THE PARALYSIS OF ANALYSIS

By Andrea Merrell

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Warning – too much thinking can be hazardous to your health! 

Don’t believe me?  If you are a deep thinker, how often do you simply take something at face value?  Probably  not very often.  Thinkers tend to try to figure out everything on their own, look for hidden meanings in absolutely everything, and analyze a situation to death.

If you are a thinker, you know this is true.  If you are a doer, you also know this to be true, plus you know how frustrated you get with those who have to know before they can do.

Speaking from experience as a thinker, I’ve had to work hard to find a balance between the thinking and the doing.  Thinking is certainly not a bad thing, but when we over analyze everything, it’s hard to trust God and simply step out in faith.  As a three-part human being, we are spirit, soul and body and the mind is part of the soul (mind, will and emotions, to be exact).  We are told in scripture we have a sound mind, we are to renew our mind, and that we have the mind of Christ.   That makes it important and significant.  The key is what we think about and whether or not it lines up with God’s Word. 

The secular, humanistic approach that is so prevalent in our society today demands that we question everything and everyone.  “Don’t accept anything as truth,” they proclaim.  “If it feels good, do it.”  “If you think it to be so, it is so.”

God’s view is just the opposite.  When we come to Him, we are told to come as little children.  Not childish, but childlike in our approach, ready to trust Him with our whole heart and accept His Word as absolute truth and final authority in our lives.

The bottom line is this: God is faithful and trustworthy.  His Word is not only eternal, it is a living, powerful, viable force in the earth today.  If God said it, you can take it to the bank.  When God gives you instruction, direction, or even correction, don’t allow the paralysis of analysis to cause you to miss the blessing God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him with a willing and obedient heart.

Think about that.

Photos courtesy of writeincolor.com and virtualmindworks.com.)