June 4, 2025
Guard your heart
Read: 1 Kings 21, 22; Proverbs 4; John 10: 1-21
Scripture: Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Observation: People give high protection to their precious things. Depending on their capacity, they keep their expensive possessions in a safe place. From Genesis to Revelation, the word "heart" is used more than 1000 times in the Bible. Here, we see a loving father's word of wisdom to his child. The phrase "above all else" emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts. A healthy heart is vital for a long physical and spiritual life. Biblically, the first step to protect our heart is to keep the Word of God in it (Pro.4:21). Jesus warns that an empty heart is susceptible to the devil's attacks and will make life worse (Mt.12:45). Psalmist writes, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Ps.119:11). When we treasure God's word in our hearts, and when we allow God's word to work in and through us, it does all the remaining works for our wellbeing and protects us from sin.
The Bible says, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" (Mt.12:34). As we read here, "for everything you do flows from it" (v.23). Jesus says that all evil thoughts and deeds come from our hearts (Mt.15:19). Our actions, words, and thoughts all are the result of what we have in our hearts. If we want to live a life that pleases God, we need to fill our hearts with God's word that is full of the Spirit and life. How can we fill our hearts with the Word of God? Bible reading and meditation on the Word of God are very helpful. However, is it possible without surrendering our hearts to God and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord?
Application: Keeping God's word in my heart gives me many blessings of the Lord. So, "above all," I will give priority to guarding my heart. However, I cannot do it with my own strength. I need Jesus and his help. When Jesus comes into my heart, he fills my heart with God's word and guides me in his path. He changes the way I see, my speech, and my actions. When Jesus lives inside me, everything that comes from me is good and useful for all.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for your words of wisdom to lead a godly life. You are my shield and strength. Jesus, you are my shepherd. So, the devil can do me no harm. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 155