Guard Your Heart More In 2024!
Hi there!
We’re almost 2 weeks into the new year! How are things going for you so far?
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how the new year brings with it not only, excitement and a new focus but also the tendency for something else- extra interruptions.
- New places to go.
- New trends to keep up with.
- New followers to get.
- New people to meet.
As new things are added, there’s a tendency that some things might slip.
Guard your heart more in 2024.
Those are the words I felt God speaking to my heart toward the end of last year.
A call. A reminder. A prophetic warning so speak to not let one of my most vital organs go exposed.
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23
When we examine the structure of our physical bodies, we see how God has intricately designed them. Our ribs form a protective barrier that shields one of our most delicate and valuable organs. It needs this protection because it is the source of our life. Our hearts keep the blood flowing through our veins and if it stops, so do we. Therefore, just as our physical hearts require protection, we have to do the same for our spiritual hearts.
Guarding our spiritual hearts is an essential piece of our day-to-day walk as believers. The things we allow into our lives that may seem innocent and harmless today could actually be the beginning of a path that leaves our hearts open and susceptible to danger. Think about it, if “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34), when I am not pleased with the words that come from my mouth, could it possibly be a reflection of what I am allowing in my heart? If my mind is consistently going to a “place” that it shouldn’t, is it a clue that maybe it’s time to let that TV show go or give the endless scrolling a break? Remember it’s not always the big things “…but the little foxes that spoil the vine.” Song of Songs 2:15.
If we take measures to protect our homes, our cars, our money, our families, and anything else we deem valuable, wouldn’t it be in our best interests to do the same for our hearts- the very place from which everything we do begins?
Because of its central place, what your heart is like is what you are like.
Jay E. Adams, Proverbs, The Christian Counselor’s Commentary (Cordova, TN: Institute for Nouthetic Studies, 2020), 42–43.
The heart is the source of attitudes, actions, and words as well as thought. “Heart,” in Scripture, is not emotion alone (as it is in Western society) but also thinking, deciding, willing; indeed, it includes conscience and all that goes on in one’s inner life.[2]
As you reflect on Proverbs 4:23 this week, it’s important to take some time to consider what things it might be time to start protecting your heart from. The word “guard” implies the need to watch over, protect, and keep safe from attack.
One way to start is by analyzing our surroundings and the influences that we allow into our lives. It’s vital to be mindful of the content we consume, the company we keep, and the thoughts we dwell on. Negativity, harmful influences, and toxic relationships can all contribute to the erosion of our spiritual well-being. Thus, guarding our hearts involves being discerning about what we expose ourselves to and being courageous enough to create boundaries where necessary.
Ultimately, guarding our hearts goes beyond just protecting our bodies. It means taking care of our emotions, thoughts, and spirit, helping us live more purposeful, God-centered lives.
Until next time,
[1] Jay E. Adams, Proverbs, The Christian Counselor’s Commentary (Cordova, TN: Institute for Nouthetic Studies, 2020), 42–43.
[2] Jay E. Adams, The Christian Counselor’s New Testament and Proverbs, ed. Donn R. Arms, Fourth Revised Edition. (Cordova, TN: Institute for Nouthetic Studies, 2019), 541.
