Learning how to guard your heart is an essential aspect of your spiritual walk. To guard is to protect something precious from attack, or danger and the Bible teaches us that our heart is something to protect.
Have you ever seen someone say or do something that was strange to you, and your next question was “who have you been listening to?” It matters the thoughts and ideas we harbour/pay attention to, as they will affect the outcome of our lives. (Matthew 12:34, Proverbs 4:23)
In a world where so many things are calling your attention, both good and bad, learning how to guard your heart from any idea, thought or feeling that is contrary to God’s word is important. How to do so?
1. Study the word
The word of God helps us understand the how, what, and why of guarding our heart in the first place. Study the word, and get your convictions from the word of God.
If we believe studying and paying attention to the word of God will change our lives as believers, it makes sense to believe that doing anything opposite can also change our lives, but in the wrong direction. Click To TweetIf you’re not grounded in truth, the world will teach you lies. Furthermore, guarding our hearts requires that we are filled with the word of God to guide us. Also, it leaves less room for unwanted thoughts and ideas to thrive.
2. Watch what you read/listen to/see
If we believe studying and paying attention to the word of God will change our lives as believers, it makes sense to believe that doing anything opposite can also change our lives, but in the wrong direction.
Those songs, movies, books, videos you watch are more powerful than you think. Some movies shouldn’t be watched and social media pages should be unfollowed/blocked.
The question isn’t “will I go to hell if I do this”, it is:
“What does this leave me thinking/feeling?”
“What idea is this picture/movie/book/magazine/Instagram influencer promoting?”
“Am I better for it? Is it consistent with the word?”
Weigh everything against the wisdom of God’s word, and choose the word. Consciously and boldly recognise the things you will guard your heart against because everything carries a message, and will affect you in the short or long run.
The word of God helps us understand the how, what, and why of guarding our heart in the first place. Study the word, and get your convictions from the word of God. Click To Tweet3. Pray
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Prayer is so instrumental to aligning our hearts with the will of God. Praying and maintaining consistent devotion are powerful steps in safely guarding our hearts from negative and ungodly thoughts or feelings as we go through life.
4. Accountability
Earlier, we mentioned that it’s important what and who you pay attention to, hence there’s the need to emphasize godly friendships and a sound local church. Good association pushes you in the right direction and helps you stay grounded in the faith. These are part of God’s strategy for your preservation.
Prayer is so instrumental to aligning our hearts with the will of God. Praying and maintaining consistent devotion are powerful steps in safely guarding our hearts from negative and ungodly thoughts or feelings as we go through… Click To TweetIf you want to stay on the right path, pay attention to the right things, especially in times where you have questions and doubts.
Let us know which of these points you found most helpful. Feel free to add any more points you’d like to share in the comment section.
You can also read “4 + 1 Apps That Would Transform Your Christian Life“. Stay guarded!
A much needed read!