Above all else, guard your heart.
A while ago, I was talking with a friend, and she shared how much she was struggling in a friendship. She had opened her house to someone who needed a place to stay, but it had taken a toll on her. The friend she had taken in was sceptical and cynical about God, and as much as my friend wanted to show her love in action, the way she thought Jesus would have done, it was breaking her up.
As she shared her predicament, I was reminded of the words of King Solomon from Proverbs 4:
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV
I asked my friend, “Above all else, guard your heart. What does your heart need?” She paused and said, “I need my friend to leave. But as a Christian, am I not supposed to extend grace and hospitality?”
I explained to her that, yes, being a good and godly friend is important, and yes, sometimes God asks us to sacrifice our own comfort as we minister to others or to go the extra mile. But never at the expense of our hearts.
Solomon reminds us that guarding our hearts isn’t selfish; it’s wise. From it flows life and health to our whole body.
This doesn’t apply only to friendships, but also to events. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and I probably won’t be attending church. As a mother whose child died in her arms, my heart simply cannot handle the Mother’s Day announcements and celebrations. I believe in celebrating mothers, but on that day, my heart needs guarding, and that’s ok.
What does your heart need? Are there things, people or events you need to guard it from? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
