Our minds spiral out of control sometimes. . .often carrying on running conversations in our heads all day (and all night!) long. And when our thoughts become too much for us to manage on our own, God alone offers much-needed comfort and guidance.
This delightful devotional for overthinkers features 180 inspiring, yet practical, meditations and prayers to help you redirect your anxious thoughts, ushering in the peace, comfort, and rest your soul craves. With each turn of the page, you will connect with biblical truth as you enter the calming presence of your heavenly Creator.
I want to start by mentioning that I haven't yet had the chance to read the author's fictional book series that accompanies this devotional book, although it's on my reading list. However, I discovered that this devotional book can stand on its own, and one doesn't necessarily need to have read the fiction books to find great inspiration within its pages.
Each day's devotional reading includes scripture, an explanation or challenge derived from that day's scripture, and a concluding meditative thought. Many devotional books for women often come across as encouraging but somewhat lacking in substance. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this book's content. It offers a refreshing perspective, as it not only captures the essence of the scripture passages but also applies them meaningfully to real-life situations. The book imparts genuine truths in manageable daily portions.
One interesting feature is the option to begin a prayer jar, though I admit I would have appreciated a bit more guidance on how to enhance this practice. Nonetheless, I understand that too much detail might have detracted from the primary purpose of the devotional.
In conclusion, reading this book is a source of both challenge and encouragement for your faith journey as you engage with the profound truths of God's Word every day. I highly recommend this book, and I'm considering adding the paperback version to my shopping list for a more tangible reading experience and the ability to make notes.
JoAnne Simmons has a track record of wanting people to have their minds healed by Jesus. Ms. Simmons is a veteran author for Barbour Publishing and has a knack for writing in such a way that is intelligible to a wide range of ages and educational backgrounds (1 Cor 14:9-12). This can be seen from her previous titles of "Bedtime Blessings and Prayers for Courageous Girls" and "Prayers and Promises for Boys: 200 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement."
The Overthinker's Devotional is like a balm in Gilead to those who can't shut off their brain. At first glance the cover, font, and artwork are beautiful and calming. Right away in the introduction the tone is set when the author states: "...Overthinking, even with the best intentions, is just a slight step away from worry and anxiety...We who tend to overthink just can't suddenly stop--not on our own. And so we must go constantly to the one who can truly help us think well and wisely." This book isn't about trying harder. Instead it teaches you to use your gift of thinking in a Spirit empowered and God honoring way as he is the one who gifted you with thought. Each devotional starts with a Scripture verse with a variety of translations, then a small application and most importantly a prayer. The length of the devotions are meaty but they avoid being burdensome so this can be done in the morning, before bed or when you catch yourself overthinking in the middle of the day.
Overall The Overthinker's Devotional is great to help you re-center yourself and go to the one who is omniscient and cares for you. You'll come away thinking that overthinking isn't bad because it allows us to ponder God's thoughts after him and be content with the One who has perfect knowledge.
"...you'll learn a little about each of the books (of the Bible) individually to help you understand... and grow..." This book is more than a devotional, it is a quick study that encompasses the books of the Holy Bible. Focusing on those of us who tend to overthink anything and everything these short devotions encourages us to have a closer walk with God using that over thinking gift of a mind. There are reminders that we deal with an enemy who wants to sabotage us with our propensity to overthink, stress and question ourselves, or even God. I received the advanced reader's copy of JoAnne Simmons' book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and this is my own personal opinion. I am an over thinker which can lead to overwhelming hours of trying to figure things out. These devotionals remind me to give things over to God (sometimes not easy), let go and pray for clarity. It is all too easy to keep a racing mind overburdened with stress, too many things, on and on. These daily scripture verses, short meditations and prayer prompts help guide the reader to slow down, think in a more calming way. I think as we approach the 2023 holiday season that this would make for a nice gift for that one who dwells on things, stresses and can use a calming reminder to give it to God.
The author discusses overthinking, what it is, some possible causes, and provides over eighty devotionals to helper overthinkers refocus their mind from whatever worries, problems, or anxieties one may be experiencing.
The devotionals range from reading scriptures more, praying more and being more grateful, from constant wondering about things to learning to forgive, to renew your mind, to stop grumbling and complaining, and many more different topics to help put our mind at ease. Additionally, along with each devotional, the author provides scriptures to meditate on, and various prayers to seek God's help.
This is a very good book of devotionals and I highly recommend it.
I really love The Overthinker's Devotional: Meditations, Scripture, and Prayers for Refocusing Your Thoughts by JoAnne Simmons! The Overthinker's Devotional is a beautifully written devotion that is thought provoking and helps us stay focused on what is True, by turning our mind towards Scripture. I love what I learned through the devotional and used it as part of my devotion time. (I even read more than one devotion entry most days.) I highly recommend The Overthinker's Devotional: Meditations, Scripture, and Prayers for Refocusing Your Thoughts. It Ministered to me and I believe it will Minister to you too. Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity for the read this book! My review is also on Goodreads.
JoAnne Simmons' "The Overthinker's Devotional" is a unique blend of daily spirituality and Biblical insights, addressing the challenge of overthinking. It encourages readers to surrender their worries to God and recognize the battle against self-doubt and stress that overthinking can bring. With daily scripture verses, concise meditations, and prayer prompts, it offers a path to a more serene and mindful mindset. While it's not an in-depth guide for severe anxiety, it's a valuable resource for those seeking a spiritually-guided approach to cope with overthinking and daily stresses.
"The Overthinker's Devotional" by JoAnne Simmons is a remarkable spiritual resource. It offers insightful meditations, scripture passages, and prayers, skillfully addressing the challenge of overthinking and providing guidance to recenter thoughts and find spiritual clarity. Simmons' approach emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and reflection, making it a valuable read for anyone passionate about spirituality and self-improvement.
I really felt this was helpful to read each day and meditating on it whenever my mind began to go off to that place of overthinking! Each day had scripture, a short devotional and a prayer. I could see this being a gift for a friend or a loved one. You don’t have to be struggling to appreciate this book.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.
The Overthinker’s Devotional I believe is taken from the perspective of one who has more anxious thoughts and thoughts that are on repeat. This book is a simple reminder of the basics: taking every thought captive and to dwell what is lovely, pure, noble and good. For anyone who has the habit of letting their mind turn over on the hamster wheel so to speak; this book is a great tool for being your thoughts back to where Jesus wants them: on him and in His peace.
My mind has been known to spiral. Or get caught in a thought. Or have conversations in my brain that have not even happened yet. So much energy can be spent trying to keep all my ducks in a row. I want to know the plan and be prepared for all contingencies, just in case. This devotional is a great tool and reminder for so many Scriptural Truths that have been provided to overcome this very issue. I was encouraged and challenged to take my thoughts captive and focus on whatsoever is True. I highly recommend for all overthinkers! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
This devotional is very generic. There are devotionals on each book of the Bible, but they are all very similar to each other. Nothing in this book was super thought-provoking for me. It was just fine.