In John 16:33, Jesus offers up a little phrase that is ultra-significant to each of us who are His followers. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” “Take heart” may be a very brief phrase but is all powerful to your life. It determines whether you are reacting to life or living life. Proverbs 4:23 declares for us to “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Jeremiah 17:9 warns each of us in the moment-by-moments of life to internalize the realization that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
At the core of our being resides our heart, the innermost thoughts that guide our lives. From these innermost thoughts, our self-talk is generated. Our self-talk produces our emotions. Then, our behavior typically is a reaction or response to how we feel. So, here’s the deal. Make sure at the core of your being, you are not believing thoughts that are generated by the great deceiver and accuser, the devil. Make sure that your core thoughts are not of this world. Make sure that the center of your being does not give residence to fear, uncertainty or doubt. Make sure that there are not idols in your heart that you are “worshipping.” “Take heart, guard your heart!” Why? Because “the heart is easily deceived.” For us to live a Christ life, we must internalize the reality that “everything flows from your heart”, the core thoughts at the center of our being.
Proverbs 23:7 (NASB) declares “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.” Are Philippians 4:8 thoughts at the core of your being (“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”)? Or, do you have thoughts that are “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2)? How you answer determines how you live.
Take heart!
