Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
I first heard this verse during my courtship with my now, husband. And, I frequently refer to it when conversing about relationships and when solicited for any respective advice.
Although we, including me, tend to reference “heart” when speaking of our emotions, the Bible teaches us that the “heart” is so much more.
In turn, guarding our hearts is far beyond, and including, the guarding of our emotions. It is essentially, being intentional in the way we shepard our actions, thoughts, desires, choices and words.
- Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
- For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come – sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. Mark 7:21-22
- A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45
Since everything we do is inherently directed by the orientation of our hearts, as followers of Christ, the guarding of our hearts is kind of like a big deal.
Though I realize this, I do sometimes question how to best go about doing so day-to-day. And, just like every other question, the Word gives such clarity in its answers. We simply have to first ask for and receive a renewed heart (1 John 5:14-15); then, walk in and find rest in the protection of our heart that God has given us in Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Jesus Be A... 