How do we find the best place to build our fence, so it keeps out the unwanted, but also encloses us with that which we most desire? Diane shares.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

As I sit on my back porch, I’m enjoying the view of a newly built wooden privacy fence. I just love the beauty of the new wood, the preciseness of its boarders, and the security it brings to my house.

Prior to having it replace, its twenty-five year old predecessor was beyond repair–missing boards and decaying wood was allowing many unwanted guests to enter at will to our yard.

Though I know it may not protect us from everything, it does deter certain enemies of sorts, such as stray dogs, cats, or even raccoons who may wander in.

As well as an enclosed, safe place for my dog and grandchildren to play, it serves as a security guard, allowing us some reassurance. It grants us peace, comfort, and even enjoyment as we watch the birds and other non-threatening, beautiful creatures made by God play.

Proverbs 4: 20-23 tells us how to gain that same peace for our heart, mind, and soul.

“Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to My words. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

God instructs us to hold His words within our hearts, to never let them out of our sight, and to protect them. Just as our fence offers protection and beauty to our home and family, His words and His truths are there to guard and protect; to fill us with beauty and life.

A life complete with “health” which “flows” from within; “Everything you do” comes from that life–the Life that only He can give.

This includes the heath that we all seek–not only those who are chronically ill–but all His children. We each seek that life-giving healing, salvation, from Him our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, today I pray that each of us would look closely at our fences. are they in need of repair? Have we let Your truths and Your words slip away from our sight? Lord, we humbly ask You to refresh the zeal in our hearts for Your Word, to allow it to fill our hearts, mind, and souls so that we will repair our fences. Protect our hearts against the fiery darts of the enemy, so that all flows out from within us is pleasing unto You. Amen.

About the author:
Diane Kalata lives in central Florida, she is blessed to have three grown children, and a wonderful husband who is also her caregiver in those difficult times of illness. She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with many digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art, writing. He desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God ordained opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.

Have you lost sight of God’s word recently? Found it difficult to read and hold close to your heart? Perhaps the enemy has broken a few of your fences boards and has slipped in, unwanted into your yard? Let us pray with you today, share, and let’s work together to rebuild and protect our hearts.