When Your Mind Is Out of Control

When Your Mind Won’t Stop

Scripture References

Primary text

• Psalm 46
• Matthew 6:6

Other references

• Ecclesiastes 2
• Mark 1
• Luke 3:22
• Luke 4

Overview

Life feels loud and our minds race, yet God calls us to something different: “Be still and know that I am God.” In this third message of “Habits of a Healthy Heart,” Pastor Craig shows that Jesus Himself regularly withdrew to solitary places, and we must build the same habit. Slowing down is not laziness; it is the intentional space where empty cups are refilled, anxious striving ceases, and intimacy with the Father grows.

Main Points

Anxious striving drains the soul

• Solomon described “anxious striving” that keeps minds from resting (Ecclesiastes 2).
• Many of us are busy and productive, yet spiritually empty—“your schedule’s full, but your cup is empty.”
• Illustration: Holding an empty cup of water, Pastor Craig warned that continual pouring without refilling leads to burnout.

“You can’t busy your way to God.”

Jesus’ rhythm of withdrawal

• With the greatest assignment ever, Jesus still paused: recruiting disciples, teaching, healing, and facing the cross did not crowd out solitude.
• Mark 1: before sunrise He left the house to pray; even then people searched for Him.
• Five patterns: Jesus withdrew
  • before public ministry (40 days in the wilderness),
  • before big decisions,
  • after long workdays,
  • after large ministry moments,
  • after losing a friend.
• Lesson: “You cannot continue to pour out if you don’t fill up.”

Intimacy always requires intentionality

• Marriages, friendships, parenting—none thrive accidentally; the same is true with God.
• Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:22): before any miracle, the Father’s voice affirmed His identity and worth. Our worth is also rooted in who we are, not in what we produce.

The habit of slowing / solitude

• Matthew 6:6 gives the blueprint: find a quiet, secluded place; be simple and honest; let focus shift from self to God.
• Solitude ≠ isolation. Isolation hides; solitude seeks God.
• Practical framework:
  • Choose a consistent place and time (back porch, kitchen table, car at lunch, kneeling by the bed).
  • Put the phone away—“no texts, no scroll, no swipe me.”
  • Begin small (5–10 minutes) and let it grow.
  • Read Scripture, pray, and include moments of sheer silence.
• Let your soul speak honestly: “I’m afraid… I’m hurting… I’m sorry… I need You.” God can handle anger, doubt, and shame.

“There is no such thing as intimacy without intentionality.”

Facing ourselves and receiving grace

• Pastor Craig’s 2018–19 burnout: a counselor diagnosed him as “occupationally burned out.”
  • Story: He feared slowing down because he tied his value to performance; admitted, “The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in me.”
• In stillness we surrender the illusion of control and see dysfunctions, false comforts, and secret sins—then receive God’s healing love and direction.

Key Truths

• God values who you are long before He values what you do.
• You always have time for what you choose to have time for.
• Solitude is a spiritual necessity, not a luxury.
• Empty cups cannot serve others; refilling is an act of obedience.
• Slowing down shifts focus from self-effort to God’s sustaining grace.

Response

• Schedule a daily “slowing” slot this week—block it on the calendar.
• Put devices out of reach and practice 5 minutes of complete silence before God.
• Let your soul speak honestly, then listen for the Spirit’s whisper.
• Follow the 7-day Bible plan “How to Slow Down and Simplify Your Life” (as suggested).
• Revisit Psalm 46 during the week; memorize “Be still and know that I am God.”

Closing

We cannot pour out what we have not first received. Like Jesus, withdraw, quiet the noise, and meet the Father who already loves and approves of you.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Prayer

Father, slow our racing minds. Draw us into quiet places where Your Word fills us, Your Spirit strengthens us, and Your voice directs our steps. Teach us to be still, to cease striving, and to know that You alone are God.