Trusting God Without the Complications

I’ve always had a habit of overthinking—analyzing every decision, worrying about every outcome, and second-guessing even the simplest things. I could take a simple truth, like “God loves you” or “Trust Him with your burdens,” and somehow turn it into a mental maze. I’d think, But what if I mess up? What if God’s disappointed in me? What if I make the wrong decision?

What should have been simple faith became a complicated, exhausting battle. Instead of trusting God with my worries, I tried to control and figure everything out on my own. But God’s Word gently reminded me that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does.

In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), we’re told: “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.” It doesn’t say we need to have every detail figured out. It simply says to trust Him and let Him do the guiding.

The Problem with Overthinking

1. It Distracts Us from God’s Simple Truths

When we overthink, we complicate what God intended to be simple. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). But instead of coming to Him, we often wrestle with our thoughts, thinking we have to “solve” our problems before bringing them to God.

2. It Keeps Us Stuck in Fear

Overthinking is often rooted in fear—fear of making the wrong choice, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God doesn’t want us to be paralyzed by fear. He wants us to trust Him, even when we don’t have all the answers.

3. It Blocks Us from Experiencing God’s Peace

Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Overthinking happens when we hold on to our worries instead of handing them over to God. But peace comes when we let go and trust Him.

What I’ve Learned About Letting Go of Overthinking

1. God Doesn’t Require Me to Understand Everything

It’s okay to not have all the answers. My job isn’t to figure out how everything will work—it’s to trust that God is working (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. Faith Is Simpler Than We Think

Faith is simply trusting that God is who He says He is. I’ve learned that instead of trying to overanalyze every aspect of my faith, I can just say, “God, I trust You with this.” He doesn’t need a perfect explanation—He just needs our heart.

3. Rest Comes When I Surrender

Overthinking is exhausting. Rest comes when I surrender my need to control and let God lead. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) has become a reminder to stop overthinking and rest in His presence.

Reflection Question

What’s one area of your life where you’ve been overthinking instead of trusting God? What step can you take today to simplify your faith and surrender that to Him?

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I often overthink what You’ve made simple. I try to figure everything out, and in doing so, I carry burdens I was never meant to carry. Help me to trust You with a childlike faith, believing that You are working even when I can’t see the full picture. Teach me to surrender my worries and rest in Your promises. Thank You for loving me through my doubts and for being patient with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought

Faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as taking God at His word, trusting that He loves you, and believing that He’s in control. Stop overthinking the simple, and let God’s peace guide you.