Proverbs 4:23(NLT) says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” In this verse, God isn’t telling us to put up walls or barriers around our hearts so that nothing gets in and nothing goes out. Heavenly Father is telling us to be extremely watchful regarding our hearts. We should watch that we don’t let the wrong things in and the wrong things out. We should be careful to only let God’s goodness occupy space there. Sometimes, we are so hungry for attention and are in such a rush to be in relationships that we give our whole hearts to individuals that do not know how to care for them. We get into trouble this way, because God’s Word tells us to give our whole hearts to Him.
I had an old friend reach out to me who wanted a more serious relationship with me in the past. He asked if we could continue where we left off. He’s made it clear that he wants to be with me, and because I’m not committing myself in the way that he desires, he has accused me of “playing games.” It’s unusual for me to be accused of such a thing, because I’m not one to take commitment lightly. I saw red flags early on and decided that a platonic friendship was best for the both of us. He would like something more and continues to express this.
Proverbs 4:26(NLT) tells us, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.” From this wisdom, we learn that guarding our hearts means that we must be both considerate and wise. A straight path is the one that God places before us. So, guarding our hearts also means that we stay on His path. It means that we always lean on what God knows and tells us is best.
Further wisdom in Proverbs 4:27(NLT) says, “Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” This is where guarding our hearts saves us from making huge mistakes. Getting sidetracked is compromising what we know is best for the sake of being with someone. It’s being too impatient to wait on God. We all want to be loved in the best possible way. We want to have a compatible partner that really appreciates and values who we are. We need to know that everyone that says they want to do this is not always capable of doing it. When we see red flags that someone’s definition of love means restricting us from moving in Christ and living with the liberty he gives us, we must not proceed. It’s a ‘pump the breaks’ moment.
God knows what we need. He has ordained a partner for you that will fit your life in the best way possible. We must be still, and not make a move until the Lord says so. It’s wonderful to enjoy someone’s company, but it doesn’t mean that we immediately make an emotional investment. The best thing that any of us can do is to continue enjoying getting to know God. There is so much about His love and walking in Christ that He wants to teach us. If we focus on Him, and patiently endure, we will not be disappointed. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“A ‘Pump the Breaks’ Moment”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.