When Overthinking Becomes Worship: Surrendering Anxiety Through Prayer

Have you ever “just trusted God” while also mentally rehearsing 57 ways everything could go wrong?

Yeah, same.

I once prayed, “Lord, take this worry,” and five minutes later, I was on Google diagnosing myself with a tropical disease I couldn’t even pronounce.

Why? Because surrender is cute in theory… until your kid has a fever, your inbox explodes, and your brain decides it’s auditioning for a disaster movie.

Anxiety isn’t a faith flaw. It’s a human one. But what if, what if our overthinking could be a place God meets us, not just something He wants us to shut off?

When Worry Becomes a False Idol

Sometimes, without realizing it, our fear gets more attention than our faith.

We think we’re being responsible. But somewhere along the way:

• We start trusting our thoughts more than His truth.

• We spend more time spiraling than surrendering.

• We bow to the idol of control, wearing it like a productivity badge.

  
  

Overthinking isn’t just exhausting. It can slowly become a kind of worship. Not the holy kind.

The “I’m giving my brain more authority than God” kind.

Convicted? Yeah… me too.

Prayer Isn’t a Panic Button, It’s a Pattern

Prayer is not just:

• What you do when you’re already sobbing in the bathroom.

• A checklist to fix your feelings.

• A performance with fancy language.

  
  

Prayer is a pattern of releasing, on repeat. Like spiritual exhaling.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

The word cast isn’t passive. It’s messy, active, and sometimes daily. Like throwing your burdens into God’s hands again and again because you keep snatching them back.

The “Slow It Down” Surrender Routine

Here’s a simple prayer tool I’ve used (especially when my thoughts are doing backflips at 2 a.m.):

S — Say it out loud. Name the thought. Be specific. (“I’m scared I’ll fail.” “I’m worried my kid’s anxiety is my fault.”)

L — Listen. Breathe, invite God into the thought spiral without trying to fix it.

O — Offer it up.“God, this is too heavy for me. Please carry it.”

W — Wait in the Word. Pick one verse. Just one. Write it. Whisper it. Sit in it.

Example: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3

Final Blessing: For the Overthinker Who Loves Jesus

May you be reminded that peace isn’t something you earn, it’s a Person you return to. May your worries become invitations, not accusations. And may you stop assuming God is annoyed with your questions.

He’s not tired of you. He’s walking with you.

© The Blooming Educator