Think About This

When June’s husband fell at home and ended up in the hospital, she was overwhelmed by guilt. Why did she leave Harold alone to have lunch with a friend? I’m a terrible wife, June thought to herself. If I’d been more attentive to Harold’s needs, he wouldn’t have tried to get up for that glass of milk. If I’d been home, like I should have been, none of this would have ever happened.

After a few days, June found herself becoming more and more depressed. Finally she confessed her worries to her husband.

“This wasn’t your fault, honey,” he replied. “You’ve been a wonderful caregiver—it was just an accident.”

The more June thought about it, the more she realized that her husband was right. Gradually she began to feel better.

Scientific research proves our thought patterns can powerfully influence our emotions. That’s no surprise to students of scripture—God’s Word tells us to think about things that are positive, uplifting, praiseworthy, and true, for good reason.

When we dwell on dismal thoughts, we begin to believe them. When we believe them, we start to feel defeated and depressed. Positive thoughts have the opposite effect and can make a dramatic difference in our outlook on life.

Beginning today, replace pessimistic thoughts with praiseworthy things.