Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV).
Did you know the Bible tells us to guard our hearts? I am not talking about the physical organ that pumps blood through our bodies, here it is a metaphor for our feelings and emotions. I wondered why there was such a clear emphasis on protecting our emotions. Certainly, they must be important if the Bible says it determines the course of your life. It is our responsibility to protect our feelings and emotions from the worries of the world. You may know how awful it is when your heart is broken or hurting, you may even start to wonder if you will ever be happy again. Proverbs 13:12 (Message version) says, “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around”.
The question remains how do we guard our hearts?
Guard your heart
One of the best ways to guard your heart is not giving it to the wrong person! The importance of setting and maintaining boundaries with yourself and others is potentially the best tool in making sure you are guarding your heart. With intentionality, you are making sure you are not allowing yourself to be ruled by your emotions or allowing others to run all over or control your emotions. The book Boundaries by John Townsend is a great resource for learning how to apply effective and loving boundaries.
Your Heart’s Treasure
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" -Matthew 6:21
What is of value (and is in the right priority) in your life you need to fiercely protect?
How would you keep your treasure safe?
Would you lock it in a vault?
Would you fight off a thief to protect it?
Would you always keep it on you?
Of course, we would do everything in our power to protect something we highly value! Our hearts should be valued and protected even more than any material treasure, for it will determine the path of our lives.
As you step into new relationships, especially romantically, guarding your heart can help you reach your long term goals of a healthy life. I have learned that guarding my heart and not "giving it away" so easily the moment someone shows interest in reminds me and tells that other person that I have value and I won't be in relationship with just any man. Remember, value your heart as if it were treasure because you are a treasure!