A Prayer to Guard Your Heart - Your Daily Prayer - February 10

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A Prayer to Guard Your Heart
By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).

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One of my nicknames in high school was “Queenie,” short for “Drama Queen.” I understand that not all women are this way, but I guess I have always been an emotional person by nature. Of course, there were many times when my emotions got the best of me, and I was pulled under and tossed to and fro with anxiety, chaos, worry, and drama.

It took time, but I learned how to find rest in the Lord, and the Holy Spirit helped me cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Although I knew to run to Jesus when I was emotional, weary, or anxious, if I was around others (whether one-on-one, family, or coworkers) who were going through a dark time or just needed to vent, I still found myself taking on their negativity and anxiety, and I would inevitably feel weighed down by these emotions. I wanted to help them through the struggle. I wanted to bear their burdens like the Bible says we are to do (Galatians 6:2). I wanted to be compassionate towards them - to put myself in their shoes. All good things, right? Sure… as long as you don’t lace up those shoes and run off with them!  

Ultimately, we cannot control the sadness or destruction occurring in the world or in others’ lives around us, nor can we control others’ behavior or actions. However, we can control how we react to it all and keep our own emotions in check.  Before we become involved in someone else’s problem or emotional experience, I believe the most important thing we must do is to guard our own hearts.   

Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). 

We don’t want our hearts to become someone else’s dumpster. Considering the heart is the soil in which we bear good fruit (Luke 8:15), we must protect it from pessimism, worldliness, worry, bitterness, and anxiety at all costs. 

We have all experienced loss and pain in our lives - whether that is a loved one passing away, divorce, infidelity, miscarriage, infertility, financial crisis, losing a job… really, the list could go on and on. Since no one is exempt from encountering tragedy and difficult seasons, as humans, we all have this common bond. That’s why when the news breaks about a tragic or traumatic event in the world, like a mass shooting or the sudden death of a dear friend, it cuts us deep in the heart. Often, a part of us hurts for those who are hurting.  

The best thing we can do is simply stand with them in their pain and point them to the only One who can bring wholeness, peace, and comfort. Encourage them with scripture, as it will serve as an anchor of hope for them in their storm.

There are so many people around us who are hurting and weighed down by the worries of this life. Being a sympathetic and compassionate person is beautiful because God made you that way, and He is the One who will give you the right words and the right actions when walking with others through their valleys. Above all, guard your heart and keep Jesus at the center of it!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling us to bear one another’s burdens and mourn with those who mourn so that those who are suffering know that they are not alone. Of course, You are always with us when we are walking through the valley, but as Your children, we have been given the gift of also walking alongside others and sharing Your great love.

Help me see when others’ trials have overwhelmed me emotionally. Please provide me with a biblical perspective so that I am not swept away by my emotions. I long to have a compassionate heart for others, but I also long to stand firm upon Your word and not allow circumstances to lead me. Thank You for Your amazing grace that You show to Your children and allow us to share it with others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Madam Lead

Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a homeschooling momma of four boys, while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.

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