Guard your heart health

"Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." Proverbs 4:23 BSB

Like many other races around the world that suspended their in-person runs for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cincinnati for the Heart Mini Marathon returned to 'normal' over the weekend when it hosted nearly 16,000 runners for their annual two-day event that included a distance for everybody. "Today in this campaign we raised about $3 million, all of which stays here in this community to fight heart and stroke research, and we have 16,000 of our dearest friends with us," Alyson Poling of the American Heart Association said. Poling was excited to cheer the runners on. This year's races offered something for every runner and everyone fighting for heart health “We are really proud to raise money each year. It's just been an awesome experience.”

And you know, when it comes to fighting for our own personal heart health, the Bible tells us to take the battle very seriously by saying, "guard your heart with all diligence." Diligence that, by definition, means putting forth a constant, steady, earnest, and energetic effort to keep it pure. And we do this because "springs of life" flow from our hearts. In other words, if we ignore wisdom and allow sin to enter our hearts and minds, our wicked thoughts will pollute us from the inside out; causing us to forego a life flowing with peace and joy and to follow after sinful desires that will steal our happiness and lead to destruction. 

So as Solomon clearly understood, it’s of utmost importance to guard your heart at all costs my friend. Be tenacious, dedicated, and laborious in your efforts so that you can stay on the right path and reap the benefits of a healthy heart. It's that important. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it takes constant effort to keep our hearts pure. Lord, help us to be so sensitive to the evil things and thoughts of this world that we would recognize them for what they are and avoid them at all costs. Help us to have healthy hearts so that we can serve You to the best of our ability and inspire those watching us to do the same. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!