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Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Our heart – an organ that pumps out blood and sustains our lives, yet we ascribe to the heart the ability to feel or to choose righteousness. The word, “libbecha” (Hebrew for heart) in the Scripture above is translated as pertaining to that “inner man, mind, will or heart” (Strong’s). Our soul cannot be found on any anatomical chart, though it is evident in our mind. Much like the phrase, “the very heart of a matter”, refers to the main point of something, so the very heart of a person is the inner core of that individual. What defines the person is based on their actions or decisions which are in accordance with their convictions.
So what does it mean to guard our heart? Ironically, guarding our heart, which is the embodiment of our emotions, includes taking captive emotions that are not biblical. Protecting oneself from sinful tendencies or temptations is another practical application, but what is interesting to me is that what flows from the heart – issues of life. What are these issues?
Jealousy, the poison of bitterness, hurt, pain, feelings of abandonment, insecurity, betrayal, and the list goes on and on. Drama is a fact of life, but guarding our heart is applying God’s word when drama happens. Our feelings cannot go unchecked – even if they feel so authentic and accurate. We cannot perfectly judge another person’s heart, either. Actions can be an indicator, but people can also respond out of their hurt and we can presume falsely.
Recently, the LORD showed me another application of this verse. Sometimes when we have been so wounded by others, we can shut down and build walls. We just don’t want to be hurt again. We can hide under the Scripture that says we are to guard our hearts, but ultimately this hiding is not safety at all when we use it to shut people out. Locked up in our hurt, we begin to lose the capacity to show our feelings and emotions.
So how do we handle people who have harmed us? Common sense wisdom dictates that some people have to have limited access or no access to you, but faith in the living God sets us free to trust Him that He will enable us to overcome any hurt that lies down the road. Guarding our hearts does not have to equate to keeping our love from others. Boundaries can be applied in faith, and free us to reach out and love others with the love of Christ. He’s got our back.
Lord, help us to guard our hearts from ungodly influences but to love the ungodly and recognize our need of You, too.
Reblogged this on My Delight and My Counsellors.
Amen! Love the graphic you chose! God bless.
Thanks! That is always the fun part – trying to find a picture that captures what I am trying to convey.
Reblogged this on A Prophetic Walk and commented:
Excellent post!
I like that this addresses the difference between guarding our hearts and shutting people out. Also, while we can openly view a person’s actions, it is not always an indication of what’s happening on the inside. This, as was noted, can lead to a false presumption. Excellent point!
Praise God! Thank you. It is so very difficult not to assume/presume, but in humility ask the LORD for wisdom as well as going to people when we think there is an offense. God bless you!
Thanks, Nikkele! It is difficult, indeed, to guard our hearts without shutting people out. The LORD bless you!
I agree. Remaining open yet vigilant at the same time is a skill. This is a reminder to have having total reliance upon the discernment the Holy Spirit gives us in all matters. Thanks again for the message!
Yes, Amen! It also means that often in my independence I have to humble myself and ask God for wisdom, not assume I know. He alone has the wisdom we need. Thanks for sharing!
Reblogged this on U-turn for Christ and commented:
YES to this post!!
Thank you so much!