Dealing with Persistently Irritating Thoughts (Or: My Stupid Mind!)

Most people struggle with annoying and unpleasant thoughts that get stuck in their heads. Here are some examples: "Why didn't he say 'hi' yesterday at the store? Is he mad at me?" "I've had a stomach ache for the last two days. I think I have cancer." "I'm sick of looking at her perfect life …

Distractions, Screens, and Digital Minimalism (Newport)

The internet wasn't really part of my life until I was in college. In 2016 I got my first smartphone and in 2019 we got an iPad. No one can really accuse me of being a luddite or anti-tech. I do use and appreciate technology for sure. At the same time, over half of my …

OCD and Long-Term Relief (Lakin)

Although I don't suffer from OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), I know people who do. It isn't much of a joking matter when someone has a serious case of OCD. I'm certainly no expert on OCD, but I do want to point out a helpful book on OCD that I just finished reading for pastoral reasons. It's …

A Culture of Fear and Ill-Founded Fears (Glassner)

Fear is an emotion that overlaps with worry and anxiety. As humans, we all struggle with these things. None of us have made it this far through life without some worry, fear, or anxiety. But sometimes these things can grow in a person's life and affect him or her every day. Some people are deeply …

Afraid? Worried? Bring it to God (Luther)

 Although I just posted these words of Luther in September 2019, they are applicable today as well.  If you're worried, afraid, or anxious, here's a short devotional for you: Martin Luther's exposition of 1 Peter 5:5-11 is a very helpful commentary on the Apostle's words.  I was especially encouraged by his comments on verse 7: …