The scripture says that God doesn’t look at us the way we look at each other, He looks at the heart of a man (1Sam.16:7),” and it speaks of Him going to and fro about the earth, looking for hearts that are truly His (2Chron.16.9). Jeremiah warned of the deceitfulness of the heart (Jer.17:9), while Proverbs admonishes, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Prov.4:23).” In light of these strong words, it would seem worthwhile to explore what “guarding” our hearts might entail.
The Prophet Isaiah told the people that to prepare the way of the Lord, we must make straight pathways, raising up the valleys and bringing the mountains low (Isa.40:3-5). This speaks of the steadiness that is born out of a singular reference point, and stands in stark contrast to the often-manic cycle between mountain top and wilderness experiences that seems so prevalent within westernized religion.
Proverbs expands on the concept, telling us to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, and our feet upon the straight path (4:24-27), which supports the Hebrew writer’s assertion that we need to “Fix our eyes on Jesus,” who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Heb.12:2). It also tells us that when we trust in the Lord, instead of leaning on our own understanding, and submit to Him in all our ways, He makes our paths straight (Prov.3:5-6).
The Apostle Paul gives much practical advice on this topic throughout the epistles, like telling us to take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ (2Cor.10:5). This concept is in direct opposition to the cultural expectation of having an “open mind”, which allows any thought unencumbered and equal access to the core of our being.
He further directs that every pretense and argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of God should be demolished, which would most certainly be viewed as intolerance within today’s society.
He advises that we take our eyes off “what is seen” because it is temporary and perishing (2Cor. 4:18), and that we ought to focus on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy… instead (Phil. 4:8).
Paul goes so far as to say that if we would refuse to embrace our anxiety, and simply approach the Lord in prayer for every situation, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, would guard our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:6-7).
These scriptures are not obscure or abstract. Indeed, many of them are printed on bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets, and t-shirts. But there is little evidence to support that many of these principles have taken root.
Indeed, American Christianity seems to be absolutely enthralled by current events (i.e. what is seen), full of ideas about what needs to happen (i.e. leaning on our own understanding), and brimming with anxiety about the future. False prophets and prophecies prosper, as people grasp for anything that feels like hope (i.e. not trusting the Lord).
This lack of peace points to the unguarded state of our hearts, yet to suggest abandoning this tact would likely result in being branded as, “too heavenly minded to be any earthly good”. But for the man whose mind is stayed upon the Lord, and whose heart trusts in Him, “perfect peace” awaits (Isa.26:3).
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Prov.4:23)”
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Guard Your Heart
Posted in Commentaries, tagged arguement, deceitfulness, false prophecies, false prophets, fix our eyes, guard your heart, heart of a man, open mind, perfect peace, pretense, straight paths, straight pathways, take thoughts captive, trust in the Lord, westernized religion, what is seen on May 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »
The scripture says that God doesn’t look at us the way we look at each other, He looks at the heart of a man (1Sam.16:7),” and it speaks of Him going to and fro about the earth, looking for hearts that are truly His (2Chron.16.9). Jeremiah warned of the deceitfulness of the heart (Jer.17:9), while Proverbs admonishes, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Prov.4:23).” In light of these strong words, it would seem worthwhile to explore what “guarding” our hearts might entail.
The Prophet Isaiah told the people that to prepare the way of the Lord, we must make straight pathways, raising up the valleys and bringing the mountains low (Isa.40:3-5). This speaks of the steadiness that is born out of a singular reference point, and stands in stark contrast to the often-manic cycle between mountain top and wilderness experiences that seems so prevalent within westernized religion.
Proverbs expands on the concept, telling us to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, and our feet upon the straight path (4:24-27), which supports the Hebrew writer’s assertion that we need to “Fix our eyes on Jesus,” who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Heb.12:2). It also tells us that when we trust in the Lord, instead of leaning on our own understanding, and submit to Him in all our ways, He makes our paths straight (Prov.3:5-6).
The Apostle Paul gives much practical advice on this topic throughout the epistles, like telling us to take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ (2Cor.10:5). This concept is in direct opposition to the cultural expectation of having an “open mind”, which allows any thought unencumbered and equal access to the core of our being.
He further directs that every pretense and argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of God should be demolished, which would most certainly be viewed as intolerance within today’s society.
He advises that we take our eyes off “what is seen” because it is temporary and perishing (2Cor. 4:18), and that we ought to focus on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy… instead (Phil. 4:8).
Paul goes so far as to say that if we would refuse to embrace our anxiety, and simply approach the Lord in prayer for every situation, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, would guard our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:6-7).
These scriptures are not obscure or abstract. Indeed, many of them are printed on bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets, and t-shirts. But there is little evidence to support that many of these principles have taken root.
Indeed, American Christianity seems to be absolutely enthralled by current events (i.e. what is seen), full of ideas about what needs to happen (i.e. leaning on our own understanding), and brimming with anxiety about the future. False prophets and prophecies prosper, as people grasp for anything that feels like hope (i.e. not trusting the Lord).
This lack of peace points to the unguarded state of our hearts, yet to suggest abandoning this tact would likely result in being branded as, “too heavenly minded to be any earthly good”. But for the man whose mind is stayed upon the Lord, and whose heart trusts in Him, “perfect peace” awaits (Isa.26:3).
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Prov.4:23)”
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