Holy, Healthy, Whole: Growing Fruits of the Spirit for Weight Loss and WellnessNäide

Guard Your Heart

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)

I’ve always been fascinated by Philippians 4:7 because it says the peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

I don’t typically think of peace as being a guardian of anything. Peace is…well, peaceful. I’ve considered it passive or perhaps even a lack of action.

But this verse says that God’s peace is not passive. God’s peace provides protection. God’s peace guards your heart from the world’s temptations and dangers.

As a woman losing weight, you must proactively protect your heart.

Think about the messages about food and weight that the world gives you regularly:

• Thinner is better.
• You can’t be too rich or too thin.
• Chocolate solves problems.
• You deserve it.
• One bite won’t hurt.

None of these statements is in line with God’s truth. Actively seek God’s peace to guard your heart and mind from false thinking.

Reflection: Which of the world’s messages about food and weight have you bought into? How will you guard your heart with God’s peace from now on?

Prayer: Lord, I’ve bought into the world’s lies about food, my weight, and my body. Today is the day I stop believing the lies and turn to your life-giving words of truth. I ask that your peace may rule in my life and guard my heart and mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.