GUARD YOUR HEART

Your heart represents the control room of all the operations and activities you carry out in the physical world. In biology, it is the chief organ of the body and the most important place in the human system. From moral aspect, it is known as the chamber that holds your identity, affections, emotions, uniqueness and values. So it is regarded as the central or innermost part of you.

Reference: Proverbs 4:23 New International Version (NIV) 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.'

The heart can be seen as the fountain of one's personal life because it is the seat in the center of man's inward existence. Some translations tell us that its from the heart that the springs of life flow. Even though it's structure lies deep within, it contains 'the hidden man' from which the issues of life flows. The heart, in its moral significance includes the emotions, the reason and the will.

Furthermore, the heart is the sphere of divine influence, and so, one of the proper ways to guard and enrich your heart is to store God's Word in it. When you open your heart to the Word, you'll receive daily guides in God's presence that will equip you to live according to the will of God. The Word of God will guide and train you in the ways of wise living. But for it to happen, you must be single-minded in pursuit of God. That way, you won't miss the road signs He's posted in the path of fulfilling your destiny.

In a world that is constantly vying for your heart, asking for your time, energy, and affection, learning to guard and nourish your heart with all diligence is paramount. By forming the habit of meditating on God's Word often, you can nourish your heart as God gives a fresh word over your inherent value in Him, each time you study the Word. That's the effective way to guard your heart from the inundation and manipulating influence of worldly concerns. David once said, 'Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You' (Psalm 119:11 AMP). Here, he's telling us that this is the way to guard our heart from displeasing God and keep our feet from evil. Sin is an action that is programmed from the heart. Healthy and godly actions are programmed from the heart too. So all our actions depend on and are influenced by the state of the heart and what is stored in it. Proverbs 4:20-22 (NIV) also confirmed to this: My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.

You can only align with God's plan and true intentions for your life - when you store His Word within your control room- the heart. Also, you can only seek God and serve Him in spirit and in truth, when its coming from the heart (see Jeremiah 29:13). In fact, doing the will of God comes from the heart. That's why Colossians 3:23 says, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...' That means - wholeheartedly.

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Mark 12:30; Luke 6:45; Romans 12:2.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the life-changing Scriptures and rewarding encounters with your Word. As I give attention to the Word, it dwells in my heart and transforms my mind. And by your Spirit, I live daily to give actions to positive thoughts from my heart, which are influenced and governed by the dictates of your Word. I'm inspired by this consciousness to walk in righteousness and I'm refreshed to live true to your nature, which is deep down in my heart and spirit, in Jesus' Name, Amen!