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

Our hearts can lead us in so many different directions and we can feel so many emotions.

It can lead you astray and lead you down a wrong path when you listen only to your heart.

Your heart can feel broken when you have been hurt, or when you hurt for others.

You can be a champion for causes because your heart moves you to care to want to do something to make a difference.

Then there is the greatest gift your heart could ever receive: asking God into your heart!

Sometimes it’s dramatic and sometimes it’s a whisper, but you will know you have been changed.  Your heart is no longer your own.

God takes up residence and you share this sacred space together.  Your heart will continually go through a transformation with Him. Old ways of doing things will start to fade away and new desires and hopes will start burning in your heart.

God knows how very precious our hearts are, and that’s why he tells us to “guard our hearts”.  

How do we do that day in and day out?  What does that look like in this crazy world we live in?

The breastplate of righteousness

In Ephesians 6:10-19, we are instructed to put on the “Full Armor of God”.  We’re in a battle ladies, and it can be fierce sometimes.  One of the pieces of armor is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). This was a large piece of metal that covered a soldier’s front portion of his body.  The most important part of his body that needed protecting was his heart. One hit there and it could all be over for him.  A soldier is in a battle to win, so protecting this area is vital.

Ok, but what about righteousness?  Living out your life in a way that is honoring to God.

Living your life in a way that is right and just, will guard your heart.  When you are pursuing obedience you will be more keenly aware of the enemy’s attacks on your life, and you can be more diligent to protect your heart from his flaming arrows aimed at you to get you off track. (Ephesians 6:16)

When you walk away from righteousness, it leaves an opening for the enemy to gain more ground in your life.  Your heart is his target.  What will be the end result?  No joy, no peace, and a lot more stress!

Righteousness sounds kind of lofty doesn’t it?  Here’s the incredible news!  You are already righteous because of what God did for you on the cross!  When He looks at you He sees you as His righteous daughter.  Wow, what a beautiful picture!

When you are choosing to put on a breastplate of righteousness you are putting a stake in the ground.  You are declaring that you are going to protect your heart by putting up a barrier between you and the enemy. God is right there with you, giving you the strength to live out a life that honors Him.

Believe that God sees you as righteous

Knowing and believing who you are is so important if you’re going to have victory.  Don’t be half-hearted in your identity!  Ask God to help you believe for a new level of faith of the righteousness that is in you.

Once you put on your breastplate of righteousness and know who you belong to, you are a force to be reckoned with and the enemy knows it.  All the more reason to be prepared every day!  How do you do that?  Read Gods Word and be strengthened.

Don’t leave yourself open to attacks.  Protect your heart at all costs. Let your heart be grounded more firmly in truth. Declare who you are and believe it because it’s true.

You are a righteous daughter of the God Most High.   Wear your breastplate daily and live like you believe it!

Believing with you,

~pat

*Don’t miss my next post:  Body Connection: Heart Health