Oh dear, here I was, worrying again! A phone call I had just received had made my mood spiral down. I was reacting in ways I did not like. My heart was racing, I was fearful and sad, all at once. 

I went to my porch and sat on the swing. Sitting in the quiet, overlooking the sea, I reached out for my Bible basket, It had my Bible, a journal, a pen, and some sticky notes. I took my pink journal and started writing down my thoughts and prayers. I decided to read and meditate on God’s word. I read Proverbs 4:23 out loud. I was alone at home. The air was hanging heavy around me. 

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”-Proverbs 4:23 NIV

As I read these words and took them in. My heart felt lighter, I could feel the gentle breeze and hear the gawking seagulls above. 

How should I guard my heart, Lord? I asked, opening my Bible to dig in. 

In Philippians 4:6-7 we read the prescription for a peace that transcends all understanding.

The Greek word used here talks of an interactive prayer. Proseuche- Prayer which involves talking to God, waiting on God, and listening to God. I closed my eyes in prayer.

Step One: Love God with all your heart

30 years back, when we were engaged, Ranjan and I-we never could get enough of each other. I was then an architect intern. On getting my first pay, I went off to buy him a gift. I would call him at 5.30pm, when we finished work, just to hear his voice. I would post him notes and cards though we lived only a few streets away from each other. Do I love God with that intensity today? Do I love him with all my heart?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength.”-Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV

Step 2: Trust God with all your heart

I grew up in Madras, in South India. The traffic was chaotic and as a little girl, I would be very nervous and scared to cross the roads. But when I could put my hand in my father’s big strong hands and trust him to lead me across, I knew I would be safe. I trusted him completely. Did I trust God like that? Totally, completely, with all my heart?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding.” -Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Step 3: Lay up God’s words in your heart

I wrote down these verses in my journal. I repeated them and learned them by heart. I sat down on the steps and meditated on them. I remembered choruses I had learned about loving God and trusting Him. I sang them out loud as I walked up and down the far end of the garden, near the fence. I could hear the waves as they washed on the shore. I looked at the grandeur of God’s creation and felt his power and majesty. 

“Lay up his words in your heart.” -Job 22:22b NIV

If I loved God with all my heart, trusted Him, and laid up His words in my heart, then what would be the result? It would change me- my words, my thoughts, my actions, and yes, my reactions too!

• My words would be encouraging, loving, and trusting. (as I speak, text, and write)

• My thoughts would be strong, confident, and empathetic.

• My actions would be loving, caring, and joyful.

• My reactions would be stable, calm, and peaceful.

I longed for this to happen in my life. As I went into the kitchen to make myself a coffee and start on dinner- I felt a warm assurance of God’s presence. 

What one step can you take today to guard your heart?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shoba Ranjitsingh is an architect, writer, a proud mother and an excited new grandmother who works in a Primary school in New Zealand. Shoba enjoys studying God’s word and her role as a STL at Bible Study Fellowship in NZ for 6 years has enabled her to now write and lead Women’s Bible Studies. Helping women study and enjoy God’s word as they embrace each season of life is her prayer as a writer. Long walks, cakes, hymns, coffee, books and quiet family evenings describe Shoba. Ranjit and Shoba live in Auckland.