Guard!

Guard!

Proverbs 4:23 AMPC

[23] Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

(Pro) 4:23 CJB Complete Jewish Bible

[23] Above everything else, guard your heart;for it is the source of life’s consequences.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Let us consider two main words in the verse above: HEART: The heart works as a powerful, four-chambered pump, controlled by its own electrical system, that circulates blood through two loops: sending oxygen-poor blood to the lungs to get oxygen, and then pumping that fresh, oxygen-rich blood out to the entire body, repeating this cycle continuously. This happens with coordinated contractions (systole) and relaxations (diastole) of the atria and ventricles, directed by one-way valves, ensuring blood flows in the right direction. All of the medical grammar noted above underscores the importance of the heart and the work it does all through a man's life. Just imagine how much a heart has worked to keep a man alive for 90 years. This is the amazing thing about God: it is the little things that drive big impact. It is the hidden parts of life that does the work no one sees, yet would lead to death if they do not work well. 

The other word is GUARD, which is to 'watch over in order to protect or control'. This simply means to be aware of what is going on around you; intentional about what you allow in, and deliberate about what you keep out. I cannot do one without the other. I cannot claim to be only focused on what my life produces on the outside; it is that which goes in that will eventually determine what comes in. Why do I need to guard anything at all? Why is the heart very important in this lfe conversation? Why am I required to guard that which sustains life? It is because of the consequences of carelessness. There is nothing like a lack of accountability; God does not do anything without a reason. If He creates a heart that can receive, process and apply information, then it is equally important to ensure that I lay the right foundation with that which I allow to make an impression on my heart. 

Let us apply both definitions to our lives. We have been given a processing centre; one that is able to absorb anything. The capacity of the human mind is beyond understanding; it keeps working until it does not. We may call the work it does boring, but in that 'boring routine' is safety. In that almost unnoticed cycle is human life sustained. However, in that routine also lies the danger of assumption. Is it because we do not physically see the work the heart does, that we put pressure on other parts of our bodies? Am I careless with what I allow in? Be sure that no matter how minute the inflow is, it will definely leave a mark. If I get careless with what comes in, it may lead to studen or untimely death. That is what happens when blood becomes contaminated; it affects the entire body. My guard must kick in at the point of inception, not firefight when the damage is already done. Just as my human heart needs diet and exercise, so does my spiritual heart need nurturing, through faith, prayer, or meditation, in order to stay "healthy" and be receptive to divine leading. God does not force Himself on anyone, but be sure He will display His power in me if I let Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here..

Right Response!

Right Response!

Luke 1:46-47 KJV

[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, [47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Context matters here. How do you handle news that you are not prepared for? How do you handle opportunities as well as threats that may come your way in this journey of life? Here was a young lady, minding her own business, doing the right things by Jewish customs and traditions. She kept away from fornication, keeping herself for the man she was betrothed to. I am sure both were looking ahead to the day they would start their own family. One day, everything she thought she had locked down was turned on its head. An angel came to her to give her unusual news. She would be pregnant, but not by the one she was betrothed to. Even the name of the child, as well as its mission on earth, was given to her. Tell me, how would you have handled this complete upheaval of all that you have known all your life? Is God permitted to change the course of my life if it aligns with His will and purpose for me? 

It is hard to define how this lady really took the news. At least, we read of the proposed response of Joseph, who was planning to divorce her quietly, to keep her from public disgrace. When God deals with me as He pleases and as I permit, there is no guarantee that men will understand or applaud my experiences. In fact, it is likely that men who do not know anything about God's dealings will mock and talk negatively about me. That is the way of the world, and that is why it is not sensible to stake your life on the basis of what men say. Once God has spoken, I have all that I need. Once God has spoken, it does not matter the number of the people who say anything contrary. We know how this story ends but what if it was what the world calls 'bad' news that was delivered? Would you still speak as Mary did in the verse above? Can God trust my response, even when the events around me do not make sense? 

Mary's reaction here speaks of a heart of total surrender to the will of God, no matter where it may lead. Hearing the news was going to change her life and the lives of those around her, but she knew that God's plans always lead to blessings beyond her wildest dreams. She broke out in worship, saying her soul magnifies the Lord. No matter what was there now or coming, my soul worships the Lord. No matter how hard things get, I have made up my mind to hold on to God. Where else is safe? Who else can guarantee a good end like this God, who calls Himself the author and finisher of our faith? Her spirit also rejoices in God her Saviour. Her entire life was focused on God. That has to be my default setting too. It cannot be this occasional or weekly catch up with God, where I touch base with Him when I need something, or when things have really gone wrong. Does this speak about me? Would I also surrender to God and allow Him work that which is His perfect will? God's time of favour is here.