“Guard your heart above all else.” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Solomon said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Note the progression of events that led to David’s downfall: “He saw a woman bathing…inquired about the woman…and took her” (2 Samuel 11:2-4 NKJV). He saw…he inquired…he took. If you’re hankering after someone who’s not yours, pull your eyes away immediately. “Take captive every thought…make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). Police your mind. Instead of filling it with fantasies from magazines, television, or the internet, fill it with God’s Word and memories of your best moments with your mate. Work on strengthening your marriage bond. Decide to love even when you don’t feel like it, and your love will begin to blossom. Jesus said, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance threatens your relationship. The less you desire your mate, the more you’ll look for reasons to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is, you’ll never know how good your relationship could have been. After David was confronted, cleansed, and corrected, he said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). If you have a problem with lust, find a pastor, a counsellor or a friend who can help you. The Bible says, “A brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat is spending a few minutes on the phone talking and praying with someone who understands. The question is—do you really want to do right?

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024