Guard Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Have you ever tried to do something and could not keep focused? Maybe it is because you are physically or mentally exhausted due to the late night you spent playing video games. Or the temptation of procrastination is pulling at you. The call of the television or the social media feed is drawing you away from doing the work set before you. In today’s world, our minds and hearts are under constant siege from the media, work, stress, and distractions.
In Proverbs 4:23, it reminds us to “guard our hearts,” which means to protect them from all things that are not of Yahweh or of His purpose. To diligently protect it from corruption and temptations. Often, these enticements are not obvious but can be very subtle and devious in nature. Many times, it is easier to avoid the obvious and much harder to avoid the inconspicuous.
Just consider Matthew 26:36–46, Jesus asked the disciples to stay up with Him and pray. But how quickly did they give in to temptation? Jesus says in verse 41, Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. He instructed them three times to watch and pray, and each time they went to sleep. What a missed opportunity to embrace the MOMENT the Son of God presented you! Sleep was the temptation, and they loss the moment.
So, as you start your day, consider your life and what distractions or temptations may get in your way of fulfilling your purpose. Are you guarding your heart above all else? It will determine the course of your life. Do not allow the world and all its diversions to steal your moment. Guard your heart.