Throughout this week’s devotionals, we have looked into the various schemes and distractions that may plague our hearts in devotion to the Lord.

But what happens when the sole reasons for our devotional troubles are the very things that we consume day in, day out, and often unintentionally?

What do you do when these seemingly uncontrollable vices take the wheel in directing the course of your life?
You cannot continually consume ungodly influences that oppose the nature of God and expect to live a life void of devotional struggles.

Matthew 6:22-23
New International Version
22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Whatever we consistently allow through our eyes becomes light or darkness within us. In other words, our eyes are a gateway to the heart. When our eyes are fixed on what aligns with God’s truth, they illuminate our inner life, making devotion, prayer, and obedience flow more naturally.

But when our eyes are continually exposed to ungodly influences, toxic media content, negative relationships, worldly values and perspectives, it clouds the heart, making spiritual disciplines feel heavy, dry, or difficult.

What we watch, read, and focus on does not remain external; it settles inward and shapes our thoughts, desires, and spiritual sensitivity.
It is for this very reason that Scripture emphasizes guarding the heart.

Proverbs 4:23
New King James Version
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

This scripture calls us to intentional spiritual vigilance. The Hebrew word translated as “keep” means to guard, watch over, and protect. Scripture teaches that the heart is the source from which our thoughts, desires, decisions, and actions flow.

Guarding the heart, therefore, means being mindful of what we allow to shape our inner life. It means watching carefully and setting boundaries around what we watch, listen to and read. It means choosing relationships that build up, rather than tear down our faith, knowing that the quality of our walk with God is directly connected to what we permit to dwell within.

What fills your heart ultimately directs your life; this is why God calls us to guard it diligently, we must know what to embrace and what not to entertain.

Psalm 101:3
New King James Version
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

David wrote this psalm early in his reign as king as he decided the standards by which he wanted to live. David knew that to lead a godly life he would need God’s help, but he also recognised his part to play by staying away from wickedness.

We can lead godly lives if we keep our hearts from wickedness—anything vile or vulgar, evil thoughts or associates, slander, pride and every other thing that is at variance with the character of God.

While avoiding these wrongs, we must also let God’s Word show us the standards by which to live.

In Philippians 4:8, we are shown the right things to focus our hearts on.
Philippians 4:8
New King James Version
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

This verse shows the practical side of guarding our hearts. It’s not just about avoiding what is harmful, but intentionally filling our minds and hearts with what is good and godly.

Just as sowing corn cannot yield wheat, dwelling on worldly, ungodly, or impure things cannot produce a heart aligned with God. By focusing on truth, purity, and excellence, we cultivate an inner life that naturally overflows into devotion, prayer, and righteous living.

Guarding the heart, then, is both a protective measure and a positive discipline: while we turn away from darkness, we must also deliberately nurture what honors God.

Psalm 119:11 says:
New King James Version
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

To lead a life of consecration and honour to the Lord, the heart plays a crucial role in determining the direction of your devotion. While it is essential to turn away from evil vices, hiding God’s Word within us becomes our greatest defence as we guard our hearts.

It is not enough to simply read Scripture; we are called to hide it in our hearts, letting it shape our thoughts, guide our decisions, and even strengthen our resolve in times of temptation.

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is like planting seeds that grow into steadfastness and spiritual discernment, giving us strength when the storms of life come. We equip ourselves to resist ungodly influences, nourish our devotion, and let the life of God flow freely through us.

Guarding the heart means maintaining hunger, resisting distractions, and standing firm against the distractions of the enemy. When you protect what you consume, you ensure that what flows out is life-giving, honouring to God, and a testimony of His transforming power.

So today, commit to not only reading the Word but also treasuring it, reflecting on it, and letting it transform you from the inside out. Let every decision you make, every action you take, be guided by the truth of God’s Word.

Prayer Point
Father, as I pray, help me to hide Your Word in my heart, so that I may be equipped and strengthened to resist temptation, evil vices and all ungodly influences. As a result, I live a transformed and consecrated life in devotion to you.