“Guard your heart above all else, for out of
it flows the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
The Lord has shown me that we must guard our hearts—both naturally
and spiritually. Your heart is a delicate organ, and you cannot afford to treat
it carelessly. What you consume—physically, mentally, emotionally, and
spiritually—determines what flows from your heart. When we neglect our physical
heart health, we risk disease. When we neglect our spiritual heart health, we
risk disconnection from God.
The Physical Heart: Protecting Your Health
Working in cardiology, I’ve noticed a common piece of
advice doctors give their patients: prioritize heart-healthy habits like diet
and exercise. The foods you eat and the activities you engage in play a vital
role in strengthening your heart muscles and reducing the risk of
cardiovascular disease. But a healthy heart isn’t just about physical
activity—it’s also about managing stress levels.
Studies reveal the serious impact of lifestyle choices on
heart disease risk:
- Physical
inactivity contributes to approximately 35% of coronary heart disease
deaths (New York State Department of Health).
- Chronic
stress can trigger inflammation and heart damage (Yale Medicine).
- Psychological
stress increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 40-60% (Science
Direct).
- In
2021, 30% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths were linked to a poor
diet (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation).
The same principles that protect the physical heart also
apply to the spiritual heart.
The Spiritual Heart: Avoiding Blockages
Many of us have clogged arteries in the spirit. We’ve
allowed pollution and toxicity to harden our hearts, making it difficult for
God to reach us. Instead of receiving divine downloads, we are consuming more
from the world—news, negativity, anxiety, and distractions. This spiritual
blockage is slowly weakening our faith and damaging our relationship with God.
Just like plaque buildup restricts blood flow in the
physical heart, spiritual toxins restrict our ability to hear God’s voice and
walk in His peace. Worry, anxiety, fear, and distractions act as barriers
between us and God. But the good news is that we can be spiritually restored.
How to Guard Your Heart and Refocus on God
So how do we guard our hearts and realign with God? It
starts with intentionality.
1.
Sit with God and take inventory – Where have
you drifted from Him? What areas of your life need cleansing?
2.
Be mindful of what you consume – What are you
watching? What are you listening to? Who are you following? Everything you
allow into your mind and soul affects your heart condition.
3.
Remove spiritual hindrances – Once you’ve
identified the problem areas, ask God to help you remove every distraction,
fear, and stronghold keeping you from Him.
The Secret to a Protected Heart: Stay Close
to God
Once you clear the spiritual blockages, the key is to stay
close to God.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most
High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the
LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.” –
Psalm 91:1-3
When you dwell in God’s presence, your heart is always
protected. Physically, He gives wisdom for healthy living. Spiritually, He
shields you from fear, anxiety, and worldly distractions. Stay near to Him, and
your heart—both physically and spiritually—will remain strong and whole.
Peace and blessings.
