Overthinking.

[Duke of Stratford]

Another day of overthinking and being scared that I'm not overthinking. I think I drive myself away from the gospel just by thinking too much. I'm so worn out by the am-I-sinning-or-am-I-not and you're-a-terrible-complacent-Christian thought trains. I get like this and I find no joy in anything. I just feel tired and like garbage. Like if I get something wrong I should never call myself a Christian. I just feel bad about a million things and every bit of comfort I come to is ripped out of my hands within days. Just feel like a burnt-out hypocrite.

 

[friend of]

At least you care. Some people get so burnt out they don't care anymore.

 

[Pavel Mosko]

Another day of overthinking and being scared that I'm not overthinking. I think I drive myself away from the gospel just by thinking too much. I'm so worn out by the am-I-sinning-or-am-I-not and you're-a-terrible-complacent-Christian thought trains. I get like this and I find no joy in anything. I just feel tired and like garbage. Like if I get something wrong I should never call myself a Christian. I just feel bad about a million things and every bit of comfort I come to is ripped out of my hands within days. Just feel like a burnt-out hypocrite.

IS this an INFP thing? Maybe some self care like below might help ?

As an INTJ I can say most of the time, I don't have a trouble with overthinking, but maybe underfeeling sometimes on things like guilt etc.



INFP Self-Care
INFPs are known for their compassion, creativity, and rich imagination. These types are often artists, writers, or counselors. Improving the world and finding creative forms of self-expression are vitally important to them. Self-care is extremely important for INFPs, because they tend to have high stress levels, and according to the MBTI® Manual, they tend to have higher instances of depression than many of the other types. It’s very important for them to get regular alone time, time for creativity, and time to reflect on their emotions and explore their own interests and desires.

Self-Care Ideas for INFPs:
– Take some time to write, whether it’s journaling or creative writing.
– Get lost in a favorite book!
– Cancel non-essential responsibilities and enjoy some quality alone time.
– Spend time with animals.
– Visit an art museum.
– Create art, even if you’re not a pro at it.
– Listen to music.
– Catch up on sleep.
– Take a quiet walk in nature and notice all the beauty around you.

Self-Care for Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

 

[DebbieJ]

The first step is to accept you're a sinner. Everyone is a sinner. It's old news. Everyone sins in their thoughts and deeds.

The second step is to know that you have a savior who died for your sins. Confess your sins, forgive others who have sinned against you, and move on. Your sins are forgiven and you're cleansed. You start on a new fresh page of your notepad. You'll sin again of course, it's only normal. You do the whole process again, until you find acceptance that you're sinner in need of a savior. It will come to a point that you're finally be free.

Confess, forgive, and move on. Repeat the process.

 

[Dansiph]

I get like this and I find no joy in anything.

I once heard that JOY = Jesus, Others, You in that order. Seems like good advice but it's hard to put into practice. I think if you can turn your overthinking into thinking about Jesus and others it'll start to impact you positively? You can't think about Jesus and others too much!

 

[Aussie Pete]

Another day of overthinking and being scared that I'm not overthinking. I think I drive myself away from the gospel just by thinking too much. I'm so worn out by the am-I-sinning-or-am-I-not and you're-a-terrible-complacent-Christian thought trains. I get like this and I find no joy in anything. I just feel tired and like garbage. Like if I get something wrong I should never call myself a Christian. I just feel bad about a million things and every bit of comfort I come to is ripped out of my hands within days. Just feel like a burnt-out hypocrite.

Who is in control of your life? It sounds very much like you are. That is a big mistake. Whose job is it to tell you whether or not you are sinning? Hint. It's not you. You are being condemned. Yet the Bible tells us that there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. Love rejoices in the truth. When we start listening to the devil, we for sure will have no joy in our hearts. The Christian life is Christ Himself. When the devil can find fault with Jesus, then he has the right to accuse you. Even when you sin (you will) then we can plead the blood of Jesus, confess your sin and you will be clean again.

Most people don't realise that the worst sin is doubt and unbelief. It means that we are doubting the character and power of God. Confess your sin, accept God's forgiveness, fix your eyes on Jesus and trust God's promises without any "buts". You no longer matter. You died with Christ and you were raised up to new life. There is nothing wrong with your new life! Sure, there is an outworking of that. But you can see where constant self analysis is getting you. Start with the finished work of Christ on the cross and go from there! Recommended reading: "The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee. If you let the truth in that book get established in your heart, you will be transformed.

 

[Going_Nowhere]

You know what my problem would be? Underthinking.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

We are cautioned not to yoke an ox with an ass. If we are yoked to Jesus guess which one is the ass? Don't be an ass; pull along with the ox.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

Who is in control of your life? It sounds very much like you are. That is a big mistake. Whose job is it to tell you whether or not you are sinning? Hint. It's not you. You are being condemned. Yet the Bible tells us that there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. Love rejoices in the truth. When we start listening to the devil, we for sure will have no joy in our hearts. The Christian life is Christ Himself. When the devil can find fault with Jesus, then he has the right to accuse you. Even when you sin (you will) then we can plead the blood of Jesus, confess your sin and you will be clean again.

Most people don't realise that the worst sin is doubt and unbelief. It means that we are doubting the character and power of God. Confess your sin, accept God's forgiveness, fix your eyes on Jesus and trust God's promises without any "buts". You no longer matter. You died with Christ and you were raised up to new life. There is nothing wrong with your new life! Sure, there is an outworking of that. But you can see where constant self analysis is getting you. Start with the finished work of Christ on the cross and go from there! Recommended reading: "The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee. If you let the truth in that book get established in your heart, you will be transformed.

Thanks again, Pete. When I return to the cross, things do get better. I'm feeling a lot better now than when I posted this. I can only pray God forgives me for being so erratic. It can be hard to feel like you're forgiven, like a new creation, when you feel just how sinful you can be.

The curse of things that are in a gray area! I'll see a perspective on doing something that makes me feel really guilty, then I feel bad that I feel so worked up about something that shouldn't matter. It's a vicious cycle of introspection. I try to give it to God, but I'm always tempted to go back to whatever's bothering me. I guess that's a form of distrust? I just have to let Him have it and detach for a bit. Something to work on, huh?

I'll look into Nee's book. Thank you again for taking the time to respond to silly me. You have a wonderful gift for speaking truth that's both encouraging and to-the-point.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

I once heard that JOY = Jesus, Others, You in that order. Seems like good advice but it's hard to put into practice. I think if you can turn your overthinking into thinking about Jesus and others it'll start to impact you positively? You can't think about Jesus and others too much!

Thank you for the advice! I think it might be a good idea to look for more ways to serve. It's a little hard right now with COVID, but I think being active and working for the Kingdom is a really good way to break the cycle of introspection.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

IS this an INFP thing? Maybe some self care like below might help ?

As an INTJ I can say most of the time, I don't have a trouble with overthinking, but maybe underfeeling sometimes on things like guilt etc.



INFP Self-Care
INFPs are known for their compassion, creativity, and rich imagination. These types are often artists, writers, or counselors. Improving the world and finding creative forms of self-expression are vitally important to them. Self-care is extremely important for INFPs, because they tend to have high stress levels, and according to the MBTI® Manual, they tend to have higher instances of depression than many of the other types. It’s very important for them to get regular alone time, time for creativity, and time to reflect on their emotions and explore their own interests and desires.

Self-Care Ideas for INFPs:
– Take some time to write, whether it’s journaling or creative writing.
– Get lost in a favorite book!
– Cancel non-essential responsibilities and enjoy some quality alone time.
– Spend time with animals.
– Visit an art museum.
– Create art, even if you’re not a pro at it.
– Listen to music.
– Catch up on sleep.
– Take a quiet walk in nature and notice all the beauty around you.

Self-Care for Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Well, I am indeed an INFP, so maybe! I think, at the end of the day, it's ultimately an introspective mindframe coupled with anxiety issues. Currently looking into counseling for the latter.

These are good suggestions for just getting out of my funk, though. I took some time to play a little music and it was helpful. And taking time to read/write is a good way to divert my thoughts from looping introspection to something a little more constructive.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

You know what my problem would be? Underthinking.

A good point. Over and under...so hard to find the balance, isn't it?

 

[sunshineforJesus]

I have an over thinking problem too,because of O C D.For example a month or
so ago a friend of mine blocked me on facebook cause I was too clingy with her,Even though ive asked her forgiveness and we are still friends sometimes thoughts about what Ive done wrong keep me up at night as well as thoughts of better times. You can only imagine how much I beat myself up during these times though.

 

[Duke of Stratford]

I'm so sorry to hear about that...it's so terrible when your brain just plays all your insecurities on loop. I'm really sorry you're going through this. Prayers. <3

 

[Pavel Mosko]

Well, I am indeed an INFP, so maybe! I think, at the end of the day, it's ultimately an introspective mindframe coupled with anxiety issues. Currently looking into counseling for the latter.

Anxiety is the killer. The few times I really over think obsessively to the point of not being able to make a decision has come from anxiety.

 

[sunshineforJesus]

I'm so sorry to hear about that...it's so terrible when your brain just plays all your insecurities on loop. I'm really sorry you're going through this. Prayers. <3

Thanks so much and I will be praying for you too.

 

[Bobber]

Thanks again, Pete. When I return to the cross, things do get better. I'm feeling a lot better now than when I posted this. I can only pray God forgives me for being so erratic. It can be hard to feel like you're forgiven, like a new creation, when you feel just how sinful you can be.

I think Jesus would say to us my capacity to forgive you isn't a problem....as long of course as you choose to forgive others. Lord, (others have said) how many times should we forgive someone???....Surely 7 times would be enough right Lord?? Matt 18:22 Um...Nope....not 7 times...but 70 X 7 which makes that 490 times and that's all in one day! Also consider. Would Jesus tell us to do something he isn't willing to do? I don't think we could be better at LOVE then him? Do you? You do believe he is our perfect example right?

And it seems to me you really do from your heart want to please God. Then give him joy! How can you do that? Here's one way.....come BOLDLY to the throne of grace to receive his grace and mercy in your time of need! You might say well that would bring me joy....a...more so him! You see he just LOVES to restore things just LOVES too! I'm glad I'm one of those things and you're one too! Take courage, fear not and rejoice!

 

[Broken Fence]

Another day of overthinking and being scared that I'm not overthinking. I think I drive myself away from the gospel just by thinking too much. I'm so worn out by the am-I-sinning-or-am-I-not and you're-a-terrible-complacent-Christian thought trains. I get like this and I find no joy in anything. I just feel tired and like garbage. Like if I get something wrong I should never call myself a Christian. I just feel bad about a million things and every bit of comfort I come to is ripped out of my hands within days. Just feel like a burnt-out hypocrite.

Is there anyway you can do what you think you should to not feel that way?