Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, D&C 95:1
The Lord did talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him, Ether 2:14
In Ether, the Lord talks with and chastens the brother of Jared for *3 HOURS*. That sounds intense unless you're one of those people that lays awake at night tormented by a brain that won't stop reviewing past mistakes and embarrassing moments. . . It's me. I'm one of those people. 3 hours isn't even close to how long my brain can tear apart my past. Our Sunday school teacher is one of those people too. We discussed it a bit in class today.
We all learned something important today. If you look up "chasten" in the guide to the scriptures, love is paired to chasten in some way every time. Chastening is "Correction or discipline given to individuals or groups in order to help them improve or become stronger." Like Lehi calling his family to the tree, chastening is an act of love, encouragement, and hope. (1 Nephi 8:10-18)
Coming back to that voice that pesters you in the night, is it a voice of love, encouragement, and hope? If not, you get to redirect it to something that is. I doubt an overthinker can shut it off. I've been trying to redirect it though and it seems to work.
Instead of trying to shut it up, I first recognize that everyone makes mistakes and does embarrassing things. That's all covered in the Atonement. Then, I can move on to what I can learn, make better choices, and just accept my weaknesses as part of mortal life.
When I redirect this spiraling thought process to Jesus Christ, His atonement, His love for me, and the growth He has planned for me, it becomes a peaceful and positive conversation. Yes, I have to redirect it when it strays. With an eternal perspective, it's easier to keep a better course of internal dialogue though.
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