Taking Guard of Our Hearts

You may have heard the expression “The heart wants what it wants.” It is true, because our hearts are filled with countless desires. Our hearts desire information, pleasure, comfort, relationship, security, and so much more. Often our desires seem insatiable, because once our heart feels satisfied, it desires more.

This is because our minds are thought factories generating a countless stream of desires.

“A piece of chocolate would be nice.”

“That’s a cool phone.”

“I wonder what is on sale.”

Desires, like all thoughts, come and go. They are not the problem, thinking about them is. Because instead of recognising our desires as thoughts and moving on, we engage them, think them through, and then act upon them.

“There is some chocolate in the fridge. I’ll go eat it.”

“I can afford that phone. I’m going to get it.”

“I wonder what is on sale. I’m going to go have a look. Oh, that looks nice, I’m going to get it.”

Occasionally fulfilling a desire for a piece of chocolate isn’t a problem. However, if we fulfil a desire often enough it will turn into a habit. Our habits influence how we use our time and resources which can determine the course of our life. Not every desire needs to be considered and not every consideration needs to be actioned, only those in line with our faith in God. This is why we need to guard our hearts above all else.

A guard stands watch and observes their surroundings. Every observation they make is a thought, many of which they will simply recognise and move on.

“There is a woman sitting by a tree.”

“There is a man pushing a pram.”

“That individual looks suspicious.”

They don’t act on every observation, only the ones they need to. They also don’t let every person enter the area they are guarding, only the ones who have access.

For us to start taking guard of our hearts effectively we need to understand that our hearts desires are ultimately satisfied through our relationship with God. When we observe our desires through this lens, like a guard standing watch, we can recognise and act upon the desires that are in line with our values and faith and ignore the rest.

We also need take guard and watch what enters our hearts because what the heart sees the heart will desire. If we show our hearts shiny new things, delicious foods, and countless products to purchase, is it any wonder that our heart has these desires. Instead, if we show our hearts the word of God, the story of a God who loves us, cares for us, and seeks to provide for our every need, then our hearts will desire more of God in our lives.

Reflection

Where in your life do you need to start taking guard of your heart and its desires?

Prayer

Father God, thank you that you provide for my every need. Help me to see that my desires are ultimately fulfilled through my relationship with you. Help me to desire you more in my life and to live out my faith and values every day.

Affirmation

Not every thought needs to be considered and not every consideration needs to be actioned, only those in line with my faith in God.

Action

Take a moment to close your eyes and spend some time in the presence of God. As you do, notice how various thoughts and desires come and go. How your heart continues to beat, and your chest rises and falls. How there a various sounds and noises around you.

Our minds have the innate ability to notice what is happening within us and around us and often discards much of it until we take the time to notice it. We all have the capacity to notice a desire and discard it; it just takes practice. Why not start practicing today?