FOCUS: Guard Your Heart

By Jinadu Ibukun

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

The heart is more than just an organ, it is the wellspring of our thoughts, desires, emotions, and intentions. What we allow into our hearts shape our actions, choices, and ultimately our lives. The Bible constantly reminds us to be intentional about what we let into this sacred space. A few Bible scriptures on guarding your heart have been listed below. May they draw you closer to God and inspire you to guard your heart with all diligence.

BIBLE SCRIPTURES ON THE HEART

1. Purity of Heart (Psalm 139:23–24)

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, search my heart and reveal areas in my life that need Your transformation, so I may enjoy Your everlasting guidance.

2. Heartfelt Trust in God (Ephesians 3:17)

“Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, as I trust You, make my heart Your home. Let my knowledge of Your love grow stronger each day.

3. Checking Your Motives (Proverbs 27:19)

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, let everything I do reflect my love for You. Purify my motives so I do not act outside Your will.

4. The Treasure in your Heart (Matthew 6:21)

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, help me always put You first. May I treasure You above all else, all the days of my life.

5. Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, help me trust You completely. I refuse to rely on my own understanding, for I receive supernatural wisdom through Your grace.

6. A Clean Heart (Psalm 51:10)

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, I confess my unrighteousness. Create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit to walk in Your ways.

7. When the Heart is Weak (Psalm 73:26)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, when I am weak, You are my strength. Strengthen my heart, mind, body, and soul so I may overcome the desires of the flesh.

8. Peace of Heart and Mind (Philippians 4:7)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your peace. I receive it today, and I rest in the knowledge that You guard both my heart and mind.

9. Peace for a Troubled Heart (John 14:27)

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you, not as the world gives do I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, I choose to focus on Your peace today. I am not afraid, and my heart is not troubled because You are with me.

10. The Reward of a Thankful Heart (Psalm 37:4)

“Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, I delight in You always. In both lack and plenty, I remain thankful and faithful to You.

11. A Grateful Heart (Psalm 9:1)

“I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, with all that I have, I will thank You daily and speak of Your goodness in my life.

12. Examine my Heart (Psalm 26:2)

“Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, I open my heart to Your examination. Test me and refine me as I walk in obedience to Your Word.

13. Jesus Heals the Broken Hearted (Psalm 34:18)

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, I have been hurt and have hurt others. I receive Your healing. Restore my heart, renew my spirit, and fill me with Your love and joy.

14. Blessed be a Pure Heart (Matthew 5:8)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, I pursue purity in heart. I hold on to Your promise that I will see You and reign with You in glory.

15. A Heartfelt Confession (Psalm 19:14)

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, let my words and thoughts always be pleasing to You. Let my heart reflect Your grace and truth.

16. A Good Heart Speaks Good (Matthew 12:34)

“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Confession: Dear Jesus, may my heart overflow with goodness, so my words bring life, light, and truth to everyone I encounter.

Writer: Jinadu Ibukun

Inspiration: The Holy Spirit