God's Glory Church

“Above all that is guarded, guard your heart, for from it comes life.” — Proverbs 4:23

In 1938, the Hungarian mathematician Abraham Wald moved to the United States. There, during World War II, he applied his skills to military purposes. The military command was trying to find ways to protect aircraft from enemy fire, and turned to Wald and his colleagues. In an attempt to determine the places where the aircraft were most damaged, scientists began to examine the equipment that was returning to the base. However, Wald realized that the damage on the returning planes showed only those areas that had not been critically hit. He realized that the place that needed the most additional protection was to be found in the planes that had been shot down. At the same time, these planes, hit in the engine, fell and could not be investigated.

Solomon talks about the need to protect the most vulnerable place – our heart. He urges his son to “guard your heart”, because everything else comes from it (Prov. 4:23). God’s instructions guide us in life, keeping us away from bad decisions and focusing on what is important.

If we protect our heart by listening to God’s instructions, we will be able to “remove our foot from evil” and remain steadfast in our journey with God (v. 27). We enter enemy territory every day, but with God’s wisdom in our hearts, we are able to focus on our mission to live for God’s glory.

Where is your heart most vulnerable right now? How can God’s wisdom protect you?

God, please protect my heart from all threats. You are my refuge.

Author: Kirsten Holmberg