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September 15, 2025

Proverbs 4:23 

“Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.”  

We live in a world filled with noise, pressures, and influences competing for our attention. Every swipe, every click, every scroll feeds our minds, and ultimately our hearts. From the advertisements, to the conversations we have, to the quiet thoughts that swirl in our minds when no one is watching, something is always shaping us. The "input" we consume shapes our emotions, beliefs, and decisions. That’s why Proverbs 4:23 offers a striking reminder: “Above all else, guard your heart.”

As we noted yesterday in our worship service, in biblical language, the “heart” is the center of our being. It represents our will, our desires, our thoughts, and our values. What we love most, what we pursue, what we think about in quiet moments, all of that flows from the heart, we are taught in the Bible.

In our verse today the writer of Proverbs tells us to be watchful, to protect what enters our hearts, because ultimately, “everything you do flows from it.”

This means:

• Guard what you take in. What are you feeding your heart with? Media, conversations, music, and friendships all influence the waters of your inner life.
• Guard what you dwell on. Thoughts shape actions. Lingering on bitterness or fear can distort your perspective, while meditating on God’s Word renews your mind.
• Guard what you treasure. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What we pursue with passion eventually defines us.

Sounds like a big ask the Bible makes on us, doesn't it? But here’s the good news: We do not guard our hearts alone. The Holy Spirit helps us. Philippians 4:7 promises that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So, when God says: “Guard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23); “Fix your mind on what is true, noble, and lovely.” (Philippians 4:8); “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) God Himself stands watch with us.

Here are some spiritual practices that can serve as “guards” around our hearts, that will keep us tender toward God and his word.

1. Daily Scripture Meditation - By reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture, we let God’s truth shape our inner life.

2. Prayer and Honest Conversation with God - When we pray regularly, we invite God to align our desires with His.

3. Worship - Worship lifts our eyes off distractions and idols, re-centering our affections on God.

4. Accountability and Community - Trusted Christian friends can notice when our heart is drifting and lovingly call us back.

5. Practicing Sabbath Rest - Sabbath rhythms remind us to slow down, trust God, and refresh our hearts in Him.

6. Gratitude and Confession - Gratitude fills our hearts with joy, while confession purifies and lightens them.

Let us pause today and ask ourselves, What influences in our lives might be shaping our hearts more than we realize?

Let's Pray

God, thank You for reminding me that my heart is precious to You. Help me to guard it wisely, not by shutting myself off from the world, but by opening myself fully to You. Let Your Spirit purify my thoughts, desires, and loves, so that what flows out of me reflects Your life and love. Amen.