WHAT IS THE HEART?
When the word heart is mentioned, what thoughts fill your mind? Valentine cards with lace and flowers, a doctor’s appointment for an electrocardiograph (EKG), or perhaps an evaluation of your own heart in light of the Scriptures? As Christian women we should be concerned with two forms of our hearts . . . our physical heart and our spiritual heart.
The physical heart provides nourishment, sustenance, and energy throughout the entire body. If a weakness, either by breakdown or disease, occurs within the heart, it could lead to weaknesses in the rest of the body. The spiritual heart is the center of thinking and reason (Proverbs 3:3, 6:21, 7:3), the emotions (Proverbs 15:15, 30), and the will (Proverbs 11: 20, 14). It is the source of whatever affects our speech (Proverbs 4:24), sight (Proverbs 4:25), and conduct (Proverbs 4:26-27). The condition of our spiritual heart determines our spiritual health and ultimately controls how we respond to life’s circumstances.
Proverbs teaches us that we have either a wicked and foolish heart or a righteous and wise heart. The wicked and foolish heart despises correction (Proverbs 5:12), is proud (Proverbs 14:14, 18:2, 12), lacks discretion (Proverbs 12:23, 19:3), and is hard (Proverbs 28:14). Standing in stark contrast is the righteous and wise heart that receives commands (Proverbs 10:8), has wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 14:33), seeks knowledge (Proverbs 15:14), and learns and grows (Proverbs 16:23). As a Multi-tasked Woman are you choosing to keep your heart with all vigilance, realizing that from it flows the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23)? Strategies to do so include . . .
· knowing how to guard against a spiritual heart attack.
· choosing to speak graciously.
· cultivating a grateful spirit.
· forgiving others.
· winning over worry.
· dealing actively with discouragement.
· facing fear head on.
· viewing your worth through the lens of Scripture.
· selecting garments that reflect your royal heritage.
