May 29

The Fortress Of The Heart

Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. — Prov 4:23 BSB

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Phil 4:7 BSB

In ancient castles, there was often an inner keep, a fortified refuge surrounded by walls, bastions, a portcullis at the gate, and sentries at every approach. The heart, too, is constantly approached by both good and evil, by the vanities of the world and the insidious temptations of the flesh. It is like an inn, with guests arriving and departing constantly. Some of these guests have evil intentions, seeking to conspire or ignite passions that could destroy a lifetime of good in a moment.

This is why we must continually watch over our hearts with great care, for from them flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus said that evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, and thefts all come from the heart. The devil and the world around us would be far less dangerous if there weren’t such strong tendencies toward evil already within us, many of which we inherit from generations past.

Keep it Clean. Just as the eye is kept clean by the constant flow of tears, we must ask that the precious blood of Christ wash away any impurity from our hearts. The heart is delicate and easily stained by a single evil thought, which can blind us to spiritual truth. Lift up your hearts to the Lord!

The Sentinel of Peace. The peace of God will then guard our hearts like a sentry, and this peace passes all understanding! We can understand the peace of those who have wealth, influential friends, good health, and high status. But the peace Christ gives is different. It is a peace that transcends circumstances. “My peace I give to you, not as the world gives” (John 14:27). “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, keep me as the apple of Your eye. Protect me by Your almighty power and shield me from the fiery darts of the evil one. May my heart be as a palace, guarded by the Stronger One who keeps it in perfect peace. Amen.