FROM YOUR HEART - PART 3

THURSDAY 08 AUGUST 2024

FROM YOUR HEART -  PART 3

Reference: Proverbs 4:23 New International Version (NIV)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Why must you guard your heart? It determines the course of your life. Moreover remember that above all else is "supreme wisdom" which is able to guard your heart effectively. To that effect, Solomonic inspired utterance reads, "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:5-7 NIV).

In 1st King 4:29-34, the Bible informed us that God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore, such that no man has ever had. In à nutshell, God said to Solomon in 1st King 3:12 - "behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you" (NKJV).

Beloved, the golden news is that "Greater than Solomon" is here (Matthew 12:42 NLT). He exceeded Solomonic wisdom by virtue of His atoning sacrifice. Born again Christians, He lives in us now! Hence His wisdom at work in us is incredible and boundless, and it entails or brought us righteousness, holiness and redemption, which Solomonic wisdom cannot or could not offer. To instantiate this verity, Paul stated: "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (1st Corinthians 1:30 NIV).

Here, this versified statement can be used to show the difference in respect of the sacrifices of both personification of divine wisdom (Solomon and Jesus Christ), and the different nature of their effects, for death was experienced by one, namely Christ- before life - in which the grace of the gospel exceeds the seeming magnitude of Solomonic inspired utterances. Got it?

Indeed, Christ as "divine wisdom" brought us abundance of grace - an abundant measure of God's love, the gift of righteousness exhibited in the gospel, the abiding presence and influences of Holy Spirit, and all the benefits of salvation in accordance with His finished work, which by His obedience unto death, has purchased for us. So it is an infinite wisdom that brought us an abundant life, which is much nobler and more excellent than that of Solomon. As we acknowledge that true wisdom is embedded in the mystery namely Christ, we should equally gain the understanding that it is diversified into a vast or greater level of influence in relation to guarding your heart with it.

For instance, if you have a request that hasn't seemed to manifest, and you pray promises from the Word in your prayer times, you must guard your heart with all diligence against the manifestation of doubt and unbelief, after such prayer. To that effect James 1:5-8 reads, "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open" (MSG).

Another benefit of guarding your heart with the wisdom, namely Christ is that you are not in the dark concerning what to do if you become anxious regarding anything or if you anticipate any negative outcome, as well as something good waiting to manifest. To that effect, Philippians 4:6-7 reads, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (NIV).

Beloved, guarding your heart with all diligence involves aligning your thoughts, words and actions with the will of God concerning any given situation, and ensuring that you obey the instructions given in the Word. Stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!

Scripture Reading  -  Psalm 139:23-24; Proverbs 23:19; Isaiah 26:3; 1 Timothy 1:5.

Guided Prayer:

Thank you Father in heaven for your noble works in me that glorify your name and reveal an abundant measure of your love in my heart which is properly guarded by your wisdom, namely Christ. You grant me the sufficient power to fortify my heart against all manner of negativity and to surmount every challenge in my pathway of spiritual and material success, and I'm forever grateful, in Jesus' Name, Amen!