21/08/2026
RHEMA TODAY - FRIDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2026
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23
The human heart (not the organ) is considered to be the center of a person's thoughts, emotions, desires, and will. Today's verse urges us to guard our hearts for our life flows through from it. As the core of who we are, we must give careful attention to what influences and shapes our innermost being. It tells us to watch over our hearts "with all diligence" which implies that it is not just a one-time act but continuous vigilance. No one else is responsible for the welfare and growth of our hearts but us. Everyday we are surrounded by things that can lead us astray, appealing to our sinful desires and corrupting our inner lives. If we are not intentional and watchful, we can easily be swayed by temptations. Just as a farmer takes due diligence in guarding his crops from pests, weeds, and diseases, we must make every effort to protect our hearts from worldly influences that can cause corruption to our thoughts, desires, emotions, and actions. Bad company, negative influences in various forms, and even our own harmful patterns of thinking or spiritually unhealthy perspective, can dig deep into our hearts if we are not careful. We have access to the greatest protector of our hearts, God and His Word. Our responsibility is to seek God by meditating on His Word, communicating with Him in prayer, and growing sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. No one else will do this for us but we must make an effort and give value to this pursuit. The things that we allow to take root in our hearts molds our attitudes, perspectives, behaviors, and decisions. Whenever we fill our hearts with bitterness, anger, rage, malice, envy, and other sinful desires, it will overflow into our words and actions. But if we learn to turn away from the pull of the flesh and turn to God and fill our hearts with His Word, we will have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control, the fruits of the Spirit working in our hearts and manifesting in our words and actions. Glory to God!
AFFIRMATION
With the help of the Spirit, I am committed to the word of God, guarding my heart with its counsel, and manifesting the godhead daily. Hallelujah!