Procrastination is a sneaky beast. It can masquerade as a helpful friend, telling you that you can always do the task tomorrow, that you need a break from all the hard work, or that you’ll start after this show is over—only to still be glued to the screen three hours later.

You Must Recognize the Sabotage

Think about it. Every time you put off a task that you need to do to achieve your goal, you’re taking a step back. You’re losing ground and making it harder for yourself to get where you want to go. Before you know it, the small delays and setbacks add up, and you’re left feeling discouraged and defeated. It’s time to stop sabotaging your goals and start living the life God has called you to live.

Proverbs 24:30-34 (NIV) warns us: “I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

How to Overcome Procrastination and Fulfill Your Calling

1. Get Real with Yourself and God
   Are you just feeling lazy, or is there some underlying fear holding you back? Pray and ask God to reveal the root of your procrastination. Seek His strength to overcome these barriers. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) reminds us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
2. Make a Deal with Yourself
   Promise yourself a reward for completing each task. Maybe it’s a delicious slice of pie or a night out with friends. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you’ll actually look forward to. And remember to thank God for every small victory along the way.
3. Turn it into a Game
   Make a competition with yourself to see how quickly you can complete each task. The faster you finish, the more time you’ll have for fun and relaxation. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
4. Get a Friend Involved
   Enlist a friend or family member to be your accountability partner. They can help keep you on track, and you can motivate each other to keep going. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
5. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
   At the end of the day, it’s just a task. Yes, it’s important and needs to be done, but there’s no need to stress yourself out over it. So take a deep breath, put on your favorite worship playlist, and get to work! Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) encourages us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Awaken to Your Calling

Remember, the goal is not to be perfect, but to make progress. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill His purpose for your life. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Stop sleeping on your calling. Step up and step out to be who Jesus died for you to be. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming procrastination and stepping into the divine opportunities that await you.

When it comes to making decisions, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of indecision and procrastination. The good news is that with a little effort and the right mindset, you can start thinking through decisions in a way that helps you overcome procrastination and move forward with confidence, all while seeking God’s guidance.

Decision-Making: A Process Guided by Faith

Remember, decision-making is a process, not just a one-time event. Start by breaking down decisions into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of deciding whether to change jobs all at once, begin by making a list of pros and cons, researching different job opportunities, and talking to people in your network. Seek God’s wisdom in each step, praying for clarity and direction as you move forward.

Reframe Your Thinking with a God-Centered Perspective

Reframe your thinking by viewing decisions as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as overwhelming or scary. This shift in perspective can help you approach decision-making with more positivity and confidence. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Set Deadlines and Celebrate Progress

Set deadlines for yourself to counteract procrastination. When you have a specific date or time in mind for making a decision, you’re less likely to put it off. Celebrate your progress and acknowledge your efforts when you make a decision, thanking God for His guidance and provision.

Weigh the Consequences with Prayer and Reflection

Before making a decision, consider the potential consequences. What will happen if you choose one option over another? Write down your options and the pros and cons of each. This helps you see things more clearly and make a more informed choice. Here’s an example:

Let’s say you’re trying to decide whether to go on a road trip with your friends or stay home and catch up on some work. You write down the pros and cons of each option to help you make a decision.

Option 1: Go on the road trip with your friends.

Pros:

• Spend quality time with your friends.
• Get a break from work and daily routine.
• Create new memories.
• Relax and recharge.

Cons:

• Fall behind on work.
• Spend money on the trip.
• Miss out on work opportunities.

Option 2: Stay home and catch up on work.

Pros:

• Get ahead on work.
• Avoid spending money on the trip.
• Stay on top of work opportunities.

Cons:

• Miss out on quality time with your friends.
• Get stuck in a daily routine.
• Risk burnout from excessive work.

By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your priorities and goals, while seeking God’s direction through prayer and reflection.

Seek Advice and Support from Your Faith Community

If you’re struggling to decide, don’t hesitate to talk to people you trust and respect. Ask friends, family members, or coworkers for their opinion. They may have valuable insights that can help you make a better decision. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

If decision-making is a chronic problem, consider working with a coach or mentor who can help you navigate decision-making and overcome procrastination. Look for someone who shares your faith and can provide godly wisdom.

Embrace the Power of One Change

By overcoming procrastination, the decision-making process becomes quicker and more effective. By taking small steps, reframing your thinking, seeking out support, and setting deadlines, you’ll be able to make decisions with greater ease and move forward with confidence, knowing that God is guiding you every step of the way.

Procrastination is a major contributor to job overwhelm and burnout, as it leads to a cycle of stress, anxiety, and frustration. When we put off tasks, we create a backlog of work that becomes increasingly difficult to manage. This can cause us to feel overwhelmed as we struggle to keep up with the demands of our job, eventually leading to burnout.

Understanding the Root Causes Through a Biblical Lens

The root cause of this cycle is often rooted in our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, our work, and our ability to succeed. Perfectionism, for instance, can cause us to put off tasks because we fear our work will not be good enough. Similarly, fear of failure, rejection, or criticism can make us avoid challenging tasks as we worry about the consequences of not performing perfectly. It’s a never-ending cycle that we must end.

These negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to a lack of motivation, as we feel discouraged about our ability to succeed. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) tells us, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” When we align our thoughts with God’s truth, we find that we are more than capable through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Breaking the Cycle with Faith-Based Strategies

To avoid this cycle, it’s important to identify the root causes of your procrastination, challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs, and develop strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Here are some God-centered strategies to help you overcome procrastination and prevent burnout:

1. Seek God’s Wisdom and Guidance: Start your day with prayer, asking God for wisdom and strength to tackle your tasks. James 1:5 (NIV) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts with Scripture: Replace negative thoughts with God’s truth. When you feel inadequate, remember 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
3. Set Achievable Goals and Break Down Tasks: Make a plan and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) encourages us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
4. Practice Self-Compassion and Trust in God’s Plan: Be kind to yourself and trust that God has a purpose for you. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
5. Prioritize Tasks with God’s Guidance: Focus on what’s most important by seeking God’s direction. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
6. Take Regular Breaks and Honor the Sabbath: Rest is essential to life — and I don’t say that lightly. God saw fit to rest on the seventh day, why would we think we can ignore that principle and work right on through? Exodus 20:8 (NIV) commands, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Regular breaks and rest are vital to maintaining your energy and motivation.
7. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Ensure your work does not consume all your time and energy. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
8. Cultivate a Positive Work Environment: Surround yourself with positive, supportive colleagues. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
9. Practice Self-Care as Worship: Taking care of your physical and mental health honors God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) states, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

By implementing these strategies, you can experience a breakthrough in your work life. God’s guidance and wisdom can lead you from the darkness of burnout to the light of productivity and fulfillment.

So, what we’ve learned is that procrastination is a major contributor to job overwhelm and burnout, but by aligning your actions with God’s will, you can overcome these challenges. Break down tasks into smaller parts, focus on what’s most important, and take care of yourself through God’s guidance. You can stay productive and fulfilled at work, knowing that you are walking in the path God has set for you.

That’s the beauty of overcoming procrastination – it’s a self-esteem boost just waiting to happen. When you procrastinate, you’re essentially telling yourself that you’re not capable of doing something. But when you take action and complete that task, you’re proving to yourself that you are actually capable. And that feels pretty darn good, doesn’t it?

Biblical Insights on Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination can be a form of self-sabotage, a whisper from the enemy to keep us from fulfilling our God-given purpose. But God calls us to a life of action and diligence. Proverbs 12:24 (NIV) reminds us, “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” Overcoming procrastination aligns us with God’s call to be diligent and faithful stewards of the time and talents He has given us.

Building Self-Esteem Through Action

When you overcome procrastination, you start to trust yourself more.
You’ll see that you are capable of getting things done and that
you have the power to make changes in your life.
By taking action, you’re building a stronger sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

If you’re tired of feeling down on yourself and not living up to your potential, it’s time to take control of your time and start taking action. By doing so, you’ll be building a more confident and resilient you, rooted in the knowledge that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Practical Steps with a Godly Perspective

Seek God’s Guidance in Planning: Before you make a plan for the job, seek God’s wisdom. Pray for His guidance to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. As you complete each step, thank God for the strength and wisdom He provides, boosting your self-esteem through His grace.

Celebrate Wins with Thanksgiving: Give yourself a reward and celebrate any wins you have, no matter how small. Treat yourself to a little something special or just take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come, thanking God for His faithfulness and provision. Do the happy dance you wouldn’t normally do. Fist pump like you just scored a goal. Whatever movement you do will allow your mind and body to understand that accomplishment has happened and it’s worth celebrating.

Focus on God-Given Strengths: Reflect on the unique talents and strengths God has given you. Use these gifts to serve others and glorify God. For example, if you’re good at writing, start a blog to share God’s love and truth. If you’re good at cooking, bless your friends and family with your culinary skills. Doing more of what you’re good at can increase your confidence and reinforce your identity in Christ.

Practice Self-Care as Worship: Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is a way of honoring the temple God has given you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Engage in activities like exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. Also, be kind and compassionate to yourself, showing yourself the same love and grace that God extends to you. Before you speak to the you in the mirror, verify that what you’re about to say is what you would say to your best friend. No belittling yourself. No critical spirit!

By incorporating these strategies into your life, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming procrastination and building self-esteem. Remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” So go ahead and give them a try – with God’s help, you’ve got this!

A captivated audience is not just interested and engaged; they are present, open, and receptive to the message you bring, much like hearts attuned to the Word of God. By infusing your speech with authenticity, faith, and purpose, you can transform your speaking engagements into meaningful encounters that reflect the love and wisdom of Christ. Here are some spirit-filled tips to help you become a captivating speaker that leaves a lasting impact.

Seek Divine Guidance: Pray BEFORE You Speak

Before stepping onto the stage or beginning your presentation, take a moment to pray. Ask God to guide your words, to open the hearts of your listeners, and to fill you with His Spirit. Remember, speaking with impact is not just about eloquence; it’s about being a vessel for God’s message.

Ask Questions: Engage and Connect

Jesus often used questions to engage with others, prompting them to think deeply and reflect. Similarly, ask your audience questions to generate engagement. Encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences. When they respond, acknowledge their contributions warmly, just as Jesus did. This builds rapport and makes them feel valued.

Example: “What are your thoughts on this? How do you see this principle at work in your life?”

Compliment Your Audience: Speak Life and Encouragement

The Bible tells us to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Compliment your audience sincerely, recognizing their insights and participation. This not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a positive and uplifting atmosphere.

Example: “Thank you for sharing that insight, Susan. It adds such depth to our discussion.”

Announce an Unadvertised Bonus for Sticking Around for the Whole Speech: Show Gratitude and Generosity

At the beginning of your talk, express genuine gratitude for your audience’s presence. Offer a special, unadvertised bonus for those who stay until the end. Make sure this bonus is relevant and beneficial, perhaps a resource that aligns with your message or a devotional that deepens their spiritual journey.

Example: “As a token of my appreciation, I have a special gift for those who stay with us until the end—a devotional guide that will help you grow closer to God in your daily walk.”

Paint a Picture with Powerful Emotions: Create Emotional and Spiritual Connections

Jesus used parables to connect with His audience, illustrating profound truths through simple, relatable stories. Emulate this by painting vivid pictures with your words, evoking emotions that resonate deeply. Share stories of faith, transformation, and God’s love. Use statistics and facts to support your points, but always bring it back to the heart—how it impacts lives and honors God.

Example: “Imagine the peace that surpasses all understanding, the joy that comes from knowing you are loved unconditionally by your Creator. That’s the reality we can live in every day through faith.”

Final Thoughts

Captivating speakers are not born; they are made through dedication, practice, and a heart aligned with God’s purpose. By integrating these tips, you can become an enthralling speaker who not only captures attention but also touches hearts and minds for the Kingdom of God.

Ask Questions

One way to generate engagement is to ask questions. People love giving their opinions. Ask them what they think, and when they respond, applaud them for the question they asked. Telling them it is a great question builds rapport.

God has given us the ability to communicate and connect with others. By asking questions, you not only keep your audience interested but also allow them to provide input, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. Asking questions is also a way to direct your listeners’ interest to a particular topic.

Compliment Your Audience

“Thank you for bringing up that point, Susan.”

“That’s a great question, Bill, and I am glad you asked it.”

“You must be a mind reader. That’s exactly what I was going to address next.”

Those are some compliments you can give your audience. Anything that makes a person feel good about the experience you offer will boost their interest in what you have to say. Compliment their articles of clothing or recent achievements when you meet your audience members before your presentation or make some relevant complimentary statement while you are speaking. Remember, every person is a creation of God, deserving of recognition and encouragement.

Announce an Unadvertised Bonus for Sticking around for the Whole Speech

Announce this at the beginning of your speech. Be very profuse with your thanks and express genuine gratitude for everyone attending. Then tell them you would like to show your gratitude by giving them a gift if they stick around until the end of your presentation. Make this bonus relevant to what you’re speaking about. Capturing the attention of your audience with an unadvertised reward is a pleasant surprise. Don’t discuss the details of the bonus when you announce it; let the imagination of your audience keep them engaged throughout your presentation. This approach reflects God’s generous nature and encourages anticipation and engagement.

It doesn’t have to be something exorbitant. An extra insight handout, a list of topics to write about, a brief e-book that contains more information on the topic you’re covering here.

Paint a Picture with Powerful Emotions

The best communicators will tell you to sell the sizzle, not the steak. You don’t talk about the features of the product. Instead, you focus on the benefits that trigger powerful emotions. This means creating an emotional experience as a speaker.

Tell your audience to imagine an amazing reality, reflecting on God’s promises and plans for a hopeful future. Use words that evoke emotion. If you use a statistic to prove a point, follow it up with an explanation of how that information leads to a powerfully positive experience. Paint pictures with your words. Tell stories instead of just mindlessly chattering on. The more emotions you can stir up, the more captivated your audience will be.

Embrace God’s Purpose and Persevere

Captivating speakers are not born; they are made through effort and attention to God’s guidance. Embrace the work with a can-do attitude, understanding that with God, all things are possible. By integrating these tips, you can speak God’s Truth over your audience, keeping them fully engaged and interested in your words. Remember, your ability to captivate and inspire is a gift from God, meant to be developed and used for His glory.

In our fast-paced world, maintaining a sharp memory can be challenging. Thankfully, there are simple yet effective habits you can adopt to enhance your cognitive function and keep your memory in top shape. Here are five healthy habits that can significantly improve your memory:

1. Sleep

Adequate sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. When you sleep, your brain processes and stores information gathered during the day. Lack of sleep can impair your cognitive abilities and negatively affect your memory. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body regenerate and support brain health. Plan for that downtime by allowing your active brain to release and relax up to an hour before you head to bed. It really makes a difference!

2. Exercise

Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for the brain. Exercise boosts your mood, reduces stress, and increases blood flow to the brain, all of which contribute to improved memory. Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, or even dancing can be excellent for your cognitive health. I get that this can feel awkward and even difficult, BUT, if you want something different, you have to DO something different. CHOOSE YOU! You’re worth it!

3. Limit Fatty Foods

A balanced diet is essential for your overall health – especially your BRAIN health. Consuming high levels of saturated fats can negatively impact your heart and brain – and you really don’t want that! Instead, opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods like fish, nuts, and seeds, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, are particularly beneficial for cognitive brain function. Choose well!

4. Avoid Preservatives

Certain preservatives, such as sucralose and MSG, can actually harm your brain and negatively affect your memory – you don’t have to agree with that! Choose you and your best health over easy and usual. YOU ARE WORTH IT! Reading food labels and opting for fresh, whole foods over processed ones can help you avoid these harmful additives. Your brain and body will thank you for choosing cleaner, more natural food options.

5. Hydration

Staying hydrated is vital for your overall health, including your brain. Dehydration can impair short-term memory and the recall of long-term memory. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures that your brain stays hydrated, which supports optimal cognitive function and memory performance. I get it. Drinking water has never been my favorite thing, but it is a worthy thing. Your body and your brain need you to take care of this for them. And allow me to meddle a bit here… learn to drink plain old water without fillers and flavors. I get that you’d like taste, but IF you choose additives, you MUST be super-careful to get additives that are NOT bad for you – and SO many of them out there are ridiculously bad for you, even though they tout their health benefits. Go with what God made for you.

Preparing for Catastrophic Incidents: Ensuring Memory Resilience

While adopting healthy habits can significantly improve your memory, it’s also essential to prepare for situations where drawing from memory becomes more difficult, such as during catastrophic incidents. Here are some strategies to help you maintain cognitive resilience in challenging times:

Create a Memory Toolkit

Having a memory toolkit can be invaluable during emergencies – REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT A SHAMEFUL THING! This memory toolkit can include:

• A physical notebook or digital device to jot down essential information.
• Begin use of a password manager to keep your data safe before you actually need it so you will have it to provide memory assistance if needed. WRITE the master password down someplace weird where you can find it, and give access to a trusted person.
• Photographs or visual aids that can help trigger memories.
• Contact information for family and friends.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Prayer focus will help you stay calm and focused during stressful situations – you can trust that God wants only the very best for you, that He will protect you and all that He has provided you. Putting systems and practices in place can improve your attention and working memory, making it easier to recall information when needed.

Develop a Routine

Establishing a routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability, even in the midst of chaos. Routines help reinforce memory by creating consistent patterns that your brain can rely on. Your routine may be setting up a shopping list and using it, placing an order for items you usually need. It can even be the routine of verifying your expenditures with your bookkeeping app and reconciling your bank accounts with that app.

Engage in Mental Exercises

Keep your brain active with puzzles, games, and other cognitive exercises. Activities like crosswords, Sudoku, and memory games can strengthen neural connections and improve your ability to recall information. You may FEEL like you’re goofing off, but every neuron you cause to fire in that beautiful brain God gave you is a victory to bring you to the place you need to be.

Maintain Social Connections

DO NOT NEGLECT THIS ONE!!!

Staying connected with loved ones can provide emotional support and cognitive stimulation. Regular conversations and social interactions can enhance your memory and help you feel grounded during difficult times. You can do this via social media, for sure, but getting out and about with the humans who love you is critical. You need them, and they need you.

By incorporating these healthy habits into your daily life and preparing for potential challenges before they come along, you can enhance your memory and ensure that you are better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Remember, you are SO worth it!

I was reading in Psalms 71 this morning, and the words, clean hands, pure heart kept taking over my thoughts. Mind you, those words are not in Psalms 71. So, you know, I had to go deeper. I closed my eyes and asked God what He was saying.

His answer was so simple!

Clean hands have not done the things that God despises, the sins that so easily entangle, the things that are anti-God.
Pure heart is one that does not want to do the things that God despises, the sins that so easily entangle, the things that are anti-God.

Well, all righty then. That’s nice. Seems unobtainable, though.

Except, there’s more, and it came from an unexpected source: ChatGPT. I know, I know, AI is the enemy of our souls, it’s the destruction of our nation, yada, yada, yada. Don’t check out here. You want to hear this!

I asked QuipQuill (the name ChatGPT gave me for itself) to provide a two-part image using this prompt, “On one part portray having clean, godly hands. On the other, depict having a pure, godly heart.”

And this was the reply,

Let’s create an image that encapsulates the profound concepts of purity and integrity in one’s actions and intentions, as inspired by Psalm 24:4. On one side, we’ll portray the essence of having clean, godly hands. Imagine hands held open towards the sky, surrounded by a soft, radiant light that symbolizes cleanliness and godliness. The skin tone will be natural and relatable, embodying humility and service.

On the other side, to depict a pure, godly heart, we’ll visualize a heart enveloped in a gentle, divine glow, conveying purity and sanctity. This heart will be slightly overlaid with translucent imagery of open Bible pages or a dove, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, subtly connecting the heart’s purity with divine inspiration and guidance.

Both halves will be connected by a soft, blending light, suggesting that clean hands and a pure heart are interconnected qualities that together embody a life lived in alignment with God’s will. This image will serve as a visual reminder of the importance of aligning our actions and intentions with godly principles.

First, I want you to note that I did not tell QuipQuill where those words were found. Certain words and phrases in the reply really stuck out to me:

• Purity and Integrity.
• Actions and Intentions.
• Cleanliness and Godliness.
• Humility and Service.
• Purity and Sanctity.
• Peace and Holy Spirit.
• Divine Inspiration and Guidance.

I have to tell you, in the past I have looked at the “clean hands, pure heart” phrase as a must-do. A task list, if you will. All the above list being the characteristics I would need to drum up.

THAT IS NOT TRUTH.

In Paul’s second letter to the Church at Corinth, he told them that in Christ, they were brand new. Not restored, not redirected, not realigned – new. Like Genesis-new. The same truth is for us. When we accept Christ’s salvation, we are suddenly an all new, never-before-seen us. The old nature that ruled how we behaved is dead and buried, never to be seen again.

Unless we dredge it up.

What?

Yes. When Holy Spirit enters us at salvation, the old sin nature is killed, but in our flesh we don’t realize that – and sadly, we’re not really taught that. So, when situations come up, we think back to the old us and respond in the old ways instead of looking into the new us and responding as the New Holy-Spirit-Filled Us.

If When we get a grip on this truth, life is going to change radically for us. No longer will clean hands and pure hearts seem an unreachable goal or a list of impossible tasks, it will be the place we operate from.

It’s not too late my fellow follower of Jesus! This moment is the perfect time for you to repent of believing the lie that you’re not truly an all new creation. It’s the best time to agree with Holy Spirit that you’ve been leaning on your own understanding and change to lean fully on Him. On the other side of this confession and repentance is an ease that you will never have by operating in the flesh.

Christian, you are walking on the earth, but you are also seated with Jesus in the heavens. Look there to the left and see His thorn-marked face. Look down and see those scarred hands. Then look just past Him and see the Father who loves you enough to not only send you this Savior, but to come along now and correct you. I know, it’s an odd concept to be fully here and fully there, but it’s TRUTH.

It’s time to walk in that truth.

YOU are SO worth it!

Have you ever considered that you might be overthinking things?

While carefully considering a new idea is a good thing, there comes a time when thinking about something needs to give way to action. Sometimes, though, we stall ourselves out by getting so involved in our thoughts that we never act at all. 

At what point does serious planning become obsessive overthinking? Ask yourself these questions:

How Many Times Have You Gone Over This in Your Mind?

Considering a new thought or question a few times is natural. If you’re thinking about this constantly over several hours or even days, you’re probably getting too caught up in your thoughts.

How Many Times Have You Gone Over That Conversation?

Overthinkers can’t let anything rest. If you find yourself revisiting past discussions to the point where you have every piece of dialogue memorized and analyzed, you are definitely overthinking.

Where are the Shades of Grey?

People who overthink tend to concentrate on absolutes – everything is either all one way or all another. There’s never any middle ground. There’s no and. If you can’t find the shades of grey, you are overthinking things.

How Important is What Other People Think?

This goes back to the idea of repeating conversations in your head. Typically, we obsess over what the other person said because we’re worried about their opinion of us. If you’re concerned about how the world sees you, you’re already in trouble. The truth of the matter is that at this point, you’re thinking about them far more than they’re thinking about you. Why?

What is the Motivation?

If you’re spending a lot of time trying to figure out why people are doing something, you’re venturing into dangerous territory. Unless you’re wanting to find out something positive (such as how they did something you want to emulate), you’re wasting your own time. What does it matter if they chose to do a sure thing? Unless it impacts you directly, it’s really none of your business. It’s not up to you to make decisions for them — unless you’re talking about your minor children.

How Are You Sleeping and Eating?

You knew I’d ask this one. If racing thoughts are keeping you up at night, you are overthinking, plain, and simple. Bedtime is when you’re supposed to let go of everything and allow yourself — mind, body, and spirit — to rest. If your mind is constantly in the overthink cycle, you won’t make good decisions about your eating habits. For your health, it’s time get control of the racing thoughts!

Whenever you allow yourself to be caught up in a spiral of worry and anxiety, you’re allowing your thoughts to take control of your day. You become a victim of circumstance. The situation happens to you rather than you happening to the situation. Over time, your thoughts will take over your life, keeping you from the things you desire. When this happens, it’s definitely time to take a solid step back so you can restore the appropriate balance once again.

There are days we’d rather not go through. Let’s face it, we all go through times of intense stress and worry. The kind of worry that won’t stop, won’t let up, and won’t let you think about anything else.

The concept of unwinding at all in these circumstances can feel impossible. At the same time, it’s during these bad days where we need to unwind more than ever.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at five tips designed to help you unwind even when your worry won’t stop.

Start By Getting Back into the Moment

Worrying is living in the future. We’re caught in a world of ‘what if’ and speculation. This is why it’s crucial to get back into the here and now. Mindfulness or meditation can help you focus on where you are right now. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Don’t allow thoughts to intrude — just breathe in, breathe out. Move on to allow yourself to drift, thinking only about what you hear or smell. It doesn’t have to take long. Just a few minutes of focused thinking will help you to unwind significantly.

Are You Being Reasonable?

What are you worried about most often? Is this a reasonable worry? Sometimes all we need to unwind is a quick reality check. You might be overthinking things. If you’re not sure that you see the situation clearly, this might be a good time to talk to someone else about what’s going on. Do they see things the same way? Allow them to share freely with you the way they see the situation.

Let Go

There are some things you simply won’t be able to change about what’s going on right now. Remind yourself that whatever is happening is just another piece of this particular moment of your life – it is not your whole life. You will get through it. You’ll find it easier to relax if you can release what is out of your control.

Forget Being the Fortune-Teller

Sometimes when we’re worried, we fall into the trap of thinking things are very black and white. They aren’t. There are all sorts of factors and nuances that you can’t see nor predict. Generally speaking, things are seldom as bad as we imagine them to be. Take that deep breath and let the situation unfold as it will without trying to predict the future. 

Ask: What Are You Telling Yourself?

Sometimes we get in the habit of seeking out the negative, especially when it comes to ourselves. Could it be that you’re worried about something that isn’t even true? Consider the words you use when talking to yourself. If you’re using more negative than positive phrasing, change your self-dialogue to more positive statements. Be as kind to you as you would be to your friend. It’s a lot easier to unwind when you’re not beating yourself up all the time.

These tips might not necessarily solve the crisis in your life, but they’ll help you to put the most difficult times into a better perspective, allowing you to at least take some time to breathe and figure out the next steps. 

Truly, you’ve got this!