In Proverbs I found a piece of advice that I like. It says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The Complete Jewish Bible translates that same verse as, “Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life's consequences.” And the NIV translates it, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
After reading these and other translations, I could easily see the importance of guarding the heart and began to ponder on how to do it better. I decided it entails keeping anything bad out and that takes concerted effort. Just as I strive to keep germs and bacteria out of my body, I need to keep filth and vulgarity out of my heart.
Right now I’m suffering from a cold, so evidently I’m not doing too well at the germs in my body thing. But that made me think some more. I am vigorously doing all I can do to rid myself of the germs and sickness. But when negative things like jealously, anger, resentment, grudges, or fear enter my heart do I spend as much time and effort ridding myself of them? Right now I’m using vitamins, herbs, and decongestants to fight my cold. I had these on hand and ready for the occasion the minute the sickness struck. This brings up another question. Have I acquired an “arsenal” of medications to use against sickness of the heart? When I feel these negative things creeping into my heart do I act immediately and fight off the negative emotions like I have this physical illness, or do I sit back and say, “Well that’s part of life” And let it linger?
Negative feelings are sickness to the heart which leads to negative issues in life and dire consequence. I think I’m going to work harder at guarding my heart; after all, I want my life to flow from a wellspring not a sickspring.
I hope you will be rid of your cold soon. Those are miserable!
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I were discussing how much I love reading your blog yesterday when I took her out for her anniversary. Thanks again for writing such great and inspiring posts. :)
Wendi, You are always so kind. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry I think we probably gave you that cold. The herbal tea did it for me. I hope you get better.
ReplyDeleteAs far as this guarding your heart I was just thinking about this subject this morning. And I also thought we need to not let things affect the heart. When we do the heart will nver be the same again. The heart can be repaired but it will never be the same. I want my heart to be positive and readiate to others what I feel from my heart. And thhat is one thing you can't fake is how you feel on your heart.
It is not every morning that I get on somebodies blog and write what I was just thinking about this morning. I needed this post for me. Thanks!