Keep Your Heart!

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV).

When we have our heart broken,we may retreat within, keeping it in a locked box so that it can’t be broken again. When our feelings are hurt by someone, we may close down our trust, so that we can protect ourselves.

This is not God’s plan.

John 7:38 tells us, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'” (ESV). God intends for us to provide life to the world around us with His Spirit with whom He has filled us. Our love for God should result in our transformation in which we become a fountain of sorts, sharing the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness that we have received from Him.

Proverbs 4:23 isn’t about keeping our hearts from being broken. It’s about keeping them from becoming contaminated. Much like the waters of Marah (Exodus 15:22-25), we cannot provide what the people need if our hearts are contaminated and bitter.

Yes we will get hurt. Again. And again. Yes, our hearts may be broken. Again. And again.

But God willingly allowed His heart to be broken when the sins of the world were placed on His Son. And Jesus willingly allowed His heart to be broken by betrayal and hatred as He fulfilled His purpose.

A well that has been sealed can deliver no water. We can’t succeed in reaching the world if our hearts are closed. God will be faithful to heal us with the same living water we share with open hearts.

Blessings on your day!