“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
(Romans 12:2 NIV)
My collie Kayley, is the leader of my seven dogs. Collies are members of the Herding Breed, in the world of dog classification. They have a natural instinct to round up or marshal livestock, making them valuable farm and ranch dogs. At my house, Kayley simply herds the other dogs during our daily walks. She is always watching, knows where everyone is and what they are doing. If there is too much rough-housing, she intercepts and breaks it up. She keeps everyone going in the same direction peacefully.
One day as we walked, and Kayley was marshaling the others, I thought about the importance of marshaling my thoughts. I often find unwelcome ones about situations, myself or others leaping into my mind. Ungodly thoughts that I don’t like or want. Like it or not however, they can be front and center demanding my attention. I recognize, that they need to be marshaled along, and replaced with those which are pleasing to God and His will, but how though is this to be accomplished?
Many years ago, I was in a very dark place. My mind was at its breaking point, bombarded with negative and hopeless thoughts as I viewed an overwhelming situation with no end in sight. As I fought to regain my mental balance the Lord put it into my heart to write out Philippians 4:8 and to literally hang it around my neck, which I did:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Day by day I would pull that verse out from under my shirt, read it, then put it into action. I may not have been able to think positively about my situation but I could certainly think positively about God and the truths found in His Word. Truths which lifted my spirit, gave me hope for the future and strength to get through the day. Now adays, when I have unwelcome thoughts, popping into my mind, I remind myself to marshal them out quickly. Herd them out by renewing my mind with God’s Word and what it teaches me to think about situations, myself and others. As I do so, it’s amazing how those unwanted thoughts are escorted on their way, and my mind is renewed by His truth, giving me a whole new and Godly perspective on things.
How about you? Any thoughts you want to marshal out of your mind? If so remember and practice Philippines 4:8.
Prayer: Help us today O Lord, to renew our minds through the power of Your Word. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada