It never ceases to amaze me how much Proverbs focuses on the heart. Because our physical heart is center of life to our body, it has also become known as the center of our emotions. The physical heart pumps life giving blood to every area of the body. Our souls and spirit man need life pumped into them as well. The things we dwell on often control our emotions. What we read or listen to or watch also can effect both emotions and actions. And as Christians, our goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide those thoughts, emotions and action. Often this will require us to have some heart talks with ourselves through His help.
Proverbs 14 gives some clues to how we should focus this heart talk.
v12-13 "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief."
v27- "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death."
v30- "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Often we allow ourselves to just lean into what 'feels to be right' and we end up being deceived by our own guidance. On the outside, others might see the smiling face or hear the laughter in our voice, yet never know that on the inside, behind the mask, our heart is aching. That type of emotional aching that lingers too long with a person often can lead to anxiety or depression. These will lead to even the breaking down of the physical body and aging a person earlier than needed. Yet when we recognize that every decision we make should be based on the understanding that true life comes from Him, then we can start to break the pattern of doing what feels right. Instead, we create a pattern of stopping and having a heart-to-heart with our Savior. And waiting. Waiting on hearing His voice.
It would be great if His voice was always audible. Yet mostly it is not. Instead it is that sweet peace that comes into our spirit. That feeling of Him whispering, "This is the way; walk in it." He speaks it to our spirit. Our heart. And we then have a heart talk with ourselves to get in line with His spirit. And His peace and life flow through our being.
Let's take time today to listen to Him and wait on His peace to be breathed in our hearts. Heart talk with Jesus brings life to our body and soul!
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