04.07.2025 | Heart Guarded – Life Protected | HEART ANCHOR
Take care of your inner being – for from it your life is shaped
Proverbs 4:23
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Bible Text
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
— Proverbs 4:23
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Introduction
Your heart – it’s more than just your biological organ. In the Bible, it represents your thoughts, your desires, your values, and your decisions.
What you think, what you hope for, what you love – all of this lives in your “heart.” That’s why Solomon warns us: Pay attention to what you let into it!
Because what lives in your heart will soon become visible in your life.
But how do you actually do that?
How do you protect your heart in a world full of distraction, chaos, comparison, superficiality, hatred, and pressure?
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Devotional – “What lives in your heart?”
When God asks us to guard our heart, it’s because He knows how fragile we are inside – and how easily we can lose our way.
Your heart can become a place of hope and love – or a dark room filled with bitterness and fear.
Ellen White writes:
“The thoughts determine the character. If they are pure and holy, the person will also be good and noble.”
(Education, p. 36)
Your inner life is not a neutral space.
Every thought, every decision, every image on your screen, every song in your headphones – all of it shapes your heart.
And one day, you will live out exactly what you have stored there.
So the real question is:
What are you feeding your heart?
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Story: “Two Wolves”
An old Native American sat with his grandson by the campfire.
He said:
“A fight is going on inside every one of us. A battle between two wolves.
One is evil – full of anger, envy, greed, lies, pride, and self-pity.
The other is good – full of peace, love, humility, joy, truth, and hope.”
The boy looked at his grandfather seriously and asked:
“Which wolf wins?”
The old man replied calmly:
“The one you feed.”
This little story sums up Proverbs 4:23:
What you allow into your heart will grow – and shape who you become.
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Thoughts – What does this mean for you?
Maybe you’re feeling right now that your heart is overwhelmed.
Too much pressure. Too much doubt. Too many outside voices.
And you wonder: How can I possibly guard my heart?
Here are four impulses for today:
Find stillness:
Take 5–10 minutes each day just you and God. No music. No phone. Let your heart be still.
Examine your words:
What do you say about yourself? What do you hear every day? Do these words bless your heart – or harm it?
Let Jesus into your heart:
Invite Him to cleanse you. Tell Him honestly what’s troubling or confusing you. He knows your heart – and loves you anyway.
Renew your thoughts:
Read one Bible verse each day. Let God’s truth be louder than the noise around you.
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Reflection Questions
Which “wolves” are you feeding in your daily life?
Are there thoughts or influences you know are hurting your heart?
What might your life look like if your heart were shaped more by God each day?
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Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You know my heart – with all its good and all its chaos.
You see my thoughts, my fears, my dreams, and my doubts.
Help me to stay alert. Teach me to guard my heart well – from the things that damage me.
Fill me with Your peace. Renew my mind.
Let me feel that I don’t have to fight alone – You want to protect my heart because You love it.
I want to walk in Your ways and trust You – from the inside out.
Amen.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/04-07-25-heart-guarded-life-protected-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/
