Streams in the Desert

Short articles, helpful teachings

Practice Guarding Your Heart: Five Tips for Success

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 NIV

This succinct piece of wisdom from the book of Proverbs has the capacity to save us from loads of grief. If (and since) it is true that the heart is the wellspring, or the place from which all the issues of our lives flow forth, learning how to guard it would be worth the investment of time it will take you to read this short article. Wouldn’t it?

Our hearts are like reservoirs or repositories for our thoughts, emotions, choices, and longings. This verse warns us to filter or sift through what we allow inside that special heart-chamber.

Here are five filters to assist you in guarding your heart:

1. Release any emotion that is upsetting you at this present moment.
2. The way to release it is by praying, “Lord Jesus, I give you my fear (anger, anxiety) about ___________. I ask you to replace it with your peace.”
3. Promptly let go of any likes or dislikes that evoke strong emotions that distract you from your present task.
4. Purpose to stay open to what is happening now, in this present moment, so that if your plans are suddenly upset, you will not be upset.
5.  Do what you are doing and keep your heart centered on Christ as much as possible.

By using these five filters, you’ll find you stay more centered in Christ and less distracted from your work. Should painful situations arise, or plans change at a moment’s notice, you will be more disposed to know whether to accept, reject, modify, or correct what presents itself.
Remember this: the fruit of guarding your heart is your habitual willingness to change your plans or agenda with little notice. It allows Jesus to be in control and not you. This daily practice will protect your heart from being misled and will keep you in his presence. Do this, Proverbs says, “Above all else.”