KEEPING YOUR HEART HEALTHY
26th Oct 2022
In Matthew 6 Jesus spoke about laying up treasure in heaven rather than on earth; the passage concludes with these words, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
In Scripture, the “heart” is the centre of our motivation and relationship with God. Jesus said, “Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Our speech reveals the condition of our heart. Sometimes we may speak suddenly and harshly, and we immediately say, “I didn’t mean to say that!” What has happened is that our heart has spoken before we could close our mouth or say something gentler and more considered.
Our motivations come out of our hearts. The people we love and pray for are those who we hold in our hearts. Paul said to the Phillipian believers, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy….since I have you in my heart.” We find ourselves praying constantly for those who are in our hearts.
The things that we spend time listening to and receiving are very important for keeping our hearts healthy. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were powerfully impacted by the words of Jesus and said, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
George Muller would always make sure his heart was joyful as he began each day, for it says in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” and Nehemiah told the people, “The joy of the Lord is your strength”
Philemon was an encouragement to Paul and his companions, as Paul testified, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:7
Time spent with other believers worshipping and fellowshipping together brings great joy to our hearts and builds spiritual strength.
A heavy burdened heart robs us of strength and weakens us in every area of life. So how healthy is your heart? We can spend a lot of time and energy seeking to remain physically healthy and neglect our innermost being - our heart.
Seek to live is such a way that your “heart” remains strong, joyful and healthy.
by Charles Sibthorpe
