WHERE IS THE TEMPORARY “SHUT OFF” BUTTON IN MY BRAIN? By Jan Hickey.
Do you ever catch yourself stuck in a loop, replaying the same worries over and over? It’s frustrating, right? That constant anxiety can keep you tossing and turning at night, making you feel physically drained and robbing you of your joy. You know you should let it go, but it’s like those thoughts just won’t budge. I totally get it!
For me, the worst part is how it puts a strain on my relationship with God. Instead of leaning on Him, I end up missing out on the blessings that come from answered prayers and a stronger faith. Those negative thoughts just seem to hang around.
I used to think it was just how my quirky brain worked, but then I discovered there’s a name for this pattern called “thought loops.” According to Julie Kolzet, PHD, “Thought looping, also referred to as rumination or obsessive thinking, is a cognitive pattern characterized by the repetitive, involuntary recurrence of specific thoughts, images, or scenarios. These thoughts often focus on past events, worries about the future, or perceived threats, and they can become intrusive and difficult to control.”
If you can relate to this pattern, here are some ideas to consider.
- Start with a small but mighty action, ASK. Ask the Lord to help you. In Matthew 7:7-8 The Bible tells us to ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.
I’ve gotten really good at asking for “small” things. I ask for close parking spots, green lights when I am running behind, a quick line at my favorite coffee stop, or a response to a vague text that has left me unsettled. Asking has truly enriched my faith journey. It’s a constant reminder of how much He cares. If He can get me through Starbucks in less than 10 minutes, He can surely help me get control of my thoughts!
- Ask Him where these thoughts are coming from. We get bombarded with so much information every day that it can really mess with our heads, leading to fear, stress, and just feeling drained. Ask the Lord to help you dig deep and find out what’s really behind these thoughts. They often come from false beliefs fueled by social media, news, negativity from others, old issues we haven’t dealt with, or spiritual struggles. I’ve noticed when I cut back on social media and focus on uplifting and spiritual content, I feel way better.
- Those pesky thought loops can really bring you down with their negativity and fear. Turn to the Lord for comfort through His Word. Find a verse that speaks to you and memorize it. Write it down and stick it somewhere you’ll see it often. One of my favorite verses is 2Timothy 1:7. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” Make it personal by swapping “us” with your name.
- Ask the Lord to bring you a community that will support you. During tough times, people in our lives can occasionally step away or hold back their support for various reasons. This can really mess with your head and keep you stuck in negative thought patterns.
I like Brene Browns perspective: “There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their own lives but will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgement at those of us trying to dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fearmongering.”
And yet, God can give you people who are eager to uplift you, love you without judgment, and help you grow in your faith. He says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 that “If they fall, one will lift up his companion; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Two are better than one, for they have a good reward for their labor.”
It takes one person to make a significant impact in your life. God will provide that person, or maybe He already has! Embrace them in your journey to control your thoughts.
- Attend the upcoming Hearts Being Healed conference on September 14th at Crossroads Church in Nampa, Idaho. I attended last year’s annual conference. It was very powerful. I was touched in a wonderful way by the love of the Hearts Being Healed team, and the speakers sharing their stories.
We are here to help you by sharing our stories, and ways the Lord is healing our hearts. ASK other women to join you. But most important, ASK God to bring you healing. He will always answer. Go to https://heartsbeinghealed.org/home-idaho/ for more information or to register!
HEARTS BEING HEALED CONFERENCE, Nampa, Idaho
DATE: Saturday, September 14, 2024
VENU: Crossroads Church, 4170 E. Amity Ave., Nampa, ID
TIME: Check-In 8-9:00 a.m. Conference 9:00 am. – 4:30 p.m.
ONLINE REGISTRATION: https://boise.heartsbeinghealed.org/idaho/speakers-schedule/
Note: Online registration closes Sept. 10 and includes a complimentary lunch if registered before the deadline.
You may register at the door on the day of the conference (Sept. 14th) but it will not include lunch. Please bring a lunch with you.
Register today!
Jan Hickey is not a licensed professional counselor. If you feel you need help in this area, please seek professional advice.
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