Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do
flows from it
Today I invite you to join me in exploring the act of guarding yourself. The theme
of our devotional today is drawn from the wisdom-filled book of Proverbs. In
these simple yet profound words lie an immense truth about our spiritual,
emotional, and physical well-being.
First, let us grasp the meaning of 'heart' within this
context. Biblically, the heart does not merely relate to our physical organ,
but it symbolises the core of our being - it is the principal place where our
feelings, desires, passions, and commitments dwell. Hence, when we are guided
to guard our hearts, we are being called to protect our inner sanctums where
the essence of who we are lives.
Why is it so critical to guard our hearts? Our heart
dictates our thoughts, actions, and the course of our life. When our hearts are
unguarded, we become vulnerable to forces of negativity, cynicism, doubt, and
fear. An unguarded heart can easily be swayed by the pressures of the world or
poisoned by the bitter roots of unforgiveness, anger, or despair. In
Conversely, a heart that is guarded is filled with love,
understanding, compassion, and God’s grace. It radiates peace and serenity,
regardless of the circumstances of life. A guarded heart remains steadfast in
faith, resolute in hope, and anchored in love with the Lord. In
How then do we guard our hearts? It starts with a conscious
commitment to God’s word. Reading, understanding, and living by the Scriptures
acts as a defensive shield around our hearts. It guides us in knowing what to
accept and what to reject, keeping our hearts unspotted by the world.
Prayer is another powerful tool in guarding our hearts. It is through prayer that we invite God into our hearts, laying bare our vulnerabilities, aspirations, and fears before Him. In prayer, we seek His strength and guidance to fortify our hearts against the onslaught of spiritual attacks. As the Psalmist prays in Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
We guard our hearts by practicing discernment in our
relationships. As Christians, we are called to love others, but it is also
important that we do not allow the wrong influences into our lives. Not every
company is beneficial to our walk with God. Some may lead us astray and cause
us heartache. Guarding your heart means being cautious about who you open up
to, making sure they are people who will draw you closer to God, not pull you
away.
My dear friends, the act of guarding our hearts is an
ongoing journey. It requires awareness, practice, and divine help. Remember, as
you guard your heart, you are not merely protecting yourself but also honouring
God. For a clean, guarded heart is a pleasant dwelling place for the Holy
Spirit.