Our of kilter?

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:20-23)

Pay attention - listen carefully - never lose focus. These are pretty specific directions, meant to keep us safe, establishing us on a clear course for life. The more the Word of God penetrates our heart, the more we will see that course established - it gives us foundation and protection. Nothing outlives a good foundation. If you have ever observed an old building site, the walls may have been torn down, but the solid foundation still remains. It was meant to endure! 

The Word of God penetrates our heart, but it affects our mind, emotions, and even the health of our whole body. If you have ever felt just a bit 'out of sorts' and not been able to put your finger on what it is that seems 'out of whack' in your life, a little time in the Word might just be the ticket to restoring whatever is 'out of kilter'! The time we invest in getting God's Word into us is never 'fruitless' - it always produces fruit of some kind. It could even be what sustains you when you have no idea what is wrong, but you know you need help!

Guard your heart - not because it is about to abandon you, but because in abandoning our focus on what we allow to affect it will surely mean the course of our lives will be 'swayed' away from a point of solid anchor. When we post a guard over something, we direct very specific attention to the protection of that object. God is telling us we need that kind of 'specific attention' directed toward what we allow to affect our mind, emotions, and eventually our will. The instructions started with paying attention, continue with listening carefully (not casually), and always being aware of our focus.

Why do we need to be aware of our focus? Focus determines course. If you have ever been driving along, looked to the side for a bit too long, your vehicle likely began to drift out of the midline of the lane. Why? Our focus was 'redirected' to something other than the course we were supposed to be paying attention to! So, guard your heart, allow God to build a solid foundation in your heart and mind through his Word, and see what he accomplishes when you do. You could be surprised. Just sayin!