We need to be wise about what we store in our hearts. It grows – whether good or bad. And it overflows…whether good or bad.
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.
– Jesus in the Gospel of Luke 6:43-45
One of the prayers that I often find on my lips is: “guard my heart”. I’ve known the teaching for many years and watched its consistent truth be visible in so many situations. I pray it because I also know how easy it is to lose sight of the impact of what is in my heart. What strikes me as I read this Scripture in the Gospel of Luke is the “storing up” of things. That is what overflows, whatever we store!
The “Red Book” is near my reading stack because re-reading it reminds me what to let go of so things don’t store up in my heart that don’t belong. We learn all kinds of things from our growing up years. Some of it is very helpful; some of it we need to let go!
It is amazing how consistent God is to teach this: what is in our hearts and minds matters. When Christ was asked what is the greatest commandment?”, his response was not new; it was ancient wisdom from the deepest source: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength…”
From that ancient writing in Deuteronomy 6:4-6, http://bit.ly/37G3r68 through Proverbs and through the teachings of Christ, we find this critical teaching for our wholeness and joy.
What are you storing up in your heart as you begin this new decade? Every day is a new opportunity to store up what you hope will overflow.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
– Proverbs 4:23
A Prayer
God, help us to store more of your love and grace in our hearts today. Thank you for being the God that makes all things possible! Amen.
There are many rooms of healing available. Today I’m sharing links to a few in case you or someone you love needs to find one as the new decade unfolds:
Adult Children of Alcoholics…
https://adultchildren.org/resources/find-a-meeting/
Alcoholics Anonymous…
YMCA Small Groups
https://ymcamidtn.org/programs/health-and-fitness/support-groups/small-groups/journey-freedom
Faith Based behavioral and mental health resources
Co-dependents Anonymous
http://coda.org/?_ga=2.25661629.1218663601.1578315796-83763230.1578315796
Franklin First United Methodist Church hosts recovery groups
Life in the Deep End 