How’s your heart? I ask my hubby and my kiddos this question on a regular basis because it helps me check into their lives on a deeper level. How’s your heart? It’s code for: How are you handling the stress of life? Are you really ok or are you just pretending to be ok? What is really taking up space in your heart?
I ask that question often (and they ask me) because I know the condition of the heart matters, for from the heart flows everything else.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) instructs, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
All emotions. All decisions. All actions. The heart is the source of who we are. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the condition that it’s in. So… How’s your heart, friend? Is your heart healthy? Is it full of truth and love for God and others? Is it full of mercy and grace? Or…is your heart in distress? Is it full of frustration and anger? Is it brimming with selfishness and pride? Is there unforgiveness?
Maybe your heart is a colorful mix of both.
If I’m honest with you, my heart is usually a mix. Even though I am in the Word an hour a day, unwelcome visitors like pride and unforgiveness still creep in. Our family recently endured an unjust situation and I have to choose forgiveness on a daily basis or my heart begins to grow bitter. It’s easy for the heart to get off course during times of crisis.
So how’s your heart?
Are you filling it with God and his truth or are you filling it with things of the world? Are you pouring in righteousness or are you letting sin sneak in? It’s worth an examination because it sets your course! The heart determines your direction; being on the right path starts with the heart.
Life is crazy and busy… so here are three practical tips for helping keep your heart pure, taken from Paul’s letter to Timothy.
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace.” 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
- Avoid things that cause you to stumble. Filter what you let into your heart and be cautious about how you spend your time. TV shows, movies, music, and social media can all negatively influence what characteristics are in your heart. Be aware of what is influencing you.
- Pursue things that fill you up with God and his truth. Spend time in the Word, pray, and seek the power of the Spirit. Other helpful heart activities include attending church, going to mom’s group, listening to podcasts and finding friends who point you to truth. Seek biblical influences!
- Be intentional. Take the time to assess what is in your heart and stay dedicated to filling it with the right things. If necessary, seek out an accountability partner who is willing to ask, “how’s your heart?”
That’s the question to ask yourself for today’s devotional: How’s my heart?
Spend time reflecting on your recent emotions, decisions and actions and consider what they say about the condition of your heart. Name at least three characteristics that you found. Have the courage to be honest with yourself about the good and the bad.
Pray and ask God to help you with the condition of your heart.
Aminta Geisler is married to her best friend, Ben, and is a stay-at-home-mom of two teens and two toddlers. A self-proclaimed Jesus freak, she loves making old furniture new, studying God’s word, and all things pizza. You can read more about her journey of reckless abandon for Jesus @amintageisler.com or on Instagram @amintageisler.