Proverbs 4:23-27

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Scripture: Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep they heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the paths of they feet, and let all they ways be established. Turn no to the right hand, nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Observation and Application: (Yes... I know that these two are normally separate, but it was a very personal message today, and I cannot separate what I noticed from how it applies to my life this morning.) 

Keep your heart... As a child, I built a fortress around my heart, protecting it from all those who would come by subtlety and cause pain and distrust. I kept my heart... as I got older, I was always told that I needed to let people into my heart, to let them get close to that place where I made my choices and hid the most tender parts of my life, and I went the way that the world told me to... I tore down the fortress that was around my heart and let others in. And each time, my heart would be hurt, and I would consider rebuilding that fortress... but I would remember the worldly advice that I had received, and I would toughen my heart instead of protect it. Then, I met Jesus Christ... and I came face to face with forgiveness, love and infallibility. I met the one who could reach past my hardened heart  and give me a new life... and a new heart. And as I learn more and more about the bible, I know that I am to protect my heart... not to allow it to get hard again, but to build up that fortress where I can allow the all tenderness and compassion that God uses to speak to me to blossom and grow... a place where my heart is protected from those that would cause me pain, doubt and distrust. 

But that isn't what really stood out to me today... today, it was the advice that follows the instruction to keep my heart... The bible says put away from thee a froward mouth and perverse lips... look straight ahead! Pay attention to where you are going, think about the choices you make... and don't stray! Don't turn from what you know is right... as my earthly father always said... Keep on, keeping on. The bible warns us to keep our hearts with all diligence, and not to get distracted by those things that would cut us down or cause us strife. This morning, God reminded me that I am not to harden my heart, but to reinforce the walls protecting it... (and the best way to do that is by prayer and time in God's word!!!)

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wisdom offered through Your Word this morning. Thank You for stopping me from straying to the right or to the left, and for keeping my eyes, thoughts and heart focused on You. Lord, You know what is going on in my life, and I trust You to use it for good. I do ask today, that You give me the strength to resist temptation, and that You would help me to rise above the adversity. And please Lord, help me to be a blessing and an encouragement to others. I know that there are many people who will face this same trial... help me to show them that You are there with them, and that You are that friend that sticks closer than a brother. Help me Lord to show others that they too can trust in You and in Your way. Lord, as sorrowful as my heart is, I do thank You for what is going on. And above all today, I thank You for teaching me to protect my heart rather than harden it. I love You Lord, and I am so grateful for every moment that You give me... trials and blessings alike. In Jesus name, Amen.