Good Monday morning friends. We all have gone through “issues of life”, but God doesn’t want these issues to get into our hearts. Proverbs 4 tell us to guard our hearts
Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
In the Hebrew language “heart” can refer to one’s inner self, will, understanding, or mind. They did not see the heart and mind in opposition, such that the advice here includes both one’s thinking and feelings.
What we allow into our heart, both good and bad is what will drive our thoughts and feelings and ultimately our everyday life. This is why God tells us to “guard and protect” what we allow into our hearts, by what we think on all day, every day, and by the words that come out of our mouth.
Proverbs 12:25 – NKJ – Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.
Proverbs 12:25 – Voice – The weight of worry drags us down, but a good word lightens our day.
In this verse, the Hebrew word “anxiety” combines anxiety and fear—that becomes anxious fear. We don’t want to live in anxious fear, because now your focus is all on you, and not on Jesus and what He has done to deliver you from all forms of fear.
Oh, but the Good News is that this “Good Word” refers to what is beneficial for life, promotes life, creates life or protects life. The “good word” here would include encouragement, kindness, and insight—the person needs to regain the proper perspective on life and renew his confidence.
What does God say about your situation? He always has the answer that counters “the issues of life”. God emphasizes He wants the polar opposite from anxiety and fear which causes low emotional states: depression versus joy.
Look at these several verses to see the “polar opposite” that your Heavenly Father wants you living in:
- Proverbs 15:23 – A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
- Proverbs 15:15 – For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
- Proverbs 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
I want to leave you with this – Proverbs 17:22 says that a merry heart can be good for the body, soul, and spirit like medicine, suggesting that joy has spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits.
Choose God’s Good Words of Life to be Free of the “issues of life” in your heart and enjoy the continual feast that He has for you every day!
Remember, you are Loved, you are Righteous, and you are His!
Hi Colleen and David.These verses are wonderful and one of my very favorites of Proverbs is 10:22.”The blessing of the Lord,it maketh rich,and he adds no sorrow with it. KJV Thanks Colleen.
What glorious words to start my week with!
Thank you for this blessing Colleen!
Wow, just what I needed to hear. I need to write this down so I can keep it before my eyes. Continual pain can get you down. I know the joy of the Lord is our strength but sometimes it’s hard to walk in it. Thank you again Colleen.
Guard your heart with all diligence.. and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If words set things in motion, no wonder we must guard our heart.. thank you Colleen and David.
Thank you dear sister Colleen. You always have a wonderful message. I have dealt with fear and anxiety for many years. These are wonderful verses and your words of encouragement are always welcome. Love you and David. Colleen in Massachusetts
❤️
Thank you! 🙏