Guard Your Heart

God made us human, not robots, and for that very reason, we can experience a variety of emotions. Some are good, such as love, joy, excitement, and contentment. Others, however, we would rather not experience such as betrayal, disappointment, and anger. The real kicker is that we can experience all these emotions and so many more just from being married. Let’s face it, our spouse will not always act in a way that only our positive emotions are stirred. In fact, Jesus tells us that our life with him will not be all rainbows and unicorns. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33. So how can we react and respond to these painful situations in a way that would make Jesus smile? God doesn’t tell us to slap a smile on our faces and pretend like everything is alright. No, rather he tells us to not let these emotions take hold in our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23. God tells us over and over again, that whatever is in our hearts, will eventually come out of our mouths. Holding on to these toxic emotions makes us bitter and resentful, making us unable to love. And if we are not able to love, how does our marriage possibly stand a chance? Marriage is not just a one-time commitment of love, but rather a daily commitment to love our spouse no matter how they act or how they make us feel.

What else should we guard our hearts against? What about fear? I know for me that’s definitely a big one. But how can we calm our minds and our souls when we don’t know the future? Think about how many times in the Bible, people were up against impossible odds, God told them not to worry, and somehow they found victory because of their faith. Well, what if we did the same thing? What if we prayed and sought God, even when our future looks bleak? Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31. We have 2 choices in this life. We can live a life of fear and not get to enjoy all the good things that God has planned for our lives, or we can live a life of faith and put all situations in God’s hands. If we choose to live out our days with nothing but fear and anxiety, not only will we miss out on joy and happiness but also we will remain self-focused, rather than turning our focus to God. God deserves all of our focus. He wants our minds and our hearts. So why don’t we give him what he wants instead of giving into the devil, and giving him what he wants? In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27.