Proverbs 4:23
New International Version (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Psalm 5:11-12
New International Version (NIV)
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
I had the opportunity this week to drive around town the young man who lives in our house but doesn't want to be blogged about. I quickly learned from him what a road menace I was! I suppose it should be expected, since I'm the one who gave him permission to ride his little bike down a hill without first teaching him how to brake, something I remembered when he was halfway down. It was a lesson learned the hard way, as most of the lessons I learn and teach. There was another hill many years ago when I was by age if not wisdom in charge of my little brother. When he asked me if it would be okay to take his bike down a dirt trail, I answered rather nonchalantly, "Sure." I realized when I saw him and his bike do a 360 in the air that perhaps I should have given it more thought. Relieved that he was still alive, I checked him out for bumps and bruises and sternly warned him not to tell Mom. To his credit, he didn't.
I often find myself foolishly heading down the wrong hills, ending up bruised and broken. If only I stop running from my Lord's protection, I'd avoid so much misery. Last night I went to bed angry and woke up still miffed that joy hadn't come in the morning. I was fiercely guarding my heart instead of letting the fierce love of Jesus guard it for me. It's always good to stop, look and listen.
"Broken Things" - Julie Miller
