Is your heart feeling heavy and hesitant because you’ve opened it up only to have it mistreated? Or are you cautious, unsure whether to let others in? Perhaps you’re wrestling with how much of yourself to give in relationships and situations. Or maybe you are wondering why the Bible instructs us to guard our hearts? In this article, I’ve gathered wisdom from the Bible to guide you in guarding your heart—not by closing it off, but by protecting it while keeping it open to love, faith, and hope.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the Bible the heart is the essence of who we are. To guard your heart is to choose how external and internal factors will influence your core self. Guarding your heart is the process of reaching closer to God and becoming everything you can be. Internally, you must protect your heart by striving to be your best self; by nurturing the goodness inside you, by turning from sin. Externally, you must be careful about what you allow to influence you. You must choose who you allow close and what messages you take to heart. Guarding your heart is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that you recognize the importance of your heart, that you value the life God has given you, and that you are selective about who and what will be permitted to influence you.
In this article, we’ll discuss what it means to guard your heart, why it is important, and steps you can take to ensure your heart is open and ready for good things to come while being fortified against harmful influences.
Why Does the Bible Say to “Guard Your Heart”?
In the King James version of the Bible, the word “heart” appears approximately 900 times. For comparison, “God” features around 4000 times, and “good” around 800. This demonstrates the significance of the heart in scripture. Perhaps one of the most well-known verses is this one:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
When the Bible speaks of guarding our hearts, it’s not referring to the physical organ that beats in our chests. So, what does it mean? Why does Scripture place such importance on protecting our ‘spiritual’ heart above all else? In biblical terms, the heart represents the very essence of a person. It is the source of our decisions, the wellspring of our emotions, and the seat of our moral consciousness. Our heart encompasses our mind, intellect, conscience, and emotions—shaping our thoughts, feelings, and choices. In essence, the heart is who we are. Just as our physical heart sustains our bodies, our spiritual heart sustains our identity and purpose. Without it, we lose the core of our being. Let’s explore key Bible verses that reveal the significance of the heart in our spiritual journey.
Heart As our Moral Compass
The Bible makes it clear that the heart is the foundation of our morality – where both good and bad deeds originate.
Matthew 12:35 affirms this truth:
Our hearts serve as the wellspring of either light or darkness, influencing our actions and choices. This is highlighted in Mark 7:21:
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders”
Heart As our Essence
In the following passages, the Bible reveals that the heart is the true center of our being. It is where God will look to see a who a person is:
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
Heart As our Brain
The Bible frequently depicts the heart as the seat of our will and intellect. The verses below offer insights into the heart’s role in decision-making and its significance in God’s eyes.
The following verse implies that our hearts, with their thoughts and desires, actively shape our actions. God will see and judge these intentions.
The Bible verse below, illustrates the heart as the center of contemplation and reflection.
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
Heart As our Emotions
The heart is not only the center of our will and intellect but also the wellspring of our emotions. As the biblical passages below demonstrate, the heart is where joy, sorrow, peace, and other profound feelings reside and manifest.
In the Bible verse below we see that it was the heart that recognized the Lord after he rose from the dead. The deep emotion experienced by the heart revealed the truth to the disciples, who encounter the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
This passage highlights the heart’s capacity for sorrow and grief. Jesus acknowledges that His impending departure will bring sadness to His disciples, emphasizing the profound emotional impact of separation and loss.
“But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.”
Why is it Important to “Guard Your Heart”?
We’ve established that guarding our hearts involves protecting the core of our being – the place where our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our actions originate. Now, let’s delve into why this is so important.
Our hearts, as the wellspring of our thoughts, actions, and decisions, exert a profound influence on our lives. Guarding your heart means paying close attention to what shapes it – the media we consume, the relationships we nurture, and even the thoughts we allow ourselves to dwell on. It’s like tending a garden – you have to be mindful of what you plant, what you weed out, and how you nourish the good seeds.”
Guarding your heart means:
- Protecting Your Values: The heart is where our values and beliefs reside. When we guard it, we ensure that our decisions align with God’s word.
- Avoiding Negativity: A guarded heart helps us filter out negativity and distractions that could lead us away from our faith and purpose.
- Living with Purpose: By safeguarding your heart, you create space for God’s peace and wisdom to guide you.
How Do You “Guard Your Heart” in everyday life?
Guarding your heart isn’t some abstract concept. It’s about making conscious choices that shape who you are.
- Choose Positive Influences
- Choose Your Inner Circle Wisely: The people closest to you – your family, best friends, those you confide in – have the biggest impact on your heart. They influence your thoughts, feelings, and even your actions. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who encourage your growth, and who genuinely care for your well-being. It’s okay to distance yourself from people who do not value their own hearts or the hearts of others. Remember, this isn’t about abandoning people in need, but understanding that everyone has their own journey and sometimes you are not the right person at the right time to help the person in need. Sometimes, your heart needs guarding so that in the long run, you can be the best person for yourself and others. Before you open your heart to someone, whether it’s in a romantic context or a close friendship, ask yourself:
- Do they truly have my best interests at heart?
- Do they demonstrate the maturity to consistently act in ways that nurture and protect my heart?
- If you find yourself uncertain about the answers to these questions, it’s wise to proceed with caution. Allow yourself the time and space to truly understand the other person and their intentions before fully opening your heart.”
- Your Digital Influences: Our phones are always buzzing, and it feels like there’s a constant flood of information – news, social media, the endless scroll. Social media platforms, with their powerful algorithms, often dictate what we see, rather than allowing us to choose what truly nourishes us. This constant stream of curated content can subtly shape our perceptions and emotions. Pause every now and then to consciously choose what is impacting your heart.
- Choose Your Inner Circle Wisely: The people closest to you – your family, best friends, those you confide in – have the biggest impact on your heart. They influence your thoughts, feelings, and even your actions. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who encourage your growth, and who genuinely care for your well-being. It’s okay to distance yourself from people who do not value their own hearts or the hearts of others. Remember, this isn’t about abandoning people in need, but understanding that everyone has their own journey and sometimes you are not the right person at the right time to help the person in need. Sometimes, your heart needs guarding so that in the long run, you can be the best person for yourself and others. Before you open your heart to someone, whether it’s in a romantic context or a close friendship, ask yourself:
- Pay Attention to Your Heart: Think of your heart as the garden of your soul. What kind of seeds are you planting? Are you nurturing thoughts of gratitude, hope, and love? Or are you allowing weeds of worry, fear, and negativity to take root?
- Just as you would tend to a garden, actively cultivate positive thoughts. When negative thoughts arise, gently but firmly challenge them. Replace them with affirmations, words of encouragement, and focus on the good. Remember Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
- Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Regularly reading the Bible allows God’s truth to take root in your heart. Verses like Philippians 4:8 encourage us to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy:
- “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” picture
- Seek God’s Guidance: Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s truly going on within our own hearts. That’s okay! Ask God for wisdom and discernment. Pray for the strength to identify and overcome negative influences. Psalm 139:23-24 is a powerful prayer for this: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Final Thoughts on “Guarding Your Heart”
Guarding your heart isn’t about building walls or shutting yourself off from the world. Instead, it’s about being intentional with what you allow to influence you. By keeping God’s word at the center of your life and seeking His guidance, you can protect your heart and live in alignment with His will.
Let Proverbs 4:23 be a daily reminder: your heart is precious, and everything you do flows from it. Take time today to reflect, pray, and recommit to guarding your heart in all areas of life.
