Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23

Guarding your heart means protecting your inner peace, dignity, and hope even when life is hard. God cares deeply for our hearts, the deepest part of who we are — our thoughts, feelings, and soul. Because of this, He invites us to make our hearts a priority. The Hebrew word translated as “guard” is נָצַר (natsar), meaning to keep, watch over, and protect carefully like a watchman guarding a city gate. It calls us to actively protect our hearts from anything that can cause harm or pull us away from God. When we guard our hearts, we honor the fullness of who God created us to be. Focusing on our hearts helps us know what is our responsibility and what isn’t. Even in close relationships, we are responsible for our own emotions, choices, and healing rather than the other person’s. Though sometimes overlooked in Christian conversations, caring for our own heart is essential because everything we do flows from it. When our hearts are guarded, we can love, serve, and support others with strength and grace.

Ways to guard my heart:

 💜 Spending time with God, letting His peace fill me                                             

💜Reaching out to trusted friends, mentors, or professionals                           

💜Setting safe boundaries to protect my well-being.                                                     

💜Asking myself: What helps me feel safe today?

When supporting others:

🌿Praying for strength and wisdom                               

🌿Knowing my limits and saying “no” when needed                                           

🌿Seeking support from those who understand     

🌿Reflecting: Am I caring for my needs?

God’s call to guard my heart is both a comfort and a challenge:

Am I guarding my heart above all else? Which steps will help me protect it better?