Guarding Your Heart
By Emily Rose Massey
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).
One of my nicknames in high school was “Queenie,” short for “Drama Queen.” I understand that not all women are this way, but I guess I have always been an emotional person by nature. Of course, there were many times when my emotions got the best of me often, and I was pulled under and tossed to and fro with anxiety, chaos, worry, and drama.
It took time, but I learned how to find rest in Lord, and the Holy Spirit helped me cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Although I knew to run to Jesus when I was emotional, weary, or anxious, if I was around others (whether one-on-one or my family or people I encountered at work or even things I would hear in the news or on the internet) who were going through a dark time or just needed to vent, I still found myself taking on their negativity and anxiety, and I would inevitably feel #allthefeels. I wanted to help them through the struggle. I wanted to bear their burdens like the Bible says we are to do (Galatians 6:2). I wanted to be empathetic towards them- to put myself in their shoes. All good things, right? Sure…as long as you don’t lace up those shoes and run off with them!
Ultimately, we cannot control the sadness or destruction going on in the world or in others’ lives around us, nor can we control others’ behavior or actions, but we can control how we react to it all and keep our very own emotions in check. Before we become involved in someone else’s problem or emotional experience, I believe the most important thing we must do is guard our own hearts.
Proverbs 4:23 tell us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV).
We don’t want our hearts to become someone else’s dumpster. Considering the heart is the soil in which we bear good fruit (Luke 8:15), we must protect it from pessimism, worldliness, worry, bitterness, anxiety, etc., at all costs.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
We have all experienced loss and pain in our lives- whether that is a loved one passing away, divorce, infidelity, miscarriage, infertility, financial crisis, losing a job, really, the list could go on and on. Since no one is exempt from encountering tragedy and difficult seasons, as humans, we all have this common bond. That’s why when the news breaks about a tragic or traumatic event in the world, like a mass shooting or the sudden death of a dear friend, (normally) it cuts us deep in the heart. Often, a part of us hurts for those who are hurting.
The best thing we can do is simply stand with them in their pain and point them to the only One who can bring wholeness, peace, and comfort. Encourage them with scripture because it will be an anchor of hope to them in their storm. Pray with them and for them any time the Lord prompts you to. Walk with them in their trial and grief so that they know they are not alone in their suffering. Of course, if they are a believer, they will always have the Lord’s nearness, but God will put you in people’s lives who are struggling for precisely that very reason, to just be near. Through this time, you can encourage them in Matthew 11:28-30 and 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV).
These passages of Scripture, along with many others, are there in the Bible to remind them (and you) to always turn to the Lord when you are in need. Allow God’s Word to keep you filled up with His hope so that others’ difficulties do not drain you. Yes, we are called to carry one another’s burdens, but most importantly, we help them carry those burdens to Jesus, the One who strengthens us on our journey and promises true peace and rest. There are so many around us who are hurting and weighed down by the cares of this life. Being an empathetic and compassionate person is beautiful because God made you that way, and He is the One who will give you the right words and the right actions when walking with others through their valleys. Above all, guard your heart and keep Jesus at the center of it!
Further Reading:
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Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
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