GUARD YOUR HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE

I know this is not the first time you are hearing this verse from the Bible, and neither is it mine. That said, I would like to draw your attention to a few things God has been teaching me lately about this scripture. The heart in this context is not the physical organ in your chest, but your core being—the place where your thoughts, feelings, decisions, and motives reside. Since it is the source of your actions and character, it requires intentional and diligent protection. The heart demands a level of care that I pray we all learn to give it. I now better understand why the psalmist prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). Many of us have lost valuable friendships, life-changing work contracts, opportunities, and even family relationships because of darkness hidden in our hearts. So how is the state of our heart revealed? Firstly, through our words. The Bible says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our words have the power to build or destroy, and when the heart is filled with negativity, our words become destructive. You will agree with me that maturity, to a large extent, is learning how to work on your heart—getting to a point where you no longer take everything personally. An unguarded heart becomes a breeding ground for bitterness, fear, pride, hatred, jealousy, unforgiveness, and comparison, among other things. Sadly, these are sometimes the hearts of tongue-speaking, devoted believers in Christ. When the heart is neglected, negativity chokes it and contaminates its contents. At times, we rehearse all the wrongs people have done to us just to justify our bitterness—but have you considered the effect this has on your heart? This is where diligence comes in. Diligence speaks of care, watchfulness, and continuous effort. Guarding your heart is not a one-time act; it is intentional and ongoing. It means staying away from negative company, harmful words, and content that glorifies negativity. One of the major lessons I learned throughout most of 2025 about guarding my heart is how to “clap back”—not by reacting to people or situations that try to steal my peace, but spiritually. I turn to scriptures that ground me in my identity in Christ. I read them aloud, turn them into affirmations, and when my mind begins to rehearse negativity, I play harp instrumental sounds on YouTube, quiet my mind, and speak honestly and audibly to God. I highly recommend this practice—it is truly life-changing. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers is closer than we think, but the condition of our hearts prevents us from seeing things clearly. We’ve all been there. When you pray after reading this article, consecrate your heart to God. Ask Him to remove a heart consumed by unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, comparison, fear, and bitterness, and to give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Often, we misinterpret people’s intentions because of the state of our hearts. So here’s a simple assignment: When you pray today, ask God to reveal what is truly in your heart. Remember His promise in Jeremiah 33:3—to answer when you call and to reveal things you were not aware of. When He shows you these things, be humble enough to repent and to forgive where forgiveness is needed. I assure you, you will feel a heavy weight lifted off your shoulders. The scales will fall from your eyes, and your perspective on life will shift dramatically. With these changes, you will begin to do life differently—thanks to this small but mighty deliverance process. God bless you and keep you.

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