Today, we’re talking about Guarding Your Heart. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or influenced by things that may not be healthy for us spiritually. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts and guarding your heart is about protecting your mind and spirit from negative influences and being intentional about what you allow into your life. When we guard our hearts, we create space for God’s love, peace, and wisdom.
Let’s start with this scripture from Proverbs 4:23 which says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This verse reminds us that what we allow into our hearts has a lasting impact on our lives, our relationships, and our walk with God.
Our thoughts and emotions shape how we see the world, and if we’re not careful, negative influences can affect our hearts and minds. Guarding our hearts means being mindful of what we expose ourselves to—media, conversations, and even certain environments.
Thoughts and emotions are big ones to look at because they do cause us to do and say things we may not want to but because we aren’t being discerning and being aware we can really sit in though thoughts and feelings without realizing it.
Philippians 4:8 says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Take time to evaluate what you are letting into your life and fixing your thoughts on what is true can make all the difference. Doing this might mean taking a break from certain things to refocus on what brings peace and positivity. Let God’s truth and peace fill your heart instead.
Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
This is a hefty scripture because we are asking God to point things out to us. Often, we don’t want things pointed out because we are fearful of what we might have to change.
One way to make healthy changes is to set boundaries which will help protect our hearts and relationships. When we guard our hearts, it’s not about building walls but about setting healthy limits. By allowing God to examine our hearts, we can identify what boundaries we need in place to keep our focus on Him.
So, ask God to help you set healthy boundaries in your relationships, social media use, or daily routines. These boundaries create space for growth and protect us from being overwhelmed.
One of the best ways to guard our hearts is by filling them with God’s Word. When we meditate on scripture, it gives us a foundation to stand on when challenges arise. God’s truth becomes our guide and helps us filter what’s good for us spiritually.
Psalm 119:11says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Start each day with God’s Word. Let His truth fill your heart so that when you face tough situations, you have a well of strength and wisdom to draw from. Remember, whatever fills your heart will shape your life.
As you go through your day, remember that guarding your heart is an act of love for yourself and for God. It allows you to live fully in His peace and grace, free from distractions and negativity.
Today we talked about guarding our hearts by being mindful of influences, setting boundaries, and filling our hearts with God’s truth. By doing this, we protect our peace, our joy, and our spiritual well-being.
Let’s close with Psalm 51:10 which says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” This is a beautiful prayer for a heart that’s guarded and dedicated to God.
Remember, guarding your heart doesn’t mean shutting others out; it’s about protecting your spirit so you can live in the joy and freedom God intends for you.