Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to guard our heart ABOVE ALL ELSE. There must be a reason that God put's it as a top priority...which makes me think it's important to pay attention.

As I began to think about my heart, and the 'issues' that affect it, I immediately thought about the 'obvious' things that would affect me. I know better than to watch certain movies and shows that demoralize women for example...but as I began to talk to the Lord about this issue, He showed me that it is often the 'little' and subtle things that come in and affect our hearts.

It may be different for everyone, but I know for me, I have to guard my heart against scrolling on social media pages (FB, instagram, etc.), which can lead to comparing and jealousy without even realizing it. I also try to filter through the music and lyrics I allow in my ears, for I have learned that it eventually goes into my heart. I also try to be aware of the magazines I flip through- I try to ask myself, does this bring forth thoughts that come from God's identity and worth/value, or does it send me down a negative spiral making me feel like I need to do 5 more things before I feel 'good' about myself?

I know it may seem silly, but the Word of God says that we need to be alert, for the devil roams about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), which tells me that it is the little subtle things that pull us into a trap. Sure, we may fill our minds with the Word of God in the morning, but if we allow 100's of other 'messages' to come in throughout the day, we will be left confused and unaware of who we truly are.  If we take a look at the 'issues' in our lives, and if they have anything to do with a lack of self-worth, there may be a chance that we can trace them back to something we have put in our hearts.

Let's be alert and aware of the things that we allow in our hearts, whether it be a show, a movie, a magazine, music, social media- you name it... If it is not promoting and esteeming who God says you are, I would challenge you to lay it down at His feet! I can say from my own experience, it may 'seem' hard at first, but nothing that He leads us to give away isn't returned to us with something better (often it's the simple gift of peace and joy!) I pray someone is encouraged and blessed by this today, and that we begin to guard our hearts as women against what this worlds says we should be, and that we come into a revelation of who God says we are, and Who's we are~ His daughters! xo Katie