Guard Your Heart

Introduction:

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” NKJV  (Proverbs 4:23)  Solomon warns us about how powerful our hearts and minds are.  Our thoughts cause our feelings and behavior.  The choices we make reflect what’s happening in our minds.  (Matthew 15:17-20)  “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,” NKJV (Matthew 15:18-19)

The apostle Paul revealed that we could be transformed by changing the way we think. (Romans 12:2)  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  NKJV  So God’s truth can change our perspective, our habits, our feelings, and our speech.  So what are some of these truths God wants us to know?  Simpson lists several worthy of our consideration.  [Simpson, Anxious, pg. 116]

Body:

I. God Is Unlimited

·  God is not limited by what we can understand.  He is not constrained by space or time like we are.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)  He knows far better than we do what the future holds.  By focusing on His strength, we do not need to worry about the future.

·  God has plans of His own.  His plans, which are far better, can unravel our plans in an instant.  Nothing surprises God.  Job losses, health issues, unexpected deaths don’t catch Him unawares.  (Isaiah 48:3, 5) 

II. God’s Priorities Are More Important Than Ours

·  Often they don’t coincide.  His are on a grander scale.  It’s ridiculous for us to insist on our way and expect that life should unfold as we think it should.  (Romans 11:33-34) 

III. God Is Good

·  By looking around us, we can see all the goodness He sustains.  His mercy and love are readily apparent – material blessings (Matthew 5:45)  and spiritual blessings (Psalm 31:19).  His goodness endures continually (Psalm 52:1).  His plans for us are good; they are just and true.  (Revelation 15:3)  Even if we don’t understand them, we should be satisfied knowing He has our best interests at heart.  (Jeremiah 31:14)  

IV. God Calls Us to Joy and Peace

·  Jesus proclaimed this in John 15:10-11.  This is different from some temporary happiness that is dependent upon our circumstances.  We can only experience this joy by being right with God. 

·  Jesus extends His peace to us and His peace is drastically different than the world’s.  (John 14:27) 

V. God Calls Us to Trust Him

·  God doesn’t clear all the obstacles in our path or make life easy.  It doesn’t mean life will be neat and tidy.  (James 1:2-4)

·  God knows what kind of world we live in and how disappointing it can be.  (John 16:33) 

VI. God Is In Control

·  We are not in charge of the world.  It is the Lord’s purpose that will prevail.  (Proverbs 19:21)

·  God is sovereign and does as He wishes.  (Psalm 115:3)

·  God made us and knows what we need.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  (Isaiah 45:9, 11-12)

·  We can’t fix this world.  It’s not up to us.  We can’t change all the social conditions that exist.  It is beyond our capability.  Note  Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” NKJV  What we can do is prescribe the remedy to each person; that remedy is Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The truths we think about and meditate on will affect our attitudes, emotions, feelings, and behavior.  That’s why the wise man Solomon said, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” 

Bobby Stafford  

February 22, 2015