“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. “
Proverbs 4:23
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Bodyguards. Bank Vaults. Passwords. Security cameras. Seat belts.
These are just a few of the measures we use to guard what is valuable. As we look at the conflict inside believers, how are we guarding our hearts? How do we avoid being lazy and neglectful?
Rather than denying the battle, we need to be prepared for it—to guard our hearts—to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6). Often we think of this armor in terms of battling and donning protection from the world and the devil—external enemies. But it’s just as important for the war against our flesh, the rebel in us.
Reflect with me some ways this is true:
- The Breastplate of Righteousness. The Spirit reminds us that we have been declared righteous; not of our doing but credited to us nonetheless, whether we feel that way or not.
- The Gospel of Peace. The Spirit reminds us we have firm footing to stand, rooted in the shalom (not just peace but wholeness) we have in Jesus.
- The Shield of Faith. “Thoughts, feelings, imaginations, fears, and lies—all of these can be hurled at us by Satan as fiery darts. Faith turns them back.” (Enduring Word Ephesians 6 commentary)
- The Helmet of Salvation. The battle for your soul is won; the battle in your soul rages without any fear of losing your salvation. Solid confidence in this protects us from discouragement.
- The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Hide His word in your heart for the Spirit to bring to your remembrance. This is your opportunity to fight, to bring every thought captive as we measure it against God’s Word, which demolishes every power set against it. Paul Tripp encourages us that our offensive weapon is to preach the gospel to ourselves. He counsels that we make it a daily practice to 1) gazeon the beauty of Christ, 2) remember who we are as a child of God, 3) rest in His power and provision, and then 4) act in reliance upon Him.
- The Belt of Truth. The Spirit reminds us of our identity in Christ, and helps us take every thought captive.
Finally (and probably where we should start!) as we tend to our hearts, we can invite the Lord in, to show us our blind spots:
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- When are you most likely to let your guard down?
- What piece of the armor have you tended to neglect?
- What truths do you need to remember in your battle for control of your heart?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, April 5: Proverbs 23; 1 Thessalonians 2
- Saturday, April 6: Proverbs 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
- Sunday, April 6: Proverbs 25; 1 Thessalonians 4