Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (MEV)

The truth is that the issues in your life can be a direct result of the issues of the heart.
A messed up life can be the result of a messed up heart. What do you think?

We know that God wants us to have an abundant and peaceful life. He wants our hearts whole so that our lives are whole. But it is really our choice whether we choose to be obedient to God’s warning. . . (Emphasis added below)

ABOVE ALL ELSE, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)

Guard your heart ABOVE ALL ELSE, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)

None of us will ever be perfect by any means, I know I’m sure not! But our goal as believers should be to be consistent and strive with all that’s in us to have the right heart. A guarded heart should be loving, kind, gracious, merciful, compassionate; to have a heart that is not corrupted by the evil one – to have a heart that is not angry, bitter, lustful or jealous; a heart not full of rejection, hurt, selfishness, self-will, pride, accusations and fear.

You must remember, however, you cannot do any of this on your own. Your strength comes from the Lord, and by the power of his Holy Spirit!

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

The body of Christ needs more steadfast and committed believers, those whose hearts seek after the heart of Christ Jesus. We need to strive, in HIS strength, to be a true reflection of who he is – so this dark and dying world wants what we have. But it starts with the issues of the heart.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

There are so many issues to deal with in this day and age, and I know we all have our personal struggles. But rest in obedience to God and his ways, starting with the issues of the heart – for out of it are the issues of life.

Let’s pray together . . .

Lord, please help me guard my heart, above all else. Show me any issues of my heart I need to change and give me your strength to overcome my weaknesses, for I long to be pleasing in your sight.  In Jesus name. Amen.