One of our favorite family activities in Florida is birding. There are so many different species of birds here, both rare and common, and each season seems to bring about different varieties with different behaviors. My husband just saw a male pileated woodpecker–boy that guy is huge, loud, and territorial. He sure knows how to guard his territory with all that drumming! Then, there’s this red-shouldered hawk. He just wouldn’t leave his post. As I carefully observed his very cautious yet confident movements, it was clear that he was watching me right back. No doubt–he was diligently guarding his post. He was protecting something valuable.
If you’ve been following our devotions, you’ve probably noticed by now that each devotion is inspired by nature or wildlife. There are so many lessons to glean from observing them–perhaps they speak more loudly to me because I’ve always loved nature and wildlife. Does God also speak to you through nature?
Anyway, this bird’s posture brings us to today’s reflection: guarding our heart.
Are we diligent about guarding our heart?
No, I’m not talking about heartbreak today–that’s a totally different topic.
I’m referring to the things that we allow into our hearts. Even the most seemingly harmless–or casual–exposure to the wrong thing can cause our hearts to veer in the wrong direction. Repeated exposure could be even worse, as it could desensitize us from shunning the very things that we wouldn’t otherwise allow into our home.
Sure, we may find ourselves in situations that are beyond our control. But, how about the things that we can control? Are we simply dismissing or making light of them?
As we go about the rest of our week, let’s search our hearts and weed out the stuff that shouldn’t be in there.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV
A good barometer that shows the condition of our hearts is our mouth. Our actions, or lack thereof, are also good indicators.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Luke 6:45 KJV
Most likely, we need to do some purging. Constant purging. I know I do! Romans 12 offers some good guidance on how to get started. If you’re looking for some new verses to memorize, consider memorizing the entire chapter, or at least, the first two verses:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 KJV
Did you know that Scripture memorization is a great way to fill our hearts with the right stuff?
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11 KJV
Memorizing Scripture, to me, is like having insurance. When the curve balls of life hit me in the face real hard, or when temptation strikes, the fastest way to counteract them is by drawing upon the Scripture verses that I had “hid” in my heart. As I pray to seek God’s help, He speaks to me through the Words that I had already memorized ahead of time. However, I’m unable to hear Him, unless I have a clean heart.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Psalm 51:10-13
God cannot use me if I have an unclean heart.
All the more I should guard my heart.
A Few Pointers On How To Guard Your Heart
In closing, here are a few pointers to help us get started with guarding our hearts with all diligence:
- Search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24 KJV)
- Present your bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1 KJV)
- Renew your mind (Romans 12:2 KJV)
- Memorize Scripture (Psalm 119:11 KJV)
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 KJV
Application
God wants to use us, but He cannot use us if our hearts are not clean.
Dear Lord, please help us to realize the importance of diligently guarding our hearts so that we may recognize any and all potential threats and vulnerabilities. May we fill our hearts with your Word, your presence, so that You may use us for your glory, honor, and praise.
Take action: Set a goal to memorize Scripture this week. Make a list of Scripture verses that God uses to speak to you. Don’t forget to spend some time with God by reading Scripture. How about starting with Romans 12 KJV? God wants to be in your heart and fill it with His love. This page shows you how to invite Him into your heart today.
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