Many years ago, I had the privilege of meeting an incredible couple that God used to lead a powerful revival in South America. Around two hundred thousand young people in one city had given up everything to follow Christ. We chatted as the pair shared their hearts. Their love and dedication made a lasting impact on me. They saw the call of God on my life and my hunger to be used by the Lord so they prayed for me before they returned to their country. They left me with only one piece of advice: if you really want to be used by God, guard your heart. I have never forgotten those words.
According to the Bible, it’s not your upbringing, your education, your finances, your friends or your family that will determine how your life turns out. It’s your heart. It decides whether you fulfil your God-given potential, or not. It establishes how your time here on earth will work out.
“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (Amplified)
God says that above every possession or talent, and above every relationship or responsibility, we must guard our hearts. We must keep an eagle eye on the state of our souls. More than you watch over your daughters when teenage dirt-bags are preying; more than you guard your beautiful new car when a low life is lurking; more than you watch over your home, your family, your career and even your own body, God is asking you and I to take care of our hearts. The New Living Translation expresses the verse like this:
“Guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23
Your heart determines your destiny. The state of your soul establishes what your future will look like. It’s not your education or training. It’s not your gift or talent – however important they may be. It’s your heart that sets your course.
You are an opportunity waiting to happen!
The Bible encourages us to dream, and to dream big. He is GREAT and we are made in His image. This world needs great leaders, great fathers, great mothers, great scientists, great teachers, great doctors, great businesspeople and great ministers. This world needs great people who can be salt and light.
At Christmas, many of us give our children stockings and we look out for stocking- fillers – nice bits and pieces that will pad out the package. They aren’t the main gifts. They just bulk out the stocking and help make Christmas more special.
In the movies, producers recruit ‘extras’. They help make a scene look real, they add depth to a frame which means that the real stars can shine. When God made mankind, He did not create any of us as stocking-fillers. He did not make an extras.
Each and every one of us is significant. You have great potential: you were made in the image of the Greatest. The Lord wants to raise you up and release you into your full potential. He wants you to be great. However, your heart will determine where you actually end up and whether you achieve your God-given dreams.
When we have unresolved issues or hidden motives that drive us, we limit ourselves and delay true fulfilment. While our hearts are hampered by insecurities or worries about what people think, we hold ourselves back. And the truth is, nearly every single one of us has issues we need to deal with for us to become our best.
How to get guarding
The Bible says in Proverbs 20:27 that “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of the heart.” That means your spirit is God’s window to your heart. He wants to shine His light and reveal obstacles that you didn’t even know are holding you back.
King David asked the Lord to search his heart and test his motives. He cried out to God to point out any issues that were holding him back. When you and I do the same, God begins a wonderful work within.
Every blog I write deals with a different heart issue to help you be free so that you can fulfil your God-given destiny. If you would like to offload unwanted heart junk and clear out inner clutter, get my new book 30 Day Detox for your Soul. You will be amazed at what God will do. It’s available in kindle and paperback via Amazon.
Great blog!
This piece not only blessed me but with friends that I shared it with.