The Source of Life

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

Water is essential for life. While we can survive for weeks without food, our bodies can only survive a few days without water. In ancient Israel, cities were built close to freshwater springs. When an enemy wanted to take over a city, they would first poison the water source because the city could only survive a few days before surrendering.

The city of Hazor was one of the great cities of Solomon and was located on an important trade route. Like all other cities, its source of water was located outside the city walls. Hazor was important for the economy of the country. For this reason, Solomon chose to dig straight down 90 feet within the city walls, to the source of the spring. This way those inside the city could access the wellspring, but those on the outside could not affect it. This was a way of guarding the source of life from those trying to destroy the city.

Just as this wellspring was the source of life for this city, our heart is the source from which our life flows, thus making it essential to guard. As followers of Jesus we must look at our lives and see what is flowing out of our hearts and ensure that it is life giving.

The heart in the Old Testament was a reference to the inner being of a person. It’s the emotions, will, and mind. It is who we are. The life we lead flows from our inner being—the heart. The very essence of who we are inside determines what comes out in words and actions.

As seen in Proverbs, Solomon saw the teaching of wisdom to his son as vital in order to guide his son into a good life. If his son didn’t have the wisdom inside to make good decisions then his life would not take a good course. Poor decisions and actions would then flow out of him, tainting his life and those around him. Solomon was placing wisdom inside his son so that his life would produce good decisions, words, and actions. In Proverbs 4:23, he is telling his son to now protect this wisdom inside of him above anything else.

Guarding the heart in this context is like guarding a treasure. It is about keeping watch over and caring for the treasure inside so it isn’t poisoned, causing a life of harm to flow out. Take note that guarding the heart must be intentional!

According to 2 Corinthians 4:7, God has deposited great treasure (the knowledge and power of Jesus Christ) inside us that must be protected. This treasure is life giving to us and those around us. Guarding the heart must be priority so our lives are always flowing with life that comes from that treasure inside.

How well are you guarding your heart? Is the treasure of God’s Word, Truth, and Wisdom that is deposited in your heart being properly protected? Your words and actions will give you the answer. If bitterness, anger, jealousy, and criticism are flowing out of you, then your heart is unguarded.

The people in the city Hazor dug through 90 feet of rock to protect what brought them life. What are you willing to do to protect the source of your life?

Blessings,


Stephanie

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