Every day, we store many things in our hearts: experiences, the words of others, feelings, even memories that are hard to forget. But not everything we keep is good for our soul. Some things bring peace, but others cause wounds, bitterness, and sin.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The heart is the center of our spiritual life. What we allow to remain in our hearts will influence our thoughts, words, and even actions. If the heart is filled with truth, then our lives will shine with light. But if the heart is filled with bitterness, then our lives are more likely to stumble.
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:34: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” This means, what comes out of our mouths reflects what is stored in our hearts. If what is stored is love, then our words will build up.
But if what we keep is anger or envy, then what comes out are words that hurt.
Often we are unaware that we hold onto too many things that bind our hearts: disappointment, rejection, fear, even wrong pride. Yet God wants our hearts to be filled with His word and love. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Storing God’s word in our hearts is the best way to keep our lives on the right path. When temptation comes, the stored word will strengthen us. When the heart begins to weaken, the promises of God that we keep will give us hope.
Therefore, let us ask ourselves: what are we really keeping in our hearts? Are they things that poison, or things that bring life? Remember, we cannot control everything that comes into our lives, but we can choose what we keep in our hearts.
Lord, thank You for giving me a heart to worship and love You. Help me to keep only things that are true, pure, and pleasing to You. Cleanse my heart from bitterness and fill it with Your word, so that my life reflects Your love.
Amen.
