Carole Changed Her Focus

Carole Mayhall and her husband Jack offered counsel in a heart-breaking situation in which a pastor friend had left his wife for his secretary. Soon after the counseling session, Carole and Jack went on their annual two-week time in the mountains for study, prayer, and writing.

During their first morning in the mountains, Carole’s heart felt heavy. Why was she depressed? she wondered. She had so looked forward to this get-away. When she did a little digging, she realized she was still preoccupied with their friends’ situation.

The Lord reminded her, “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).

The Lord questioned her heart, “Carole, what are you thinking about? Is it true, admirable...?” The Lord took her through the whole list, and she realized the thoughts she was brewing on met only one of the eight qualifications on God’s list.

If we guard our thoughts, our words and actions will be right. “All our thoughts belong to God. We must faithfully control them with an eye single to His glory. We cannot let them go straying helter-skelter with impunity,” stated W. B. Godbey.

Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me to focus on the good.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3).