks a lot for todays devotional I heard the God´s voice so clear! I am going through different tough situations in the last time which makes me worry. I felt lost, overwhelmning and started to over-think my issues. I did not see my way so well and was asking God quite often what he wants me to do. I cried to Him if he can do something because I was feeling I am not able to bear it so long...God answered me and spoke to me in the last few weeks through different people, preachings, situations... I relised I need to turn back close to Him, pray in every spare time, rejoice and be thankful for every single moment, fill my mind and soul with his Word and listen to worship music...
    It realy helps and I am starting to be more focuse on Him than on my troubles and I am not afraid to hand them over to Him. When I read some of these comments today I felt ashamed - my troubles are not so huge how they look like, I realy is what I can thanks for - I do have job, a house, money for food and bills, I can go to the church reguraly and have fellowship with other Christians etc...Praise the Lord!

    Please pray for me that God will fill me more with His Spirit and open my heart to be able listen to his guidance.
    God bless you
    Stepana

    "Be joyful always;
    pray continually;
    give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
    1 Thessalonians 5, 16-18(NIV)

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  103. Sweet friend, your devo and this post were so needed today. Just yesterday I received calls from both the hosptial and my Dr's office about ongoing tests that I need scheduled...two separate issues following a mammogram and also a pelvic ultrasound, and of course, I want to sit and worry. You have reminded me of God's truths today. Anxiety will not change anything. Overthinking will just get me overtired, overly concerned and push me over the edge.

    I was originally going to stay home today...alone...and I know where my mind would have wandered, but instead I headed out (in the snow) and did some Christmas shopping and accomplished something worthwhile.

    My prayer request would be for these physical concerns, and for me to trust the Lord through whatever is ahead.

    Thanks for your encouragement. Trust all is well with you.
    Blessings,
    Joy

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  104. Hi Rachel,
    thanks a lot for todays devotional I heard the God´s voice so clear! I am going through different tough situations in the last time which makes me worry. I felt lost, overwhelmning and started to over-think my issues. I did not see my way so well and was asking God quite often what he wants me to do. I cried to Him if he can do something because I was feeling I am not able to bear it so long...God answered me and spoke to me in the last few weeks through different people, preachings, situations... I relised I need to turn back close to Him, pray in every spare time, rejoice and be thankful for every single moment, fill my mind and soul with his Word and listen to worship music...
    It realy helps and I am starting to be more focuse on Him than on my troubles and I am not afraid to hand them over to Him. When I read some of these comments today I felt ashamed - my troubles are not so huge how they look like. There is realy many things what I can thank for - I do have job, a place where to stay, money for food and bills, I can go to the church reguraly and have fellowship with other Christians etc...Praise the Lord!

    Please pray for me that God will fill me more with His Spirit and open my heart to be able listen to his guidance and trust Him in everything.

    Thanks to all from Proverbs 31 for your daily "working-day" devotionals - it reflects so simply and truly our daily life. It speaks to me every time.

    God bless you
    Stepana

    "Be joyful always;
    pray continually;
    give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
    1 Thessalonians 5, 16-18(NIV)

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  105. Your comments today made me turn my head and look around the room - knowing you were speaking to me. I am a ruminator!! Sometimes I am able to visualize myself turning the situation over to God - other times not so much. These are powerful words that give me focus and that I can commit to using to help me - and I am so grateful for them. Thank you. Paula

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  106. Thanks for "stepping on my toes" again. I always find what I need thru Proverbs 31.

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  107. Thanks Rachel for bring us this reminder of TRUTH.
    I am thankful for God AMAZING
    Grace that He continues to reveal in my life. So thankful I am not the woman I use to be and learning to fully embrace His new mercies every day. I am transforming little by little through the all joys and heartaches of this rollercoaster called life into God's woman.
    Blessings~
    Madelin

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  108. Girl! This afternoon I was ruminating my fool head off. Usually I read the devotional by 9:00 am, but for some reason that was not to be. Can I tell you that the first two paragraphs could have been taken from my journal! Thank you so much for the insight you have gifted us with today. I have printed out Paul's words and plan on refocusing on them this week.

    For about two years, I have truly worried myself silly about my purpose and what I am supposed to do. I have also prayed like crazy about a specific desire, but again not sure if it is fitting with His will.

    Thank you for helping me with this struggle today. I pray that now I can really focus on all the good and wonderful blessings and give this to Him.

    Thank you!

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  109. Hi Rachel,
    this is my first time blogging and I want to thank you for reminding me through the word of God that I can have peace of mind if thinking on the very things God said I could. I am an over thinker and at times I have found myself paralyzed to move forward as a result. I will stand on the word of God and I ask if you would please intecede on my behalf asking God for the strength and courage to do what He said and to think the way He said.

    God Bless You,
    TF

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  110. Thank you, I am doing this so much now about a situation I am in that came about because of a family emergency in October, time to just give it up to God, and let things happen as they should. I needed this post very much!
    Mary B.

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  111. I am praising the Lord today for good health, a warm home and a loving husband. The rest of my life could become cluttered with a multitude of "what ifs" that cloud my perspective of the good that is in my life. Yes, God is good and He knows me far better than myself so I will trust Him in my daily life and enjoy His presence of peace.

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  112. Have you been peeking into my brain or into my journal? Those thoughts are EXACTLY what plague me constantly. I always say that my spiritual gift is worrying (no, not for real, I do know what the real spiritual gifts are). I've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, so I really, really, really struggle with this. Thanks for your words of encouragement. These are god reminders!

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  113. This is SOOO a word for today!!!!!!!!! Thank you for expressing this life-transforming truth in such an easy to read, east to grab way!! PERFECT!

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  114. Let go and Let God...sounds so simple, but it is the hardest thing I have ever done (not that I have mastered it yet). When you do try it, and God "comes through" it makes it easier the next time...Letting go of my children / grandchildren was my latest goal and sometimes I am there....I will continue to believe God...

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  115. Andrea StanleyDecember 01, 2010

    I am so thankful for all the women that our part of Proverb's 31 ministry. All the resources have helped me, my friends, and family in so many sitiuations. I pray for GOD to guide me and almost everytime I start in my bible and end up on Proverb's 31 ministries website researching something! It is awesome how the LORD works. Thank you LORD for all your blessings everyday and everyway.

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  116. Thank you Rachel for this devotional! I am thankful for my amazing husband and wonderful little girl that God has blessed me with. I am thankful for my home, food, clothing, drinking water, that I can see, taste, hear, smell, and touch. I am thankful that I can read the Bible and other encouraging books. I am thankful that I have a relationship with the God of the universe through the saving power of Jesus! Thank you for reminding me of the many things that I have to be thankful for!

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  117. I have a prayer request. I am so at the end of rope in my relationship. I know the fact that I am unemployed and he only gets part time work doesn't help. My 19 year old son also lost his job and it is really hard on all of us. Tempers flaring, constant arguing. We also have a beautiful 4 year old daughter. I hate for her to go through this with us. Please pray that God will pour out more blessings than we can fathom. I have faith and I thank God in the middle of it all. God Bless

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  118. Thank you for the opportunity to chime in! I have recently lost my Mom. She knew Christ as savior and I am confident she is now enjoying His presence in all His glory. I have however been ruminating over her life and questioning some of the abusive things that happened to her. After prayer I did receive peace in knowing the simple truth that Jesus Christ was there with her through all of it. It is so precious to give everything up to our awesome God and trust Him to show us the good......... Thank you Jesus!

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  119. I am asking for prayer that I can be able to stop ruminating. It is such a hard habit to break.

    Thanks for the chance to win your book!

    pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  120. This devotion is so timely. I am in the middle of a period of anxiety. It was building up for some time with wrong thinking and not exercising my right as a child of the King. When in the middle of a time like this, it's difficult to get through, but with God's grace we can handle anything. This is what scripture tells us. Need prayer to see this through and be stronger for Christ on the other end.

    Blessing to you and for this website. God is amazing.

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  121. Hi Rachel, this was exactly what I needed to hear today, Thank you for insight to what I am doing, have always done and never could have put it this way. I do need prayer for my Day Care Center, our enrollment is down and I am behind in paying my taxes for the year. I choose to give this to God, agree with me for His peace and for Him to work it out according to His plan.

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  122. Hi Rachel! Great post! I confess that I have a tendency to overthink things sometimes. I really appreciate this post and the thoughts you shared. One thing I am so thankful for is God's Word! I love the version of Philippians 4:6-9 that you quoted.

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  123. I am grateful for life and for health. Currently I have a dear friend battling breast cancer. She just found out last week and is in stage 3. If you would pray for her too I would greatly appreciate it. Her name is Rebekah. Thank you! Our God is mighty!!
    God Bless,
    Jennifer W.

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  124. I pray because of my fear. I ask for a way to make it through the day. I pray for strength. But I have an evil that stalks me, a man who means me harm and when I feel safe he strikes. so I pray for him. But things have gotten so bad I am ill with fear. I struggle with prayer. I struggle with my faith because evil flurishes while I become ill and isolated by his work.
    I am losing my way. Each time illness takes me down and no one will help, it chips away.
    All I hear is pray. I hear I will be there for you, but in the end I am alone and everyone has an excuse for not lending a hand.
    How odd because I always reached out to help. I didn't turn away no matter what. If I am being tested I havd failed.
    I didn't ask for a miracle, just for a bit of help or someone to call and talk.
    Its sad that no one has time for the simple things. I pray they never know the loneliness and fear that criples me.
    Lord I am here waiting.

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  125. I am thankful that my husband still has a job although it has been affected by the loss of construction jobs and that our God is in control and knows what we need. I am thankful for all of the wonderful sisters at Proverbs 31.
    kareng

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  126. Never before has God spoken so clearly through someone as He did today to me through you. I was reading about myself today. Thank you! My prayer is that I'll truly claim these verses as my own and that the Holy Spirit will work in me through them so that I can shed this sinful, wasteful habit.
    I'm praising God for you and the P31 Ministry. Susie

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  127. I am thankful that I now realize what it is that I am struggling with and I am asking for prayer for it. Due to rumination, I had an argument with a friend and now we aren't speaking. I want to be free and healed of this, so I am asking for prayer.

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  128. Thank you, thank you, and thank you many times over for that devotional reminding me of the importance of remaining thankful,even through my weaknesses and and failures! It's as though you opened my heart and saw straight through me into my innermost fears and worries. You really blessed me with your wonderful take on how you see this from the Word.
    I am so thankful the God led you to write about that particular subject and further thank Him for leading me to you on such a day as this. May God continue to bless you as you continue to bless others in your ministry. Again, thank you so very much!

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  129. Thanks for this post, Rachel! Dwelling on things in life really do get people worked up and it doesn't have to be that way. I'd like to offer a book I'm reading called Comfort Healing and Joy: Secrets to living a magnificent life. Written by David Fox, M.D. it shows how to find "your bliss" and so far I haven't been able to put it down!

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  130. Wow! I was dumbfounded as I read your devotion today. I didn't know it was called "ruminating," this inclination to go into a mind warp of thinking over an issue from every angle desperately trying to "figure it out" to a point at which I can regain peace of mind again. I could relate to so much of what you personally shared. Since as young as I can remember I could "think things to death." Always trying to understand why things were they were in my life and how I could possibly make them right or better. This pattern of negative thinking, which is what it ultimately boils down too, has come and gone throughout my adult years, depending upon how much I could surrender to God. Returning from a trip to visit family this holiday weekend brought about an overthinking monsoon that spun me into a pit so swiftly that I was rendered powerless...until I finally "dumped" it all out at God. In His amazing love and grace, He steadied me but I feel shell shocked by the assault of my thoughts....then today came your devotion. And again I say, wow, how God works.....He sent me the voice of one who "gets it" and told me so gently, through your words to leave it and move on. THANK YOU. Love, a sister in Christ, Amanda

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  131. Would you please be praying for my friend, Elsa, who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a view of God such that He loves her when she does good and punishes her when she is not doing well, so this has hit her hard. Also pray that I can arrange my schedule (with a 5 year old and triplet girls 18months old) to go to Dr appts with her and just be there for her. I really feel God is challenging me to clearly share the Gospel with her -again:)
    Thanks!

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  132. Dear Rachel, your devotional spoke directly to me. I have a habit of overthinking. I know God doesn't want me to worry about anything and to pray about everything, but at times can be easier said than done. This particular scripture is very dear to me due to the fact that I first found it when I was a baby Christian going through an extreemly difficult and painful time. God delivered me through that valley and I am forever grateful for his divine intervention. No matter what difficulty we may experience, God wants us to trust him to see us through.

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  133. Good Evening! Thank you for this needed reminder. In the past when I have really let go of my worries I do experience such freeing peace. Often I look back and remember all the wonderful things God has done for me when I had thought a situation was too much. Thank you God for a wonderful resource and encouragement!

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  134. I am thankful to be able to be caregiver for my 97-yr old mother. What is most difficult right now is that her thinking processes are not functioning like they used to so she is very forgetful and easily confused. This puts extra stress on me to keep her from getting confused and upset. I thank God for being with me moment by moment as I deal with each situation. Thank you for your devotional today. May God bless you richly. Fannie in Kansas.

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  135. Thank you for the blog! It truly has touched my hear. I have a prayer request. Similar to the last one, my husband just received a job. It is a great job, but will require him to be away at some points during the week. I am not good at staying overnight without him. I need God's overwhelming peace and security to know that myself and my kids will be okay. It is a great opportunity for him and I do not want my anxiety and fear to overtake his focus. Thank you so much for your prayers.

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  136. thanks Rachel for sharing, i'm glad to know that i'm not alone in this, i used to be a worrier, but by God's grace i have managed to over come this and just like you, whenever a negative though creeps up, i sing a praise song, go to my gratitude journal and read it or write something i'm grateful to God for and i read the bible esp verses like the one you quoted in Phillipians and pray...blessings. agnes

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  137. Thank you for the devotion. These Phillipians verses are also one of my favourite verses and I always get encourgaed. The devotion was right on time and God-send message for me. As I come to the end of my employment contract at the end of the year, this afternoon I was worried and in tears; I 'again' went into an overthinking / less-prayer and self-pity episode. In tears I prayed to Jesus for His promised peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and Halelujah I got this devotion just reminding me not to worry and to focus on the great I AM, who will never leave me nor forsake me. He will (infitely) 'again' and 'again' and 'again' and 'again' and ag..........provide for me! Halelujah.
    Yes Lord I have testimony and innumerable and uncountable blessings that I am thankful of!! Forgive me Father for moments of doubt.

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  138. I really needed this reminder today. I praise God that he knows exactly what I need and provides for my needs without the worry and fret that I have a tendency to slip into.

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  139. i thank God for His hand over my life

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  140. Thank you for this word today.
    Yesterday I just became so overwhelmed with a mind that does not shut down, has to figure everything out. everything. everything. I become immobilized and end up doing impulsive things or nothing.
    My life has had so much turmoil and loss and pain, in my fifties it is still going on. Some is from my own choices, most is from others choices.
    I keep feeling like if I get to the root of what I am doing to cause it I can make it stop happening. The result is that I relive yesterdays pain while experiencing todays and anticipating tomorrows.
    In fifty plus years, the ruminating has brought nothing good, only heaps up the sorrow.
    That is my prayer request, to be free. I long to enjoy life before it is over.

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  141. i'm thankful for God's hand over my life

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  142. I thank God for being God

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  143. I wasn't able to read the devotion yesterday and i don't think i was meant to. As a single mom, times can be very hard and frustrating and worry has become too close of a 'friend' these days. Just last night i was worrying about so many things - mostly finances and then this morning i read this devotion. It stopped me in my tracks. Wow, God has a way of making things in HIS timing. Those power verses will now become my motto in life. Thank You Rachel but mostly Praise GOD for leading me at the right time and reassuring that all will be okay.

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  144. Rachel, Thanks so much for this devotional today. I am definately a ruminator. I have struggled to stop the pattern of it in my life as it does seem to be in my family. I know God is bigger than my problems! Thanks for the encouragement today.~Blessings
    sheralynne@hotmail.com

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  145. My favorite place to ruminate is in the shower. I even find myself talking outloud to the shower walls! I shake my head, trying to scramble the thoughts, pray for God to takeover my toughts and even during the prayer, I begin that horrible thinking process again! ARGH. The scriptures in Phil. have come to my attention many times during the past month, God must be telling me something. Thank you for this blog. Coming to Proverbs 31 is always just what I need. Holiday Blessings to everyone.

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  146. This devotional and your insights couldn't have come at a better time. I just found out my mom is in a dangerous relationship and my mind has been spinning ever since. I've fallen into this way of thinking for years now and I hate what it does to me. Your tips and verses are incredible and I'm going to start to put them into practice immediately in this situation. Thank you so much for listening to the Holy Spirit and writing about this topic, it came to me just in time.

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  147. I read this devotional yesterday and again today--I even printed it yesterday and read it again before bed. It is so me. I am going thru a difficult time and the constant overthinking wears me out. I am using the suggestions you gave- I so want to be free of this overthinking- I am praying about it and I know God will get me thru this difficult time in my life, as well as the overthinking. P31 daily devotions have been such a blessing to me. They are so on target with my life. Thank you so much. God Bless.

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  148. i quit my job to take care of my 2 grandchildren. one who is a sickly child with 1 kidney and a bad heart and high blood pressure and only 3 years old. this has made it extremely hard on my husband in keeping up with bills for he is 66 years old and his job is alot of very hard labor. we had an offer this month if we could have our rent by the tenth of the month they would lower it from 1015.00 to 800.00 as a gift for christmas but if we can't have it by then they can't do it because of the late charges they recieve. my husband got really sick right before thanksgiving which had set us back a bit. we're extremely back on gas & electric and more bills keep piling up. God has sent us this gift of only paying 800.00 this month but can you also pray along with my family that we can have it before the 10th. so it will ease so much of a burden of finances. i know God will provide and i don't think He sent a blessing like this unless it could be provided. thank you so much.

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  149. Dear Anonymous with the 2 grandkids and the rent due ... how much more do you need by Dec. 10th?

    I will pray for you, just as I'm praying over every person and every request left here.

    ~ Rachel

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  150. Please pray for my family and our financial situation....without going into detail we could really use prayers. It's very stressful worrying about paying bills any time; especially during this season.

    Amy V.

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  151. Please pray for me. For several days in a row I have been struggling to get up my mental energy -- I feel tired, sluggish, unable to think or concentrate or focus on tasks at hand. I feel like I'm walking in a haze, as in a dream. Might be peri-menopause, though I'm only 41...

    Tina Gilbert
    daisy_lore@yahoo.com

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  152. I am a devoted "overthinker". Thanks for this devotional. I needed to hear this in a big way today.

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  153. I'm trying to find the words...

    I've had one of the worst weeks ever this week. Both of my daughters were along for the brunt of it. One of them (along with me) have a tendency to ruminate on every single situation.

    It's madness!

    Neither of us have been able to sleep or feel peace because we're consumed with the crummy stuff happening.
    I'm so thankful to see this week end...but still afraid to go back to work next week.
    (Work/school is my prayer request)

    We need God's Holy blanket of protection. Satan has his snares all around us in that place.
    2 Tim 1:7 is my cling to verse right now.

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  154. It has not been a good week. I am dealing with some medical issues. An xray led to a CT scan which led to a PET scan which reveal areas of concern according to the doctor. Just received this news at 4 on Friday afternoon. I am to return to doctor on Monday and they want to do more tests. I am scared, worried and it is all I can think about. I want to turn this over to God to and have faith he will see me through this, but it is so difficult. I will try to pray instead of worry. Needing the comfort and strength of God.

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  155. Pray for my 85-year old mother who recently fell and broke her hip. She's in rehab but spending a lot of time over thinking. She lives alone and has been very independent. Now she is worrying about all of the what-ifs. What if she can't walk on her own again, what if she can't drive, etc. Thank you for this message that I can share with her. Let's pray that she will give her worries to God and focus on working hard in rehab.

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  156. Thank you Lord God for my loving, godly husband. I praise You for our godly marriage that You fully restored above & beyond! Thank You for saving us!! We praise Your Holy Name!!

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  157. Please prey for me. I'm falling in love with someone and sometimes I tend to overthink things about the relationship. I just need to God lead me in to his plan and not my own. If the man that I'm falling in love with is not the one for me I just ask God to be there for me. I'm so sick of getting hurt. God I love you and please help me get through this hard time in my life. Thank you.

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  158. I'm going through some health issues and had doctors telling me it was all in my head, sadly they were wrong. But now I keep rethinking and I need to move forward. I came across this blog post by doing a google search for "Bible Verse with the word ruminate." Thank you so much for your blog I am so encouraged by it. I ruminate over EVERYTHING.
    Moe

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