Guard Your Heart

First on a personal note, it snowed this weekend in Nashville and shut down everything. In fact, even our church services were cancelled, which I can never recall happening before. 

Ivy and I live on a hill with a very steep driveway and we’re snowed in. It’s a nice break. My arm hurts and I’m mostly resting anyway, though I did come up with a new book idea I’m very excited about.

During this #Season Of Light series we’ve been exploring the not only the beginning of Jesus ministry, but also some of the foundational principles from scripture for living as unto the Lord.

You gotta do it God’s way if you’re gonna make it your best year ever.

So the writer of Proverbs advises:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

It’s understandable to take offense, hold grudges, and wear a chip on your shoulder. Those thought patterns don’t serve you well though, they poison your heart.

To “guard your heart” would mean to not be easily offended, forgive every slight, and act like you have nothing to prove.

Matthew Henry’s commentary from so long ago says it well:

There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt.

A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life.

Walking in the light of God’s word empowers us to guard our hearts. You have to chose to do this. When you walk in the Spirit, you will be filled with the fruit of the Spirit – patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control. Then we can live above all the ills of this world that would drag us down, whether they are petty or massive.

Everything – the impact of your life and the work of your hands – overflows from the inside out.

Guard your heart. Make a difference for the glory of God.

About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for January 24: Genesis 48:1-49:33; Matthew 15:29-16:12; Psalms 20:1-9; Proverbs 4:20-27

Our church is also on a reading plan of four chapters per day, starting in the New Testament. Today is Luke 13-16.