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How do you guard your heart?

How do you guard your heart?
Restoration Kingdom Living Christian Life

TL;DR:

Your heart shapes everything you think, say, and do, so it must be protected with care. You guard it by filling your mind with truth and avoiding what pulls you away from God.

what does the bible say?

The Bible teaches that your heart—the core of your mind, will, and emotions—shapes everything you think, say, and do, so it must be carefully guarded. Proverbs commands, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23), showing that your entire life flows from what is within. Jesus reinforces this by saying, “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45), revealing that your words expose your inner condition. Scripture calls you to actively guard your heart by filling it with God’s wisdom and turning away from evil influences (Proverbs 4:21, 4:27; Psalm 1:1). It also warns that nothing in your heart is hidden from God, for “the Lord searches the heart” (Jeremiah 17:10). Instead of feeding sinful desires, we are invited to walk in new life and focus our minds on Christ, trusting Him to guard our hearts with His peace (Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:6–7). We guard our hearts by staying rooted in God's Word and rejecting what pulls us away from Him. In doing this, we allow Him to shape our lives from the inside out.

from the old testament

  • You guard your heart by avoiding evil and avoiding those who practice evil (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 4:15).
  • You guard your heart by keeping God's words and wisdom within your heart (Proverbs 4:21).
  • In Proverbs 4:23, the word "keep" or "guard" carries the sense of a watchman guarding against danger. The word "heart" refers to the center of one's being, encompassing the mind, will, and emotions. The heart is the seat of thought and moral decision-making.
  • You guard your heart by staying on the right path by putting away a deceitful mouth and avoiding evil (Proverbs 4:24-27).
  • God searches the heart and examines secret motives. We cannot hide anything from Him (Jeremiah 17:10).

from the new testament

  • Jesus pointed out there is a close connection between what is in the heart and what comes out of the mouth (Luke 6:45).
  • You guard your heart by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ not thinking about how to gratify the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14).
  • You guard your heart by praying with thanksgiving to God. God promises that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus when we do this (Philippians 4:6-7).

implications for today

God knows our hearts and minds. We cannot hide anything from Him. This should lead us to live with integrity and accountability before Him. The heart, as the source of our actions and attitudes, influences every aspect of life, just as a spring waters the land around it. Examine yourself to understand your deepest thoughts, motivations, and temptations. Don't think about ways to indulge evil desires (Romans 13:14). Instead, pray with a thankful heart to God, and the peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7). What is your heart focused on today? How can you guard it?

understand

  • You guard your heart by memorizing Scripture, avoiding evil and guarding your mouth.
  • The Lord knows your heart and mind, so you should examine your thoughts and desires as well on a regular basis.
  • Christ also guards your heart as you abide in Him and His Word.

reflect

  • How does understanding the heart as the source of life change the way you approach personal growth and spiritual disciplines?
  • How does regular prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other believers help guard your heart?
  • How can you abide in Christ, so that the peace of God will also guard your heart?

engage

  • What does it mean to guard our hearts?
  • What are we called to guard our hearts from?
  • What practical steps can we take to help others guard their hearts?

More Resources

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