March 20 Protect Your Peace

 Theme: Guarding your heart in a noisy world.

Corry Chambers
Women's Ministries Director,
Shepherdess, CIC

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

In today’s world, distractions and chaos seem to be everywhere. From social media notifications to the expectations of others. Our hearts are constantly bombarded with noises. Let us keep it real!

 Have you ever been in church and find that your thoughts keep trending on external matters unrelated to spiritual things? I have been praying earnestly for God to give me the ability to focus on the things that are important so my connection with him can be heightened. The world we live in is very fast paced and my brain is always trying to keep up with everything that is happening around me. I am often bombarded by my daily tasks, and this has robbed me of quality time with spiritual activities. Additionally, some of us struggle with the weight of comparison, anxiety, and stress that can slowly erode our peace if we’re not careful. That’s why God calls us to guard our hearts. Luke 6:45 (ESV) reminds us that the good person, out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 

But what does it really mean to guard your heart? Guarding your heart isn’t about shutting people out or ignoring the world’s problems. It’s about being intentional with what you allow to influence your thoughts, emotions, and spirit. Yes, it’s hard to disconnect from electronic devices as with every ping or chime we are curious about the next conversation, curious about updated status, curious about the latest notification from our favorite shopping websites and the list goes on. As a result, we often find it difficult to find peace. Quiet moments with God are to be treasured as this is when we find peace; this is the perfect opportunity to guard our hearts against the noises around us. Just as a gardener protects her flowers from weeds and pests, we must protect our hearts from negativity, toxic relationships, and anything that pulls us away from God’s peace.

Jesus Himself set a powerful example. Despite the demands of His ministry, He often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). He didn’t allow the noises of the world to distract Him from His purpose or steal His peace. If Jesus needed to retreat and guard His heart, how much more do we? Here are some practical ways that we can guard our hearts and protect our peace.

1. Filter What You Consume – Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and read. Ask yourself, “Does this bring me closer to God or further away?”

2. Set Boundaries – It’s okay to say no to things that drain you emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Protect your time and energy.

3.Stay Rooted in God’s Word – Fill your heart with His truth so that when the world gets noisy, you can stand firm in His promises.

4. Prioritize Prayer and Stillness – Make time to sit with God, away from distractions, so you can hear His voice above the noise.

5. Surround Yourself with Peace-Bringers – Spend time with people who encourage your faith, bring joy, and speak life over you.

Sister, your peace is precious. Don’t let the noises of the world drown out the voice of God in your life. Guard your heart diligently, knowing that true peace comes from Him alone.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to guard my heart in a world full of noise and distractions. Give me wisdom to know what to let in and what to keep out. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Let my heart be a place where Your presence dwells. In Jesus’ name, Amen.