As a Christian entrepreneur, overthinking can become a constant struggle – especially if we wear many hats, face big decisions and carry heavy responsibilities in our work. When faced with launching a new product, expanding a business or completing a writing project, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by every potential obstacle and problem.
Even if they’re imaginary.
For years, I struggled with overthinking that led to sleepless nights, worry and poor decisions. I still struggle from time to time and lay in bed pondering all sorts of worrying outcomes that may not actually have a chance of becoming reality, but in the past it was way worse. When faced with new opportunities or challenges, I would run through endless scenarios in my mind, trying to anticipate every possible obstacle or problem.
This excessive worrying took a toll on my health, relationships and productivity. The turning point came when I realized I needed help beyond my own thoughts.
The antidote is keeping our priorities straight – putting God first and trusting Him with our anxieties.
I know, duh, right? But I “knew” the peace of God surpasses all understanding, but sometimes… it would take a rude awakening (see what I did there?) to to tap into that.
As entrepreneurs, we rely on our own abilities and effort, but prayer and faith remind us that true success comes from God. The Bible promises that when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).
Handing my concerns over to God through prayer brought a sense of peace and calm that my mind alone could not achieve. Often times if and whenever I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t fall back to sleep because my mind is racing, usually opening my Kindle Paperwhite (so I could read in the dark and not wake up my wife) and reading something spiritual often puts my mind at ease and helps me at least gain peace again, and usually fall back to sleep.
Prayer and faith give us a new perspective
We are not alone in facing life’s difficulties. With God by our side, we gain confidence to make decisions and move forward instead of becoming paralyzed by what could go wrong.
This shift in perspective frees us – we no longer try to control every outcome through planning and preparation. As Christian entrepreneurs, we are called to run our race looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2), trusting Him to guide our steps and bless our efforts.
Trusting in God’s perfect will and purposes frees us from constantly second-guessing our choices and regretting the past. Faith provides an assurance that whatever path we take, God can work it for good!
For me, this shift in perspective has been life-changing – I no longer try to control every possible outcome through endless planning and preparation.
Instead, I hand my worries over to God and seek clarity through prayer. When anxious thoughts creep in, I pray for help rather than get lost in endless cycles of thinking and rethinking.
God is Your Business Partner!
The next time overthinking threatens to paralyze you – whether facing a challenging client, budget issues or writer’s block – I encourage you to pause, pray and refocus on God’s faithfulness. Take 20-30 minutes out of your schedule and just close your eyes, meditate on him, put on some soaking music if that’s your thing, and … let Him calm you. Put your trust in the One who sees the big picture and wants to prosper you (John 10:10).
You may think that you’re so busy you can’t stop to pray, but let me tell you– prayer collapses time. In that moment of quiet solitude God can fight for you and accomplish something in the Spirit that wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t take a moment to pause and rest in him.
When you do, you’ll gain a renewed sense of peace, perspective and freedom to overcome overthinking as an entrepreneur for Christ.
Check out an old episode of the Fire On Your Head podcast where I discussed some of these ideas with Jeremy Mangerchine.
Check out this article on Josh Khachadourian’s site from his recent interview with Ray Edwards on Partnering with God in Your Daily Life (including business).
