Guard Your Heart

“So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 TPT)

I used to leave my garage door open while I worked in the yard, but not anymore! One time a bird flew in; I tried to shoo it out with a long broom, but it kept flying around and pooping on everything. It took a lot of effort to get that bird out of the garage. I’ve also had a mouse creep in and make its home under the shelves. I didn’t even realize it was there until I saw the mouse droppings. After these invasions, I’ve learned to be careful. Now the garage door only opens when we pull one of the cars in or out.   

“If you would cultivate the Spirit’s acquaintance, you must get hold of your thoughts and not allow your mind to be a wilderness in which every kind of unclean beast roams and bird flies. You must have a clean heart. (A.W. Tozer)

If we want to make space for the Holy Spirit, we must guard our hearts against impure thoughts. Be careful not to leave doors open. Do not let the wild rodents and birds encroach and build their nests. Vigilantly guard your mind. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

Thought Training

“Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 ICB)

Marathoners often remind each other that long distance running is 90% mental. Much of the physical conditioning is done ahead of the actual race. We train our bodies by incrementally pushing our muscles, lungs, and heart to endure longer distances. We plan what we will eat and drink before, during, and after each run. And, we prepare for the inevitable mental fatigue that sets in during the later miles.  We train our brains to cope with discomfort and reject negative self-talk.

Our thoughts run our lives. Thus, we must be selective about which thoughts we allow into our minds. Like uninvited guests, they will show up at the door. If we let them in, they will make themselves comfortable and never leave. Fill your mind with helpful thoughts so that there is no room for toxic messages. Intentionally invite thoughts that strengthen you; let them into your mind; feed them; entertain them; allow them to influence you.