Nougat 1

Although the heart is biologically wired for simply pumping blood; it is often considered to be the headquarters of relationships. We are urged to demonstrate love for others and that requires sharing our hearts. Of course, with that it is the tacit recommendation to guard our heart from being broken.

And with that is the invitation to consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Funny isn’t it, that ‘guarding our hearts’ also means establishing protective detail yet the context suggests that it isn’t about emotional heartbreak. Rather it seems to be an exposition from the perspective that if the heart goes bad the rest of the body suffers.

With that, we may wish to think from a literal perspective. The World Health Organisation postulated that about 17,000,000+ persons die from heart-related ailments annually. While one might argue that more than 1/3 of these are elderly persons; one quickly realizes that that doesn’t account for Ten Million persons! The warning therefore, to ‘guard our hearts’ could very easily be an invitation to protect ourselves from issues that could foster any flare up of cardiovascular diseases.

Smoking, diet (excess alcohol intake, salty, fatty, processed foods) and poor exercise are high contributors to this condition. With that, it is worthwhile to think seriously about changing some of our lifestyle patterns if we are guilty of indulging in the high risk factors. To guard our hearts, especially for those of us who are approaching middle age, requires that we eat healthier, and exercise within our capacity. For overdoing can be just as dangerous!

I would argue further – and some might say it is a weak point – that ‘guarding our hearts’ is also a matter of controlling what enters our hearts emotionally and spiritually. This includes what we watch (on television/social media spaces), how we associate with others and what we allow priority in our intimate spaces. Thus, an unhealthy reading/viewing diet may affect our concerned with others, and in turn we venerate material things above relationships.

It is important then to guard our thought life as it influences our behaviors. And when our thought life is turned in the wrong direction, we often find less time for God. With less time for God, we increase our vulnerability to yield to varied temptations. And, if we yield, we can become less attuned to God’s plan and purpose, and that cycle can continue for a while before we realize the depth of our vulnerability.

Perhaps it is time to seriously consider what gains entry in our hearts and lives even as we seek to establish moderate lifestyles. And, since it may require help beyond ourselves, I pray that we turn to God to sort us out. For by God’s Spirit our resolve can be strengthened where we would be physically, morally, emotionally as well as spiritually weak.

Lord, please strengthen our resolve to guard our hearts by Your Spirit. Heal the broken bits please Jesus and guide us into healthy lifestyles we pray, amen.

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May all we seek be found in Christ