GUARDING YOUR SPIRITUAL HEART

Proverbs 28:26

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26, NKJV

I think we all know and understand why it's important to protect our physical heart. After all, it controls the flow of blood in the body, and proper blood flow is essential for survival. But the question I want to pose to you today is this: Why is it important to guard our spiritual heart?

I believe the Bible gives us three answers to that question. 1) Out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 says: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (KJV). So, what exactly does that mean? It means that our thoughts, actions, attitudes, and feelings are all dependent on the condition of our heart. Everything we are and everything we do reflects what's in our heart. 2) It is the source of our words. Luke 6:45 reminds us: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" (KJV). The things that find their way into our heart will eventually find their way out of our mouths. 3) It is deceitful and desperately wicked: who can know it? The heart wants what the heart wants whether it's a good thing or not. Our hearts will lie to us.

They will promise us great things, but in the end, all we will receive are disappointment and guilt. It goes on to say in Proverbs 28:26: "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." We must guard our hearts against outside evil influences and even from itself. Our hearts cannot be our guide through life. That's God's place. Knowing this, is it any wonder God cations us to daily take up our armor, including the breastplate of righteousness.

The world is out to get us. Satan is out to destroy us. Even our own flesh is against us. Every day is a spiritual battle, and we must be armed and ready to defend ourselves and our faith. Guard your heart today, my friend!!!

Father, thank You for this day and for waking us up and setting us on our journey through it. Lord, open the windows of heaven and shine down Your abundant blessings upon us and our family today. Lord, help us to remain planted in our present circumstances. Let us not grow comfortable or discontent. Lord, rather than checking out or becoming unsettled, remind us there is a higher purpose for what we are experiencing. Lord, use us to point others toward You today.

Father, we love You. Amen !