Guard Your Heart

Have you ever heard this statement: What happens to you is not as important as how you interpret the events of your life?

Romans 8:28 clearly says, “For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Life will always have its high and low moments. The secret for living a peaceful life is to know that God is in control and is using these situations to build strength in us. God always prepares our character for His assignment for our lives.

I called my son Aaron this morning. He shared some concerns he has about his profession. As I listened, I realized God is giving him an opportunity to trust Him within an uncertain situation. His lack of peace was a signpost to develop peace and trust regardless of the outcome.

After listening to his concerns, I suggested that he change his prayer from, “Why, Lord?” to, “Show me, Lord, what You are trying to develop in me.”

In other words, let your prayer be changed from expressing the cry of a victim to one of a winner.

Jesus said in John 14:27

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

We carry God’s peace in our lives by learning to guard our heart.

Pastor Joel Osteen describes this truth as erecting walls around our hearts so we will be insulated from negative comments and circumstances that deplete us of our peace, energy and creativity.

He shared a story that got my attention. Some years ago, he went out of his way to help a couple in his church develop a successful business. His enthusiasm for their venture was never returned in the meetings they had together. Pastor Joel often came away from their meetings feeling he was on trial and could never measure up to their expectations.

The couple moved out of the area and in later years used social media to attack his character.

Here is what I found of great value: He said 25% of the people you meet will never like you or approve of you no matter what good things you do for them. They have a hole inside themselves that no one can fill. He also said 25% of the people in your life can be persuaded to like you and 25% like you for what you can do for them. The last 25% love and celebrate you regardless of what you do for them; they love you for who you are.

Pastor Joel shared how some people try to attack him with emails, Facebook and Twitter. They are character assassins who try to make him doubt himself and steal his limited energy that is essential to complete God’s assignment for his life. His advice is simple, yet profound: Don’t get caught up in reading these negative comments or listening to the gory details from others who report these things to you. These things will deplete us from the precious energy and creativity needed to do our ministry with excellence.

He said, “I will not let these comments get inside me because I will not give these people power over me.”

He also said that many people hide behind a computer, critically attacking others while being blind to their own weaknesses. It’s important to listen to the voices that celebrate you rather than those who tolerate you.

I encourage you to interpret life through God’s word and to guard your heart.

Philippians 4:8 shows us how to protect our heart – think about good things!

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

 

Verse nine says that the God of peace will then be with you.

Build strong walls around your heart so the destructive elements of life will be prevented from destroying the peace that God has provided for us.