As a watchman guards the city

by: Carole L. Haines

²⁰ My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
²¹ Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
²² for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

²³ Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
    (Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT)

God’s Word is filled with so much practical wisdom. I find when I follow it, peace follows me. But when I let my mind stray off into worldly ways of thinking, anxiety fills my soul. The word HEART has such a rich meaning in this passage, it encompasses the mind, will and soul of a person. It spills out into our thinking, conscience, and the determination of our will. No wonder we are encouraged to guard this heart of ours; to protect it as a watchman protects a city. When the opinions of others cut through you like a knife, guard your heart. When the world mocks your faith, calling you foolish, simple, or ridiculous, guard your heart.
Only the One who created you has the right to define who you are. It is God who has made you and God who will finish His work within you. Jesus tells us this:
“The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38 NASB)

Dear believer, guard your heart, keep watch over its doors, and believe only God. Believe in His precious son Jesus, listen for the inner guidance of His Holy Spirit. Most assuredly, out of your heart, from within your innermost being, will flow rivers of living water. This water will soothe your own soul and refresh the weary souls of others.