Guard Your Heart
“So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23 TPT
I think one of the best questions we can ask ourselves is: “How is my heart?”
In the busyness of this world, the wear and tear of life can often draw us in. I realize that this is not something I take the time to ask as often as I should. Yet when I slow down enough to get into God’s presence, it seems to be all He asks. “Aaron, how is your heart?”
I don’t know if it’s my lack of emotional intelligence or the uncomfortable nature of the question, but I can find myself running from it. I would prefer that God tell me what He dislikes and instruct me on how to act correctly so I can move on and continue with my daily activities. Yet He continuously asks this irritating question over and over again. It's almost as if He genuinely cares about who I am at my core rather than how I perform for others.
I grew up going to church every Sunday, Wednesday, and in between, and I had loving parents that taught me well. Despite all of that, I still embraced religion over relationship. I still looked for the rules of our faith instead of the intimacy it offered. The reality is that I don’t guard my heart well against the outside affections that I thought would please me.
I love this verse, but most of the time, I’ve applied it incorrectly. My application has often been directed toward others and emphasizes the need to guard our hearts against offense and resentment. I'm not sure why I applied it that way, other than that church can cause many of those issues. Although the verse can be interpreted that way, it isn't speaking to that.
“So above all, guard the affections of your heart.."
What a statement – “the affections of my heart.” God sees you as a pearl of great price, the apple of His eye. You are always on His mind and in His heart.
My heart is limited. It has limited space and capacity. Maybe it’s time we started asking the most basic of questions. “How is my heart?” Seems like a good place to start. If God cares so much about my heart, maybe I should start caring too.
I think one of the best questions we can ask ourselves is: “How is my heart?”
In the busyness of this world, the wear and tear of life can often draw us in. I realize that this is not something I take the time to ask as often as I should. Yet when I slow down enough to get into God’s presence, it seems to be all He asks. “Aaron, how is your heart?”
I don’t know if it’s my lack of emotional intelligence or the uncomfortable nature of the question, but I can find myself running from it. I would prefer that God tell me what He dislikes and instruct me on how to act correctly so I can move on and continue with my daily activities. Yet He continuously asks this irritating question over and over again. It's almost as if He genuinely cares about who I am at my core rather than how I perform for others.
I grew up going to church every Sunday, Wednesday, and in between, and I had loving parents that taught me well. Despite all of that, I still embraced religion over relationship. I still looked for the rules of our faith instead of the intimacy it offered. The reality is that I don’t guard my heart well against the outside affections that I thought would please me.
I love this verse, but most of the time, I’ve applied it incorrectly. My application has often been directed toward others and emphasizes the need to guard our hearts against offense and resentment. I'm not sure why I applied it that way, other than that church can cause many of those issues. Although the verse can be interpreted that way, it isn't speaking to that.
“So above all, guard the affections of your heart.."
What a statement – “the affections of my heart.” God sees you as a pearl of great price, the apple of His eye. You are always on His mind and in His heart.
My heart is limited. It has limited space and capacity. Maybe it’s time we started asking the most basic of questions. “How is my heart?” Seems like a good place to start. If God cares so much about my heart, maybe I should start caring too.
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2 Comments
These devotions have been so on point lately! I'm the same way Pastor Aaron, I don't want to address the issue of my heart because it would be so much easier if He would just fix what's broken! The Holy Spirit is ministering through this devotion today, thank you for being transparent and sharing your heart!
Amen on ALL counts!