When we read the Bible, we uncover timeless wisdom that speaks to the very core of our being – our hearts. In a world increasingly crowded with distractions and challenges, the need to guard our hearts becomes more evident every day. But what does “guarding our hearts” really mean? Join me as we delve into the Scriptures, exploring 11 verses that offer practical insights and guidance on why and how we are commanded by God to navigate the complexities of life while preserving the sanctity of our hearts for His service.
God’s Command to Guard Your Heart
You may have heard for years from pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, or other mentors that you need to guard your heart, but do you know where in the Bible those commands are? Here are two verses where God commands us to guard our hearts:
Keep Your Heart
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
Guard Against Sin
Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. Proverbs 7:25
How Do I Guard My Heart?
Okay, so you see now that God commands you. But HOW should you guard your heart? Here are some answers from God’s word.
Keep God as the Strength of Your Heart
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26
Trust Jesus for Your Peace
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Ask God for His Peace
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Meditate on the Word
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8
Memorize God’s word
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Why Do I Need to be Guarding my Heart?
You know God commanded it, and even can see how the Bible says you should guard your heart. But WHY are you guarding your heart?
Our Heart is Inherently Sinful
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9
The Abundance of the Heart Shows
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45
What's in Our Heart will be What We Treasure
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
Our Heart Shows Other People Who We Really Are
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. Proverbs 27:19
Guarding Our Heart Prepares Us to Serve the Lord
I remember after I trusted the Lord in college that “guarding your heart” was one of those topics that was very popular for our group of single college girls. In a season of life where a lot of emphasis is placed on figuring out the rest of your life, planning your career, finding a husband, and having a “ten-year plan,” the reality of the need to not fall in love with every person (or opportunity!) that came your way was on our minds. I found a few of these verses back then, but now 16 years later I’ve learned that “guarding my heart” is not only in the context of finding a spouse. Guarding your heart is important in every stage of your life, because “...of the abundance of the heart [the] mouth speaketh.”
When we concentrate on filling our hearts with the Word of God and things of God, we know that will be what comes out of our mouth when we speak to our spouse or children, and even what comes out of our mouth when we speak to ourselves. More importantly, by guarding our hearts we will be better prepared to continue serving the Lord as He has intended for us to do.
