Castle walls around my heart

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

I'm not sure how many times God has used this verse to call my attention. It must be many, since I know it by memory. You see, God wants to protect our hearts, our driving force, from being shaped by this world instead of His Word. He wants us to be pure and holy. He knows that what I see & hear shape my interests. What you watch on TV or the Internet affect your thought process. We must stop, pray and evaluate what we are watching. Personally, I had to remove my TV from my home when I was a junior in high school because I was addicted to the trash it provided. It felt as if I was dating the world while I would proclaim to be a daughter of the King. I gave up a habit for Abba. This also applies to books and novels that I was reading at the time.

Now, music. Music is a language; an expression. My Lover has been showing me the influence that music and lyrics have on me and that I should test the fruit of what I hear. Sometimes, it not just the words, but the attitude behind it. Most mainstream artists posses moral bankruptcy; their character is far from inspiring. At first, I kinda ignored the Lord with this one. It struck a nerve. But there came a time when I was done with all of it! I wanted music that uplifted my soul and affirmed me in His promises.

It's been a process for the past year, but I can honestly say that it is well with my soul because I've guarded myself in these areas.The enemy wants to use things that appear good to keep us from God's best. I encourage you to seek God's wisdom in this matter of purity and guarding your heart. He will show you the way to keep you holy for Himself.

My uncle has a saying that goes "salvation will cost you nothing, but holiness will cost you everything". This is so true! I thank God for the things I gave up, for in the end, they were harmful things.

I'm going to be a princess,
one who guards her heart.
When evil lurks around me,
I'll be sure to fight the war.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."