Guard Your Heart

Guard Your Heart
| Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley |

The fog of a troubled heart can obscure what’s really going on, but God’s Word provides plenty of clues.

If stealing, killing, and destroying are happening around you, you know the thief is at work. Sometimes that’s because of our own or other people’s sinful behavior, and sometimes it’s simply because we still live in this messed-up world.

Be especially alert for condemnation and confusion.

Condemnation from the enemy and conviction from the Holy Spirit may seem similar on the outside, but they couldn’t be more different. Condemnation is dark, hopeless, destructive, and holds you to your past. It feels like the end.

Conviction from the Holy Spirit feels light, hopeful, uplifting, and points you to your future. It’s a beginning and provides a clear sense of the next step to take.

Confusion from the enemy brings oppression, darkness, and fear. The harder you wrestle to break free, the more entangled you become.

Peace from the Holy Spirit brings clarity and light. Regardless of what happens externally, your inner world can experience calmness and hope.

When you are experiencing condemnation or confusion, literally STOP! Move away mentally and/or physically. Calm your mind, run into God’s presence, and listen for His voice. He will meet you there.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints..." - 1 Corinthians 14:33

 * Adopted from YouVersion Bible Plan: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare