Joyful Monday Morning Friends,
Life throws storms at us all—disappointments, fears, and anxieties that threaten to sink our peace. But God doesn’t want these storms to flood our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 gives us a divine command: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Your heart isn’t just your emotions—it’s the command center of your life, shaping your thoughts, decisions, and destiny.
What does it mean to “guard” your heart?
The Hebrew word means to watch, preserve, and protect from danger. Think of it like a fortress. What you allow past the gates—through what you dwell on, listen to, or speak—will either strengthen or weaken you. God doesn’t want your heart clogged with worry (Proverbs 12:25 NKJ: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression”). Instead, He offers a “good word”—His truth—to lift the weight. (Proverbs 12:25 VOICE: The weight of worry drags us down, but a good word lightens our day
The battle is for your heart’s focus:
Fear and anxiety shift your eyes from God’s promises to your problems. But Scripture flips the script: “A glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]” (Proverbs 15:15 AMPC). Joy isn’t denial—it’s defiance. I love this, it’s a non-cooperation with wrong thinking! It’s choosing God’s perspective over the devil and the world’s chaos.
Your heart determines your health:
Proverbs 17:22 AMP declares: “A happy heart is good medicine.” Resentment, stress, and negativity don’t just poison your heart and emotions—they weaken your body. Oh, but joy? It’s a healing force. Guarding your heart means rejecting toxic thoughts and filling it with God’s life-giving words.
Here’s our Practical defense:
- Saturate your heart with Scripture (Proverbs 15:13 AMP: “A heart full of joy makes a cheerful face”).
- Speak faith, not fear. Worship don’t worry
- Let your heart change your circumstances—not the other way around.
Final charge: The “issues of life” will come, but they don’t have to stay. Guard your heart like your life depends on it—because it does. Choose the “continual feast” of God’s presence today. You don’t have to just survive—He wants you to thrive in life in His guard (Word). Stand firm.
Remember – you are Loved, you are Righteous, and you are His!
As my emotions go, so goes my body, so I will guard my heart continually!!
Thank you Colleen!❤️
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Good morning Colleen and thank you for your encouraging words. I made it my New Year’s resolution that 2025 would be the year I thrive and not just survive. With God’s help I will accomplish my goal!
Colleen. This is so good. You always speak Truth and that is always based on our Father’s LOVE for. Us. I am curious if you know how to guard our heart while we sleep? Thank you.
The more you let negative thoughts continue the bigger the issue becomes.
Replace them with what the word says.
Thank you Colleen!!