‘Guard’ Our Hearts
– Ponderings:

My random reading of the Book of Proverbs continued this morning, and I came across one particular verse worth pondering. It’s in the middle of this section:
My child, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them
and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Let your eyes look directly forward
and your gaze be straight before you.
Keep straight the path of your feet,
and all your ways will be sure.
What does it mean to keep (other translations say “guard”) our hearts with all vigilance and how do we do that? I’m not sure I have “the answer” but here are my thoughts.
Our hearts are the control centers of our lives. The choices we make, the words we speak, and the attitudes we carry all originate from what we allow into our hearts. Our hearts influence everything we do because the heart is the starting point. We feel before we think or act; often, what we say and do is a byproduct of our feelings.
What does it mean to “keep” or “guard” our hearts? Perhaps it means being intentional about what we allow to shape our thoughts, desires, and emotions. Yesterday’s verses hit on this in our discussion about the importance of continually seeking wisdom and insight. The world constantly tries to fill our hearts with distractions, negativity, and temptations, but God calls us to be watchful. Just as we would take precautions to protect a valuable treasure, we must diligently protect our hearts from influences that pull us away from God’s truth.
One way to guard our hearts is by immersing ourselves in God’s Word. When Scripture fills our minds, it strengthens our hearts against harmful influences. Prayer also plays a key role, as it keeps us connected to God, allowing his peace and wisdom to guide our thoughts. Surrounding ourselves with others who encourage us in our faith helps us maintain a heart that is aligned with Christ. I’m sure you can think of other ways as well.
When our hearts are guarded by God’s truth, our lives will reflect God’s love and wisdom. What we allow into our hearts will come out of our hearts. Our actions, words, and decisions will be life-giving rather than destructive.
What are you allowing into your heart? Are there things you need to remove? Are there practices you need to begin to strengthen your spiritual guard?
Prayer: Lord, help me to guard my heart with diligence. Give me the wisdom to recognize what draws me closer to you and what pulls me away. Fill my heart with your truth, so that my life reflects your goodness and love. Amen.