A Strong Heart

A number of years ago, my grandmother on my father’s side went to the doctor for her regular check-up.  At the time she was 85 years old. The doctor was probably in his thirties.  As the doctor listened to her heart he said to my grandmother, “Your heart is good for your age.” To which my grandmother replied, in her strong Greek accent, “I don’t want a heart good for my age; I want a heart that’s good for your age!”  Of course they both laughed—as did I when she told me the story.  (Even today I miss her sense of humor!)

We all know how important a strong heart is to one’s overall physical health.  That’s why this past year I began to try to increase my exercise routine, especially trying to get much more cardio exercise than I was previously getting (including a weekly spin class!).  I began to realize that if I was not purposeful about eating right and exercising more, my body, and especially my heart, would weaken and I would not be able to work, minister, and live to my fullest potential. I realized I needed to keep my heart strong if I am to continue to do what God has called me to do.   

In the Bible, the “heart” (as translated into our English versions) represents the seat of our emotions and will.  It is that part of us from which we love and live. It is from the heart that who we are and all of our priorities flow.  Sometimes our hearts are strong and filled with love and courage. Sometimes our hearts become weak and we give into temptation, fear, anger, and even bitterness.  All kinds of things happen in life that can weaken our hearts. If we do not take the right precautions and do the right things, we can find our hearts beginning to fail us.  When our hearts are weak, everything else begins to weaken as well.

That’s why the Bible tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  (Proverbs 4:23 – NIV) In other words, we must do what we can to keep our hearts—i.e. our inner life—strong and healthy. That means regularly getting the right amount of spiritual “cardio” through prayer and the study of God’s Word. It means having regular heart check-ups as, with God’s help, we reflect upon what is happening in our hearts and then following up by doing what we must to keep our hearts leaning in the right direction. 

I want to encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit to help you check your heart, guard your heart, and then do what you must to strengthen your heart. For, it is from your heart that “everything you do flows.” And, God wants you to have a strong heart!

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris