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

In the New Testament we read that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. According to Proverbs, it’s apparently more than just our words that come from our hearts, it’s everything we do. You can see why it is important to guard our hearts. Put another way, the things someone says and does reflect what’s in their heart. There’s no faking it; whatever is in your heart will come out in the open at some point.

There are two things I would like to point out. Firstly the answer lies in the Word of God and in filling our hearts with it. The few verses leading up to the verse we have just read say, “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.” The best way to guard our hearts is to fill them with God’s words.

Secondly, a warning against anxiety. I’m sure at this point in your life, there are issues you are facing that would cause you a measure of anxiety. Remember that in Phil 4:7 when we are told not to worry, the encouragement was to rather turn to God and present your requests to God. The promise given was that his peace would guard our hearts and minds. This is God’s goal for us and we must be sure to watch out for those things that will put our hearts at risk. So important! Rather than festering in anxiety, turn to God in prayer.

So God’s word and prayer will guard your hearts. Do everything you can to work on your heart; it’s the source of everything you say and do.

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