Two-minute read.
Do you know who had crappy friends? Job. Found in the Old Testament, the book of Job tells the story of a faithful servant of the Lord who lost everything —children, wealth, and health —but refused to turn away from God. When the tragedies occur, three of his friends show up to support him. For the first seven days, they remain silent, but then they start giving Job their theories on why this misery has befallen him.
Eliphaz theorized that Job’s misfortune came from his sin. Bildad believed his misery came from wickedness, and Zophar thought Job had unconfessed sin, which caused his troubles. Job had to guard his heart from their well-meaning words, because none of them got it right.
Keeping our hearts with all vigilance means paying attention to the seeds that people and circumstances try to plant in them. If Job had listened to his friends, his heart would have started producing the wrong kind of fruit, based on lies. But Job protected his spirit by focusing on God’s goodness and sovereignty, which can do whatever He wants when He wants to do it. As a loyal servant of the Creator, Job never wavered in his faith.
Stay alert to the influencers around you and the message they try to plant in your heart. Well-meaning friends can lead you down unwanted paths. The same applies to things we watch, read, or experience. If we allow our thoughts to stray from the Savior, we can quickly find ourselves entangled in worldly pursuits that lead to devastation.
Keeping the Son in your eyes helps you stay vigilant, watch over your heart, guarding it from the temptations of the world. God’s Spirit within us will help us discern what we let into our being and protect us from it. God blessed Job’s faithfulness, restoring his life and doubly blessing him.
Guard your heart, keeping your eyes on Jesus, and experience the abundant life He intends you to live.
Journal Question:
When have well-meaning friends led you astray?
What circumstance do you have a hard time understanding from God’s perspective?
How can you keep a vigilant eye on your heart today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your Holy Spirit, which guards our hearts and helps us keep our garden weeded. Please help us stay vigilant and aware of well-meaning individuals who attempt to sow discord. Let us honor and serve You in all we do.
IJNIP. Amen
