Guard your heart

Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to My words. [21] Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, [22] for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. [23] Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. [24] Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. [25] Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. [26] Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. [27] Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

A very dear friend of mine once quoted this scripture "guard your heart" when I was about to face a challenging meeting.

It was the most sound advice.

Satan knows that if he can divert and "muddy the waters" at any given moment, then we will be defeated.

If pride and self pity become the focus of our hearts, then the battle is over.

What is the Lord's prescription and medication for life? Answer: His Word...

It is so essential to spend time absorbing and meditating on the Scriptures.... "Let them penetrate your heart".

It's so easy to just give a cursory glance at what God says in His Word and then carry on as usual.

What does James have to say about this?

James 1:22-25 NLT

But don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. [23] For if you listen to the Word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. [24] You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. [25] But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

If I guarded my heart like I guard my home, all would be well. Doors and windows would be shut, security cameras on 24/7, keys only given to trustworthy people.

Satan is looking for opportunities to intrude, deceive, eventually kill and destroy, if permitted.

Guard your heart!

Luke 6:45 NLT

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.