Guarding Your Heart Against Unwanted InvadersSample

G - Go to God in prayer

When a storm begins to brew within our hearts through unwelcome emotions, troubling circumstances, or nagging temptations, we need wisdom: wisdom on how to proceed and wisdom to understand how best to guard against these unwanted invaders.

The good news is that wisdom is promised to be poured out upon those who ask (see James 1:5).

At the first sign of a troubled, anxious, or tempted heart: pray.

Your prayer need not be lengthy or filled with flowery words. In fact, when asked by the king what he wanted, we are told in one breath that Nehemiah prayed to God and in the very next breath that he gave an answer to the king!

“Increase our faith!” the disciples cried after Jesus’ teaching.

“Lord, help me!” begged the Canaanite woman, whose daughter was suffering.

“Be our help!” the psalmist exclaimed, when all seemed hopeless.

In each scenario, it took just three simple words to move beyond themselves, their sufficiency, their perspective, or their wisdom and reach out to the heart – and for the help – of God.

John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrims Progress, wrote, “It should comfort your heart if the anguish of your spirit keeps your words few. The Holy Spirit stirs up your heart in groans and sighs so much the more vehement when your mouth is hindered. Though your mouth is hindered, your spirit is not.”

In my weariness, “Be my strength.”

In my longing, “Be my satisfaction.”

In my frustration, “Be my peace.”

In my sorrow, “Be my joy.”

In my conviction, “Be my cleansing.”

In my fatigue, “Be my rest.”

In my anxiety, “Be my calm.”

If your words are few today but your troubles many, if your heart is overwhelmed but your prayers feel lacking, take heart. He hears your every word and cry. Even when it’s few. And when words won’t come, He hears your every sigh. Directed upward, hearts looking and longing and leaning toward Him, even “three words” – or a single sigh – reach the heart of our Heavenly Father.