Did you know that the subject of the heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic – more than faith, hope, love and even more than worship?

The Greek word for heart, kardia, defines it as the emotional, intellectual and decision-making part of the heart – it is the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions, thoughts, purposes and endeavours of a person.

The heart is the centre and seat of our spiritual life. It dictates, to a great extent, how we live.

Our heart is also a fickle thing; it is easily drawn into enticements of the world and the compulsions of the flesh (Jeremiah 17:9).

That is the reason why the Bible says, “above all else guard it!” This is more than a warning or an admonition, it is a command!

Inside out

It is quite natural for most of us to think of guarding our hearts in terms of preventing forces from the outside from getting in. But there is a better way to guard our hearts.

We are to keep things in. In fact, if we can master this with the help of listening and obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit to guard our hearts from the inside-out, then the external forces will take care of themselves.

Give some serious thought to this. The things that draw our hearts from the outside are far too numerous for us to manage.

But the things we are told to hold fast inwardly – God’s Word, the Fruit of the Spirit, walking by faith, loving God, the joy of the Lord, the peace that passes all understanding, praise and worship – these are one Spirit.

Isn’t it a better option for us to focus on His character than on the enemy’s devices? Let us look at some of these spiritual force shields found in the Scriptures that will ensure that our hearts are securely guarded inwardly.

1. Obeying God’s Word

“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

We are all familiar with this verse but how many apply it?

We need to discipline our lives to read, meditate, memorise, study and obey God’s Word so that we are well guarded when we encounter temptations and the storms of life.

Obedience to God’s Word is like “a wise man building his house upon the Rock” (Matthew 7:24).

2. Abiding in God’s peace

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

We are often caught off guard whenever problems arise. Quite often our natural response is to complain, fear and worry, even after we have prayed to God.

When we make complaining our way of living, we are actually following the path of the Israelites lost in the wilderness, whereas releasing the spirit of thanksgiving in any situation enables us to dwell in His peace and rest in His divine guidance and purposes.

3. Making melody in our hearts

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18-20)