the wellspring of life
A heart is a fascinating thing -
It can be hard or strong or bitter.
It can be tender or soft or generous.
it can be several (or all?) of these at the same time!
Do you also find hearts to be complex, mysterious, even confusing? Certainly true when it comes to others. Often true when it comes to ourselves… What I do know is that my heart is important. It’s the core of who I am and it’s the only one I’ve got. In the Biblical book of Proverbs, it says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (4:23). I’m learning to do this.
Most of my life, I have guarded my mind. I have fed it, trusted it, protected it. This is a very important part of who I am. However, I have often neglected my heart as a result. In a way, I have not allowed my heart to do it’s job. And, I haven’t guarded it well. I don’t think “guard your heart” means to build walls around it. Guard, in that case, sounds defensive and reactionary. Seems like if you do that, it can’t be “the wellspring of life.” How can a well nourish anything if it’s all walled up? I am speaking from a bit of experience on this…
Rather, I think that in this case, “guard” really means to watch and protect. Watch and protect your heart, for your life flows from there. Watch for the things that would harm your heart – people, situations, etc. In my case, I have been reflecting on the untrue things I sometimes believe that “attack” my heart. And, how can I prepare myself better to deal with them? Personally, I need to remember who I am so I am not easily affected by other messages that come my way and can be ok with my own limitations.
Hearts are precious. I think they are a primary way we reflect the God who created us, and are the places we most deeply connect with God. We have given our lives to helping people find/uncover/unbind their hearts and encouraging their development and expression. That’s not a bad way to describe what we’ve been doing the past several years in South Africa and why we are preparing to head back. It’s also what our sabbatical has been all about: reconnecting with our own hearts and giving them room to breathe and re-ignite. I thank God for this opportunity to focus on this all-important process.
We appreciate all of you who have prayed and encouraged our hearts so much in this season. Our hearts, and those of our children, feel more healthy. These eternal hearts are important to me and to God. Your heart is important too. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Comments(2)



