“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (NKJV)
Dear friend, this is a loving reminder from the blessed Holy Spirit who lives in us, and loves us. We are the “keepers” of our hearts, the “guardians” of everything that goes into and out of our inner world. This same verse in the NIV reads “Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”. Our inner world can affect our destiny, and the direction we might go in life. The state of our inner world can affect our outer world, and everything that we do!
During these days when everyone is focusing on covid and its effects on the nations of the world, there seems to be a lot of fear and anxiety, and much confusion released through the multiple different modern day media. These are all things we do need to guard our hearts from, but I believe we (the children of Abba) are being called to be vigilant about a rising spirit of offence that is being stirred up. People all have different views and beliefs about the current situation, and these are influenced by political leanings etc, so there is a natural propensity for misunderstanding and offence. The offense seems to be rising – against leaders, against people who think differently from each other, against the media and the press. There’s an endless list! However, Jesus is saying to us “Guard your heart, My precious one.” “Keep your heart, and do it with all diligence”. I believe He is asking us to watch the responses of our hearts, not just occasionally, or in specific situations, but diligently – every day, always, in all situations. Watch your response each time you watch the news, or read a post on social media, or watch a video sent by a friend. Watch your heart every time you listen to someone with an opposite view trying to convince you they are right. Guard your heart! Why? Because out of it spring the issues of life. Everything you do becomes a result of what is going on in your inner world. Many of us have made impulsive decisions which have had negative consequences, or caused pain to loved ones at some point in our lives, because we did not watch the climate in our hearts, and we allowed that negative atmosphere to taint our lives.
We are the watchmen on the walls, the priests, the prophets of the Most High. He is reminding us that we are called to intercession, to declare and decree heaven’s intent on the earth. We are called to ratify the covenants God has made with man, and to call those things which are not (presently) to manifest, and be seen. (Romans 4:17). He has given us power to bind on the earth those things that are not to be, and to release on the earth the plans and purposes of God, divine destiny (Matthew 16:19). We have been given so much of heavenly power in the Holy Spirit, power to overcome every plan of the enemy. Look at Jesus’ words to His disciples in Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” This is so wonderful, but it has to flow out of an uncluttered heart. God has given us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind, (2 Timothy 1:7). He has given us the ability to have a strong mind and a sound heart, a heart that we guard, and keep with all diligence, because we can have such a powerful impact on our world, if we “keep” our hearts in the power of Jesus’ love, hallelujah!
The spirit of offence is looking to build strongholds in the hearts of Abba’s children, and it can take over when we feel helpless and afraid or when we see our lives or world as out of control. However, we do not have to be affected by the thoughts and words of others, or have the peace of our hearts disrupted or taken away. Live consciously. Enthrone the Prince of Peace in your heart as Lord. Refuse to allow the spirit of offence room in your inner sanctum, and you will win! We can allow the Holy Spirit to so fill our inner world that it is His peace, His power and sound mind that begins to emanate around us, and affect the world in which we live. Then we are able to really pray from our hearts, to call forth the zoe life of God into the environment we live in, and the people God has placed in positions of leadership. Have I got this fine tuned in my life? No, but I am working on it with the help of the Holy Spirit! This is a struggle many of us currently face, but God has given us the path to victory, the strong and powerful way to peace. Guard your heart, and let the power within, bring power to the world you are in. You can do it!
Minoli Haththotuwa, 07 May 2020
