Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. – Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
“Seems like you look younger than the last time I saw you uncle,” I verbalized to my uncle with a big smile on his face upon seeing my family and I as I asked my husband and child if we could go visit him and my aunt to bring some fruits.
“My doctor said my heart is okay now. I was sicker when you saw me but everything is good now,” he quickly replied.
Pointing up with his index finger, he said, “Guess the Lord is good on me.”
“He is good,” I interrupted…
“He is good to everyone especially to those who call on Him.”
“I always pray since I had a heart problem. The doctor said I needed a pacemaker but with my last check-up, he said I didn’t need it.”
“That is awesome,” I replied.
“I’ve been good all my life, staying away from any vices. Maybe that’s why I’m strong even when I’m 82.”
The short visit we savored as we all gathered around a small table in their nook area. My son was pulling a grape at a time from the plates they had served us as I saw my husband took a sip from a glass of orange juice. More old memories flooded our minds and it felt good to laugh together. It felt good to see him and my aunt remaining strong despite their aging years. We all gave both of them hugs as we said our “goodbye’s” as I left a promise that I would continue to visit them, time permitting. They got excited to hear that and with big smiles sent us off from the front door, waving endlessly, thanking us endlessly for seeing them.
I kept my eyes on the road as I steadied my hands on the steering wheel. But the thought in my mind kept flowing. I recognized the truth that my uncle remained healthy and strong not because he was a righteous person. He was that way because he guarded his heart as he believed in God up there Who was the Source of his good blessings in life including the healing of his ailing heart. He remained healthy because of Him Who loved to bless those who love Him.
If one says he loves God, then, he must avoid all evil ways. True saints do not walk in darkness. They walk in the light for He is the light. Hearing His Word is not enough. It is doing what His Word says that helps one guard his heart against all evil things. That is the true sign….of grace working continuously in one’s ailing heart and restoring it to become whole.
Parting with sins and self-confidence as one surrenders his heart to Jesus makes him find His hidden riches.
Lord, all I can say is "Thank You" for Your love and grace. Thank You for the healing that comes from You. Help us guard our hearts against all evil ways and all those things that do not please You. You indeed become our True Friend once we let You in and open the door of our hearts to You. Thank You for Your presence in our lives, to those who believe in You. How awesome that You brought us incorruptible things to replace those things residing in our hearts that must be sickening to You. How awesome that in our poor state, You make us rich! You alone deserve all our praises and thanks. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
