8 Steps for a Healthy Heart

8 Steps for a Healthy Heart

Author: Cynthia Greene

Would it surprise you to find that the Bible is filled with scriptures to help us prevent spiritual heart disease?  The physical health of our heart follows our spiritual heart. Aligning our hearts and minds with God’s Word will bring us peace, health, and joy will follow.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. – Proverbs 4:23

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. –Psalm 51:10

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. – Proverbs 23:7

1. Hydration

As Christians we are to thirst for the Word of God which renews our strength.

Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. – John 7:37

But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into. – John 4:14

2. Exercise

The Christian walk is often likened to a “Race”.  To complete the “Race” we need to be faithful till the end, which comes from the hearing of the word (Romans 10:17).  Just like our physical muscles benefit from exercise, our mind, body and soul are strengthened when we soak in the Word of God.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. –Philippians 4:13

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.. 1 Corinthians 9:24

3. Eating & Drinking

The prophet Ezekiel was told by God to take the scroll and eat it, then speak the word of God (Ezekiel 2:8).  Today we “figuratively” eat and drink of God’s word.  Reading and studying God’s word renews our mind and helps us grow in His wisdom.  Internalizing His Word helps us to think on His thoughts and have our hearts beating in tune with His will.

Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. –John 6:35

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. –1 Corinthians 10:31

4. Sleeping

Our rest comes by giving our fears, doubts, cares and concerns over to God.   Our soul is restored and strengthened in our walk with God. Jesus our Shepherd and protects, guides, and leads us in our lives. (Psalm 23)

When thou lie down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. –Proverbs 3:24

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makes me dwell in safety. –Psalm 4:8

5. Less Stress

Thoughts that lead us to worry, doubt, fear, anxiousness, and discontentment contribute to your body going into a fight or flight response. Long-term stress contributes to elevated adrenaline and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. – Philippians 4:6

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. – Matthew 6:34

6. Repent & Forgive

Daily repentance and forgiveness keeps our eyes on Jesus Christ who was the sacrifice for our sins.  Jesus taught us that we should pray to God for forgiveness and that receiving forgiveness was dependent on us forgiving others (Mat 6:9-13).

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. –Acts 3:19

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

7. Live in the Present

Often our negative thinking takes us back to rehashing the past or worrying about the future.  Instead ask:  How do I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind today? How can I be a blessing to someone today?   How can I show love to others today?  This will keep us focused on God’s will for our life.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, and that’s why we call it the present.”

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. –Isaiah 43:18-19

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. –Matthew 6:34

8. Gratitude

Incorporating thankfulness into your daily life is good for your heart and soul.  There are so many things to be thankful for: answered prayers, protection, our daily needs, encouraging friends, peace, and health.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:20

Related Article: Gratitude

Conclusion

When you look into still water you see a reflection, much like you would when you look into a mirror. Our actions, words and thoughts reflect what is in our heart. It is important to fill our hearts with kindness, love, compassion, grace and forgiveness. The fruit of our lives reveal the contents of our heart.

As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. (NLT) –Proverbs 27:19

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. – Proverbs 23:7

Song:  Still Small Voice

Video:   Piano Music with Scriptures

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