Brenda Lambert is a graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. As a therapist for the Liberty Godparent Home and later the Director of Client Services at a Crisis Pregnancy Center in Davie, Florida, Brenda has developed a heart for discipling young ladies and ministering to them both one on one and in group settings. She continued to fulfill her passion for discipleship by homeschooling her three children. Because Brenda has a heart for worship, she has led worship for women’s groups in both small settings and large conferences. Brenda serves alongside her Husband Cliff, who is a Professor of Worship at Liberty University and the Worship Pastor at Liberty Baptist Church. Cliff and Brenda have been married for 35 years and are blessed with 3 children and 3 grandchildren who all love and serve the Lord. 
Managing the responsibilities of ministry requires great wisdom and discernment. For a pastor’s wife, the charge is even greater since the Father has graciously entrusted us with influence on those within our sphere. One challenge fellow wives have brought to my attention is that they feel their husbands are not valued. Countless hours are poured into the church but rarely is it recognized. This lack of appreciation, among a myriad of other scenarios, has the potential to lead to resentment and bitterness. When these thoughts flood our minds, it is crucial to stay focused on God’s calling so we can encourage our husbands. Too often, we zoom in on our own thoughts, opinions, and desires only to become discouraged or overwhelmed. In those moments, we have a choice to dwell on our own thoughts or turn to the Lord and choose to “have the mind of Christ” Philippians 2:5. Without intentionality, the focus becomes the background while the background becomes the focus.
Evaluating where our sinful thoughts originate is significant when attempting to stay focused on our calling.
- Wayward thoughts originate in our own sinful nature.
- Galatians 5:17 “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
- Wayward thoughts are introduced by Satan.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3. “As the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
In spite of the obstacles above, the following are some simple steps to safeguard against unwanted thoughts that cloud our minds.
- Control every thought.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
- Be mindful of the unproductive thoughts that repeat fruitless conversations in our minds. This dialogue mulls storylines over and over in a million directions. This is not productive, so we must surrender those thoughts to the Lord.
- Ask for renewed focus.
- Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- We have access to God’s transformative power. Daily, we should ask God to renew our mind so the Holy Spirit will guide us. Since we know the Lord, we have the mind of Christ so let’s choose to listen to His Spirit. I Corinthians 2: 14-16
- Hide God’s Word in your heart.
- Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
- Replacing unproductive thoughts with scripture keeps our minds focused on His purpose.
Intentionality is key. Thoughts are hijacked in an instant and our focus strays. Let’s remain vigilant to control every thought, ask the Lord for renewal, and hide God’s Word in our hearts so that we stay focused on the work of the Lord.
