FULLY ALIVE

It is said that our hearts are the source and center of our emotional life. It is the place where we feel our deepest and sincerest feelings and where we are most vulnerable to pain. The contents of our hearts drive and inspire every aspect of our lives. Both the passions that motivate and the fears that cripple reside within our heart. Sadness, joy, hope and despair, all bubble up from within its core. It is no wonder the wise words of the Bible tell us, “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Guarding our heart does not imply building safe and impenetrable walls to shield ourselves from the very things that make us uniquely human. On the contrary, we are encouraged to live life to the full while caring for it as the precious epicenter of our existence. We are at peace when we realize that pain, as well as joy, are the fuels needed to grow us in strength, character and compassion. To guard one's heart then, is to nurture and care for it. So, may I be so bold as to ask the question “How's your heart? Has it been nurtured much lately?”

My friends have come to know what I mean by certain questions I ask. When asked, “How are you?” They know I am expecting general dialog with a wide range of variety. When I inquire, “How's your heart?” they know that I am inviting them to participate in an intimate moment. I want to know what emotions are captivating their thoughts. I want to know how their relationships are doing, and how I can best pray for them. The “How's your heart” question is most often responded to with a look of vulnerability and tears beginning to spill over from their eyes. My friends know how much I love and care for them. They know that I will do anything I can to protect and encourage their hearts, and they are wonderful to do the same for me.

Sometimes I forget that I am constantly involved in a spiritual war. Ephesians 6:12 reveals the staggering truth: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. The attacks against my heart take place in the world of the unseen. The wounds I bare are also, often, unseen. Everyday I am faced with challenges that leave their mark upon my heart. Whether it is an unkind word or gesture from someone or the constant bombardment of accusations that cross my mind from my spiritual enemy, my emotions are affected. Disappointments and uncontrollable events hammer at my heart and wear me down. I am tempted to allow discouragement and despair to dominate my thoughts. Every event has the potential to chip away at my heart until it is left damaged and vulnerable. If I don't make a conscience effort to allow time for nurturing after the daily barrages, I soon find myself unable to love at my fullest capacity. I must keep my heart fully alive.

There are a number of things I do in my attempt to keep my heart fully alive. One of the most damaging elements allowed residency in my heart is unforgiveness. Realizing that my fight is never against the people who hurt me, but instead against the evil spiritual forces that have motivated them, allows me the freedom to forgive any grievance. I can accept others as fellow victims in our enemy's scheme to destroy our value as God's beloved children. My anger or pain can be rerouted to the original source. I then have the compassion to forgive and pray for those who hurt me.

With the same effort I exert in recognizing and overcoming my enemy's attacks against me, I must surrender to the One who promises me ultimate victory. It's just plain ignorant to think I could possibly battle against “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” all by myself! Ephesians 6:10,11 instruct me to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power . My conquest is only possible if I clothe myself in the God's armor. I need spiritual armor to stand against spiritual forces.

In deep matters of the heart though, I find most healing and comfort by simply resting in my Heavenly Father's arms. It comes when I stop the business of life, take a deep breath and fall with abandon into His presence. I enter not as a woman with confidence, but as a child in need of strong and comforting arms. I envision myself climbing into God's lap as He scoops me up with a smile on His face. I tell Him about my day with all the joys and sorrows. He responds to each one and then whispers as I prepare to sleep, “There, there dear one, no worries. I love you more than you can imagine. I have everything under control. Sleep now and rest your weary soul. My mercies are new every morning and you will have all you need to face tomorrow.” And as I sleep He does what only He can …He performs first aid on my heart. He touches it with His powerful and compassionate hands and infuses it with His love and purpose. Then He places His signature upon it, confirming to both my enemy and me that I belong to Him. My heart remains fully alive because it lives by His grace and power.

Maybe your heart is in need of a little first aid today. I encourage you to let your Creator nurture you and heal the broken and hurting places. No one understands more fully how difficult the warfare is we wage. In fact He chose to give His life in our place to secure the ultimate victory. Let us not be deceived…war is violent, exhausting and life threatening. If our enemy cannot possess our hearts, he will do all he can to damage them and leave us as ineffective soldiers in the most important battle ever waged.

May our hearts continually be renewed as we fight together against our enemy, the devil. May we find comfort, healing and power in the gracious arms of our Heavenly Father. Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” May we all find ourselves more often crawling like a child into the lap of the One who loves us the most.