Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
Yesterday I stepped out on a limb and started a new exercise program. If you know anything about me, you’ll know first hand this is not typically a part of my daily repertoire. However, despite it all I decided to take a stab at it.
Little did I know my heart would feel like a steal drum keeping up with the rhythm of the climatic stanzas of the 1812 Overture. Relentless! But while this is new and energetic, it proves well for the overall health of my entire being. It’s good for my heart!
But what happens when my spiritual heart begins to feel the effects of mistreatment? It, too, begins to effect my entire being – from spirit to earthly shell.
I’m sitting in Starbucks this morning and struggling with maintaining a single thought. You know those days when strangeness continues to walk into your world? I’m tempted in frustration for the baby crying in the corner, the guys sitting right over my shoulder who talk like they’re sitting across the room from each other. Oh, and lets not forget the man and his newspaper in the chair next to me whose phone won’t stop ringing as he refuses to answer. Makes for a moment to turn your heart – toward a critical spirit or toward the love of God – you know, it’s not really about me anyway.
Lord Jesus, for the moments when life looks strange, remind me of how normal you are. For the things that nag me, remind me of the abundant love you give. For the things that grieve me, with your mighty hand wipe my tears. For the things that I doubt because I don’t know, increase my faith. For the things that offend me, keep my heart from being critical. For when my heart gets stepped on by others, give me the comfort of your healing touch.
And my Lord says to me . . . . Guard your heart Mark! From it flows everything and if left unguarded will harden!