The scriptures tell us to “Guard our hearts above all else for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23) But what does it mean to guard your heart?

At Royal Life Ministries we encounter people on a weekly basis that have a presenting problem. Many times this problem is causing the client emotional pain and heartache. Relationships are usually the culprit for this wounded heart that is affecting everything they do in life. (No one ever said that relationships were easy, but they are so worth doing the hard work to keep them healthy.) God created human beings with the desire and the need to be in relationship with others. However, because we live in a fallen world, things can quickly become difficult. Selfishness and tempers can sometimes flare as we walk through life which causes enormous pain.

In our sessions, we listen to the presenting problem, and then we ask our client to put the presenting problem on the shelf for a couple of weeks. It is important that we take an in-depth history of their life. It is sometimes hard for the person, because they want some relief. But if they will trust us, they will see that the history taking is a crucial part of the process. Why? Because if the wounds in our hearts from previous years have not healed, they will affect everything we come into contact with today.

Unhealed wounds will fester and grow just like weeds that can quickly take over a beautiful garden. As we talk about things that we maybe haven’t mentioned in years, God is cultivating the soil, and loosening the weeds so they can be removed. So, now we need to talk about the F word. That word that is vague in it’s definition for so many. I knew that forgiveness was an important part of life if I was going to experience happiness. But, honestly, I had no idea how to forgive.

There is a saying that rings so true in my ears. Unforgiveness or bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting on the other person to die. I know you have been there at times, because this problem is a human problem everyone experiences. The misery can become unbearable as our infected heart throbs. What hurt you as you grew up? What belief system did you adopt, and what coping mechanism did you develop because of this hurt? How are those things affecting your life today? There is no better way to spend your time or money than to discover these factors in your life.

I believe to guard your heart means to keep our hearts free of bitterness and deception. This means we may need to occasionally do a personal inventory. Ask God is there anything pressing that needs to be addressed. Who got under your skin as you grew up? Who reminds you of that person today? So many times, current problems arise because a past wound is getting touched or triggered. I’ve written many times about forgiveness in my blogs so I will refer you to past blogs for the specifics. The purpose of this blog is to ask you, “How’s your heart?” Are you nurturing it, acknowledging it’s feelings, and processing any pain? Do you take your issues to your Heavenly Father who loves you more than you can imagine? Or do you stay too busy to ever thing about hard issues? Hear me now, “These things will determine the course of your life.” The absolute best thing you can do for your future life and future relationships, is to process your hurts, and forgive on a regular basis. Jesus is our perfect example as HE removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.(Psalm 103:12) Now HE says, “Go and do likewise.”

The Message
verses 23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.