Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23
In the busyness of life, I sometimes forget the importance of guarding my heart. I can get caught up in the messages around me, especially when the world constantly tells me to "follow my heart." It sounds so appealing, doesn’t it?
We’re often encouraged to trust our emotions and instincts, believing that they will lead us in the right direction. But Proverbs 4:23 reminds me that I must guard my heart because everything I do flows from it.
What does it mean to guard your heart?
It means being intentional about what you allow to influence your thoughts, desires, and emotions. Our heart is the wellspring of our actions, and if we are not careful, what we let in can shape our decisions in ways that lead us away from God’s will.
I know that, like many others, I fail to guard my heart sometimes. It’s easy to get distracted or to listen to worldly advice instead of seeking God’s guidance. And when I don’t guard my heart, my thoughts and actions can easily stray. The heart is a powerful thing, but it’s also deceitful.
I might feel overwhelmed by a challenging situation at home, church or at school, and my emotions might lead me to react out of frustration or bitterness. Instead of guarding my heart and pausing to pray or reflect on God’s peace, I might let my emotions control me. I’ll begin to act out of anger rather than peace, affecting my relationships and my witness for Christ.
In relationships, it’s easy to allow feelings of affection or attraction to take precedence over discernment and wisdom. If I don’t guard my heart, I may let a relationship develop based solely on emotions, neglecting God’s guidelines for healthy relationships. I might ignore red flags or make compromises, only to later regret the consequences of not protecting my heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” This reminds me that my heart, left unchecked, can lead me astray. It’s not always trustworthy, which is why I need to guard it carefully.
So, whenever you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or confused by the world’s advice to “follow your heart,” Remember God’s Word: "guard your heart".
Guarding your heart isn’t about suppressing your feelings or ignoring your emotions. It’s about being wise in what we allow to influence us. We must seek God’s truth and let His Word shape what fills our heart.
Psalm 51:10 is a beautiful prayer that reminds us to continually ask God for help: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” We need God’s help to guard our hearts. We can’t do it alone. But with His help, He can renew our hearts and keep us aligned with His will.
It’s easy to feel like we’re struggling to guard our hearts in a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, but take heart! God understands our challenges. He is always there to help us. His Spirit empowers us to remain faithful, and His Word guides us when we feel lost.
You are worth guarding, and God cares deeply about your heart. It is where His Spirit dwells, and He wants you to protect it as you would something precious. Trust that He is with you, helping you in every step.
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