Where’s Your Heart At?

The heart is a vital organ. Its function is to pump blood around our body and is situated in the centre of the chest; 2/3 of it is to the left and the other 1/3 to the right. It is this muscle that pumps carbon dioxide, iron, oxygen, proteins, red and white blood cells, plasma etc, in the form of blood, all around the body and through all other organs that we have. It is EXTREMELY vital. We are advised to keep our hearts healthy by excercising regularly and eating healthily; a reduction (or elimination) of fatty foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, processed and cured meats, no smoking, amongst quite a few other things, is a must. It’s not easy though; as I type I have just finished a whole packet of chewy sweets and taken a break for a moreish double chocolate biscuit with cream in the middle!

The spiritual heart, however, is not different at all. As the vital organ situated in our chest needs to be taken care of, the spiritual one needs to be kept in check frequently too. It’s important that we recognise the things we dwell on; things we do; and things we say. They have an affect! How many times have we done or said something without even thinking what the effects will be to the other person who will be receiving it. If we dwell on The Word we are guaranteed to have words springing forth, which will lift up and not tear down.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 18:21

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Colossians 3:8

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:6

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Our God wants all of us to be taken care of; both the physical and the spiritual. I mentioned some of the things required for the physical heart. The spiritual heart, however, can be strengthened by reading God’s Word, prayers, worship and meditation. Our spiritual heart includes our mind, soul, spirit, emotions, purity, strength and courage. These determine how we interpret information received and how we exchange information. Therefore, just as our physical heart is vital, so is our spiritual. Both go hand in hand. If you see someone that is aesthetically pleasing, your physical heart may skip a beat or flutter (I’m sure the younger readers can relate!). Any emotion; joy, anger, sadness, fear, surprise or disgust can cause a reaction in both your physical heart and your spiritual one.

Meditating on God’s Word will lead to positive thinking and, as mentioned before, from there you will begin to pray, praise and worship Him. All these things are not just limited to within a Church building, but in your home, as you walk down the street, whilst you work, at the gym. Anywhere. Anytime. You will find that once you do the aforementioned, you’ll feel a transformation taking place. No matter what the situation, there will be a scripture that will have an answer to calm your weary soul. In fact, for every emotion that we have there is a scripture that enables us to deal with it. Gospel songs (from a reputable artist) are filled with God’s Words; and God’s Word is a letter to us, a manual for life. It shows us the way we should live. The Most High God is our Manufacturer and The Holy Bible is our manual, which we need to read and digest, so that we can live this life He has given us to the best of our ability (with His assistance). There are times when things will break down, falter, we’ll lose bits but we can always go back to the Manufacturer to get replacements; get our cup refilled! Now, if we stay as close to Him as possible the fix will be immediate; sent to us by Special Delivery! We’ll be able to put our petition to Him as soon as possible BUT if we withdraw…..we will stay in our situation for a lot longer. Remember, He will neither leave not forsake us. Don’t allow things of the world to cover your ears or heart…..drown it. It may look cool, enjoyable and refreshing, but is it worth it? Don’t allow the gap to be too wide; you may not be able to recover!

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of earthly possessions and be satisfied with what you have; for God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will neither leave you nor forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5

So, I ask you again.

Where’s Your Heart At…?