Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Proverbs 4:23
I thought he/she loved me!
I believed my friend cared for me!
I had hoped all my kids would grow up and make great decisions in life!
I was certain my team would win it all!
These are some of many questions that ping-pong in our hearts. In life, it is important to guard your heart. What you allow in will either strengthen or hinder your path. Trust me, the journey is far better when the heart is healthy and not decaying.
Perhaps you are living with a broken heart today? Perhaps you are feeling betrayed or hurt? I’d like for us to spend time together in Proverbs 4:23. I’d like to offer three thoughts to help with your heart exam.
Your heart is worth guarding. As you see in the verse, you must guard your heart. We freely give up our heart to things and people that damage and not build. Just as there are many diseases and disorders that can affect the physical heart, there are also ailments of the spiritual heart that can impair growth and development as a living soul on this side of heaven. Each day, you must make the decision on what time will be spent, what commitments will be made, and how you will engage with others while taking care of your heart.
When guarding your heart, look for these four goals…
What is good – Will this deepen my joy?
What is fruitful – Will this be productive in my life?
What is healthy – Will this build up my entire life?
What is edifying – Will this benefit me?
Your heart reveals your identity. I would encourage you to seek the Lord daily with your affections, ambitions, and goals. Remember, what is inside your heart will dictate your actions and words.
Jesus said, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” – Matthew 15:18-20. Your heart communicates what your life values.
In fact, in Proverbs 4:23, you can see where your heart can lead in the areas of crooked speech, devious talk, and anything to distort your focus in life. Have you ever been misled by following your heart?
Your heart needs Jesus. How can your heart be the source of life? It is when your heart has been given new, redeemed life in Jesus. When you recognize sin in your heart and see your need for the Savior, you are given the guarantee of an unending…wellspring of eternal life. The Apostle Paul shares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17.
With Jesus, you will have the source of life. Eternal life.
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Pensacola
dsnyder@fbcp.org
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
