Guarding Our Heart

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NAS)

In an article ’10 New Ways to Protect Your Heart’ by Ron Donoho at MensHealth.com, the author wrote that cardiovascular problems cause nearly half of U.S. male deaths every year—a third of them by complete surprise. Fortunately, every year scientists also discover new ways to protect our hearts, from taking steps to avoid problems, to drugs and gadgets that can help those who already have heart disease. Dozens of studies over the past four decades have shown exercise is good for the heart, but the catch is we are only as strong as our last workout, according to a survey by Framingham Heart Study in Massachusetts.

"The benefits of exercise wear off quickly," says Scott Sherman, MD, of the UCLA school of medicine. Fortunately, the benefits of exercise also show up quickly, so if the only physical activity we ever have is moving pawn to knight six, we are not dead—yet. "The study shows that for sedentary patients, it's never too late to start being active," said Dr. Sherman.

Much like the need to take care of our physical heart, the Bible also cautioned us to guard our heart against turning aside to her ways and straying into her paths (Proverbs 7:25). We are also warned to watch over our heart with all diligence, for everything we do flow from it, and by it the course of our life will be determined (Proverbs 4:23). If we choose not to heed the warning, then we must be prepared for things not to go well with us (Deuteronomy 12:28; Proverbs 4:20-21).

Just as we need to take steps to avoid cardiovascular problems, we need also to take steps to keep our heart spiritually healthy by studying the word of God regularly. For like physical exercise which wears off quickly, so we need God’s word to renew our minds daily to keep up with our spiritual health. The benefit of such a daily communion with God through His word is the ability to keep our heart clean, so we may not sin against Him (Psalm 51:10; 119:11). As long as we are still alive, therefore, it is never too late for us to start getting active into the word of God.

Are we weak at heart, diseased by sin and the allure of this world? Are we walking steadfast in the Lord or are we turned aside and straying into wayward paths? If we have lost our way, let us come back to the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14). Repent and confess our sins to Him, and He who is faithful and righteous will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). In everything, let us by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God, and His peace which surpasses all comprehension will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Cleanse us dear Lord from all our sins and grant us Your peace which surpasses all comprehension to guard our hearts and our minds in You. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Watch over our heart Lord and grant us diligence in taking steps to keep our heart free from diseases and attacks. Your word we have treasured in our heart O Lord that we may not sin against You. Keep us fit to do Your work Lord that in living healthy physically and spiritually, we may do well in You.