Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”
Your heart is the gateway to all of the issues of life. It is the essence of who we are and it is the center of our lives. It is the most vulnerable part of us and yet can become the most hardened part of us as well. We must make sure our heart is in great condition if we are going to enjoy life.
Jesus had some very important things to say about our hearts in the gospel of Matthew:
Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 12:34 – “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Matthew 15:18-20 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
Matthew 18:35 – “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
So many things we say and do in life originate with our hearts. No wonder Solomon said in our devotion, “Keep your heart with all diligence…” The word “keep” in Hebrew means to guard and protect your heart. Guard and protect it from being hurt, from becoming hostile and bitter, from the world’s pollution, and from unforgiveness. This world needs good-hearted people. Be diligent to keep it pure. “Change my heart, O God, protect it and let it be a conduit of your love to this world.” Amen.