3 Ways to Guard Your Heart Through Uncertain Times

Over the past two decades, our family has faced many uncertain times. We’ve walked through the loss of two children, my husband’s unexpected retirement from the military, become my mom’s caregiver, experienced a global pandemic, lost loved ones, and had another cross-country move to name a few.  

One piece of wisdom the Bible teaches that has helped our family through many seasons of uncertainty is found in Proverbs 4:23 (AMPC):  

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

This verse has been a staple to keeping our peace when the troubles of life seem to be coming at us from every side. This verse has allowed us to hear from God when the storms of life are raging all around us. While this all sounds good, I know some of you are wondering how you can guard your heart. Below I am sharing three practical ways that our family has learned to keep our faith in Jesus through uncertain times.

Confess God’s Word

Confessing bible verses aloud has been a practice of ours for over 2 decades. This practice has helped us grow closer to God while building our faith in His promises. As we continue to confess His Word we have peace no matter what comes our way. 

God showed my husband and I the power of speaking His Word is two-fold:

1. When we speak His Word we build our faith. 
   
   Romans 10:7 shows us the truth of the statement above, “So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).”

2. When we speak God’s Word we are coming into agreement with His purpose and will for our lives.
   
   The bible makes it very clear that we have the power to speak life (God’s Word and will) or death. We are urged to choose life and for good reason. Jesus came to give us life more abundantly so that we could experience His peace, healing, and love while on this earth. Speaking his word helps remind us that His Word is truth and His promises are yes and amen!

Meditate on God’s Word

One of the greatest lessons our family has learned during uncertain times is the importance of meditating on God’s Word, together. Meditating on the Word gives us the ability to actively renew our minds every day. It stores up Scripture in our heart that will flow out of us when emotions try to take us off course. It helps cement God’s promises deep within us, helping us to stand firm when uncertain times are upon us. 

This is why God tells us in Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (CSB): “Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates, so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.”

Pray Without Ceasing

Uncertainty can create a slew of emotions that if not handled carefully can coax us into making poor decisions. One of the greatest weapons we have against our flesh and the enemy of our soul is prayer. When we pray with faith we are able to move the mountains in our lives (see Matthew 17:20) and keep our focus on Jesus. 

I encourage you to find a Bible verse that supports what you are believing God for in prayer and stand firmly on it. You can confess and meditate on the verse to help build your faith and give you the stamina you need to stand in faith. We also involve our children in this process by memorizing the verse together.

While there are certainly other spiritual disciplines you can create to help you guard your heart, I believe the three above are foundational. I pray that these are a blessing to you as you navigate both certain and uncertain times. 

For His Glory,
Carlie Kercheval
MarriageLegacyBuilders.com