Guard Your Heart!

Scripture Text: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) 

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We live in a world that is filled with a lot of distractions, temptations, and influences vying for our attention. 

That is why the wisdom of guarding our hearts is more relevant than ever. 

The scripture text (Proverbs 4:23)  urges to,  ""Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." This admonition serves as a compass for going through the paths of our life's journey with intentionality and wisdom. 

What Does It Mean To Guard Our Hearts? 

At the center of this divine task of keeping our hearts involves protecting the innermost core of our being – our thoughts, emotions, desires, and motivations. 

This requires that as believers we should be vigilant stewards of what we allow to shape and influence our inner world.

Know that the human heart is the wellspring from which actions, words, and attitudes flow. 

It was Ernest Agyemang Yeboah who said,  

Wall your life, guard your heart and mind your mind! A life without a wall least blocks something! A mind without a wall accepts anything at all!

Just as a spring of water can get contaminated if it is not safeguarded, in the same way, our hearts can be polluted by negativity, bitterness, or ungodly influences if left unguarded. 

Therefore, guarding our hearts is not just a suggestion but a commandment from God for a wise living.

Related Post: Your Name And Character!

How Do We Guard Our Hearts Effectively? 

This begins with awareness – that is recognizing the various influences, both good and bad,  that seek to penetrate our hearts. 

It may be the information we receive through media, the friends we keep, or the thoughts we entertain. 

Being able to identify these influences empowers us to make intentional choices about what we allow into our hearts. The Bible says, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" - Proverbs 23:7a (KJV) 

Next, to keep or guard our hearts entails cultivating a healthy internal environment. This has to do with soaking our minds with God's Word. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences, and nurturing a vibrant prayer life. 

As believers, if we continue to fill our hearts with the truth, love, and righteousness, there will be less room for negativity to take root. 

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 

Also, guarding our hearts means that we require discernment in our relationships. As believers, We have to be mindful of the company we keep, for "bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33). 

Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage, challenge, and uplift us strengthens our resolve to guard our hearts against harmful influences. 

Most importantly, you should associate with God-fearing individuals whom you share the same faith with.

Guarding our hearts is a daily assignment to discipline, that demands intentionality and reliance on God's strength. 

It is a proactive stance against the forces that seek to derail us from God's purposes. 

When we commit to guarding our hearts, we position ourselves to live lives that honor God and bear fruit that brings glory to Him.

Beloved! Today, let's heed the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23 and prioritize the task of guarding our hearts. 

May we be vigilant stewards of our inner world, allowing God's truth to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. In doing so, we will experience the abundant life that flows from a heart guarded by His wisdom and grace.

Read: God's Will For You 

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: I adore you because your faithfulness is eternal to those who trust in your name. Thank you for keeping my spirit, soul, and body. I watch in vain without you.

Father, IJN: Let me be built up daily in your word, that sanctifies and strengthens my inner man unto righteousness.

Father, IJN: I ask for your grace to be steadfast, not drawing back in fellowship and effective prayer life, no matter the challenge of life, empower me, lord.

Father, IJN: Destroy all of the enemy's device that seeks to lead me astray against your paths for a purposeful living here on earth. Direct my path.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way." - Psalm 119:37

FURTHER READING

Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 12:1-2, Psalms 139:13-18, Proverbs 3:5-6

ASSIGNMENT 

As we have seen in this devotional; be resolute in studying the word and also meditating on it for divine revelation. 

Maintain an effective prayer life, watch your circle of friends, and keep your mind away from wrong information. Maintain a sense of discipline. 

God Bless you.

Related: The Double Minded!