The Importance Of Guarding Your Heart

THE IMPORTANCE OF GUARDING YOUR HEART

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 4:23

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 17:9-10, Matthew 15:18-19, Psalm 119:11, Philippians 4:7, Ezekiel 36:26

INTRODUCTION:

The heart, in Scripture, represents the seat of our thoughts, emotions, will, and spiritual life. Proverbs 4:23 commands us to guard it with all diligence because everything we do flows from it. In a world filled with corruption, deception, and distractions, the state of our heart is critical to our walk with God and the outcome of our lives.

Many people focus on guarding their homes, their finances, and their reputation, but neglect the most vital part—their heart. Yet, every sin, every bitterness, every spiritual downfall begins with a seed sown in the heart. Guarding your heart is not passive; it is an active, daily discipline requiring intentionality, spiritual sensitivity, and divine help.

This message calls us to spiritual alertness. We must understand the schemes of the enemy who targets the heart to steal our joy, corrupt our motives, and derail our destiny. If you win the battle of the heart, you win in life and eternity.

1. WHY THE HEART IS IMPORTANT

a) The heart determines the course of life (Proverbs 4:23):

Whatever occupies your heart will eventually direct your choices, behaviour, and destiny.

b) God searches and tests the heart (Jeremiah 17:10):

While man looks at outward appearances, God weighs the condition and intentions of the heart.

c) The heart can be deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9):

A heart left unguarded can deceive even its owner, leading to wrong decisions masked as right ones.

d) A transformed heart pleases God (Ezekiel 36:26):

God promises to give us a new heart—one that is responsive and obedient to His Word.

Biblical Example: David was called a man after God’s heart not because he was perfect, but because he sincerely sought to please God from within (1 Samuel 13:14).

2. HOW THE ENEMY ATTACKS THE HEART

a) Through offence and bitterness (Hebrews 12:15):

Bitterness defiles the heart and poisons relationships, hindering grace from flowing.

b) Through lust and impurity (Matthew 5:28):

Unholy desires begin in the heart before they manifest as actions.

c) Through fear and anxiety (Luke 21:26):

The devil aims to cripple the heart with fear so that faith cannot thrive.

d) Through deception and lies (John 8:44):

He sows lies into the heart to draw people away from truth and righteousness.

Biblical Example: Judas allowed the enemy to enter his heart, which led him to betray Jesus (John 13:2).

3. HOW TO GUARD YOUR HEART EFFECTIVELY

a) Fill your heart with God’s Word (Psalm 119:11):

When the Word dwells richly in your heart, it becomes a shield against sin and deception.

b) Guard your eye and ear gates (Matthew 6:22-23):

What you see and hear influences the state of your heart, either for good or evil.

c) Maintain a lifestyle of prayer (Philippians 4:6-7):

Prayer invites God’s peace to guard your heart and keep it calm and focused.

d) Walk in the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:16):

The Holy Spirit enables you to resist fleshly desires that aim to corrupt your heart.

Biblical Example: Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself, and God honoured him (Daniel 1:8).

4. SIGNS OF A GUARDED HEART

a) Peace regardless of circumstances (Isaiah 26:3):

A guarded heart is kept in perfect peace because it trusts in God.

b) Quick to forgive and slow to anger (Colossians 3:13):

A healthy heart lets go of offences and values peace over revenge.

c) Produces godly speech and conduct (Matthew 12:34):

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks—words of life flow from a pure heart.

d) Displays unwavering faith and trust (Proverbs 3:5-6):

Even in trials, a guarded heart continues to rely on God’s wisdom, not its own understanding.

Biblical Example: Stephen, filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, forgave his killers even in death (Acts 7:60).

5. THE REWARD OF A GUARDED HEART

a) It leads to a fruitful life (Luke 8:15):

A good and noble heart produces lasting fruit from God’s Word.

b) It attracts God’s favour (Psalm 24:3-5):

Those with clean hands and pure hearts receive blessings from the Lord.

c) It preserves your spiritual destiny (2 Timothy 4:7):

A well-guarded heart finishes strong in the race of faith.

d) It qualifies you for divine assignments (2 Chronicles 16:9):

God looks for those whose hearts are fully His to entrust with divine missions.

Biblical Example: Mary kept the word in her heart, and God used her for a mighty purpose (Luke 2:19).

CONCLUSION:

The heart is the battleground of life and destiny. If you lose it, you lose everything. If you guard it, you preserve your soul, your faith, your joy, and your purpose. Today, the Lord is calling us to pay attention to the unseen place—the heart.