How to Guard the Heart

Today I will pick up from the previous post, where we talked about the state of the heart. On a recap, the article was based on the parable of the sower, whereby seeds(the word of God) was planted on different grounds(the heart). The state of the ground, heart, determined whether the seeds, word, would yield fruit refer here.  We know that we need to have good ground (a patient and persevering heart) in order for the word to have effect in our lives. However, how do we get to this point or how do we retain this state if we are already there. On this piece, I will discuss on some ways in which we can guard our hearts; in view of the bible and from my own experience;

    Prayer

In a previous article A Little Time with the Father I talked about prayer in a Christian's life. It is important to pray so that we do not fall into temptation, because prayer strengthens the Spirit as the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41. We also pray to seek the face of God and find strength in Him. Jeremiah 33:3 

Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

The scripture also instructs us to pray continually without seizing or losing hope. Luke 18:1-5

    Meditate on the word of God

Read the word and meditate on it; that is, think deeply about the word and keep it in your heart. Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." True. If we do not know what the scripture says about God or us, we are going to be misinformed and we will lose battles. The word tells us about the character of God and empowers us with the knowledge and wisdom to tackle every situation, including our relationships. It also arms us against the enemy. Ephesians 6:19, describes the word of God as the sword of the spirit. Scripture further instructs us to meditate on the word day and night, in good times and bad times Joshua 1: 8. Then when we do these our ways will be prosperous since we observe what is written in the word.

    Forgive

This is a very important step. The bible says that if we do not forgive, then our sins will also not be forgiven. Our hearts are hardened when we do not forgive because we rebel against God and we will not be able to understand the word or bear fruits. In the parable, the seeds which fell on the wayside, were eaten by birds; that is the word was stolen by devil, because the people lacked understanding. Similarly, some were choked by thorns(the cares of the world) and did not yield fruits. When we hate one another we walk in darkness and lack direction, because our eyes have been blinded by the darkness 1John 2:11. When we forgive someone, it does not mean that we approve of the wrong that they have done to us, rather, we are casting our burdens unto the Lord and leaving the matter in His hands.

    Our Environment

The things that surround us may affect our beings. This includes the places we hang out, the music or things we choose to listen to, what we choose to view such as movies, et cetera. While we may not always be able to control what is around us, there are things under our control. What we listen to or see may have an effect on us; our minds; how we think. Remember that just like the word we could actually be planting a seed and creating strongholds. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7

    The Company we Keep

This could be underestimated, but if we are honest the people that we hang around with have a great influence on us. "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'." 1 Corinthians 15:33. Yes, we should show love and kindness to everyone, as well as socialise with the intention of sharing the Gospel. On the other hand, we should be careful about the boundaries we set, being careful about how far we get involved in people's lives and how far they get into our lives.

    Our Past

Yes, this could be a part of forgiveness, that we forgive and forget. In this case however, I am referring to such situations as; When we keep talking about "the good old days" "when things used to be this way" or even "nothing in the past has worked for me". We do this in such a way that it actually has a negative effect in our lives or that we remain dormant, stuck in the past. I completely relate to this. Let us stop meditating about the past and start thinking and speaking life into our present.

Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?... Isaiah 43:18,19

    Salvation

This should actually be on top of my list, because it is where it all starts. 2 Corinthians 5: 17. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away;..." Salvation renews our whole being, thus softening our hearts towards God, who is the word. Our sins are forgiven, thereby, we now no longer live in darkness, but in light. Christ also gives us the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand the word of God and empowers with such attributes as self-control, longsuffering, peace; the fruits of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22,23.

Every time I listen to this song, I am balancing my tears ; "How Can it  Be" by Lauren Daigle