A guard is usually assigned to watch over valuables.  Whether it’s the Baltimore Zoo or Buckingham Palace, the occupants and structures need to be protected.  The same is true as it relates to our hearts.  What comes into and out of our hearts needs to be well-guarded.    

The things we say and do are not accidental.  They are rooted in the heart.  “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say (Luke 6:45).”  The woman and the heart are inseparable. And so, the heart has to be developed, monitored, examined and changed to be spiritually useful.    

We need clear minds and stable emotions to manage what’s on our plates because we are naturally wayward and easily distracted.  But God can keep us by His power.  He is the Security our hearts crave.  Once we surrender our minds and emotions to Him, he will enable us to execute right thoughts, words and actions.  

We cannot live well without guarding our hearts; cannot guard our hearts without God’s power; and cannot access God’s power without faith.  We live in deep regret when we fail to protect the valuable asset we’ve been given.  Watching what we think, say, view, and listen to makes a difference.  Stand guard.