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 livestock, making them valuable farm and ranch dogs. She is the marshal.

Thinking Negative Thoughts

At my house, Kayley herds the other dogs during our daily walks. She watches and 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 marshaled 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 and demand my attention. I recognize I need to marshal them by replacing them with those that are pleasing to God and His will. But how?

Many years ago, I was in a dark place. Finally, my mind reached its breaking point, and I was bombarded with negative and hopeless thoughts. 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 Philippians 4:8 and 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 pulled that verse from under my shirt, read it, and 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 that lifted my spirit and gave me hope for the future and strength to get through the day.

Thinking Positive Thoughts

Nowadays, when unwelcome thoughts pop into my mind, I remind myself to marshal them out quickly. I 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, I’m amazed at how God escorts those unwanted thoughts on their way. My mind is renewed by His truth, giving me a whole new and godly perspective.

Think of things you should marshal out of your mind. Remember to practice Philippines 4:8.

Help me today, O Lord, to renew my mind through the power of Your Word.  In Christ’s name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Marshal: Lynne Phipps: All Rights Reserved