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Journey through an examination of the Christian call to guard our hearts. Using the lens of Deuteronomy 30:19-20, this article unpacks the concept of heart-guarding and its vital role in our walk of faith, love, obedience, and life in God.

Understanding the Context: Deuteronomy 30:19, 20

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 is a poignant call from God to the Israelites, urging them to choose life over death, blessing over curse. The Hebrew words used for life “חיים” (chayim) and death “מוות” (maveth) serve to emphasize the starkness of the decision at hand. The Israelites are called to make this choice by loving Jehovah, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him.

The Heart as the Center

The heart, both in the Hebrew understanding and in the biblical context, is considered the core of a person. The Hebrew word “לב” (lev) is used over 800 times in the Old Testament, signifying not just the physical heart but also the center of human thought, emotion, and will.

Guarding the Heart

The directive to guard the heart is found in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The term “guard” translates the Hebrew word “נצר” (natsar), which means to watch, guard, or keep. It implies a vigilant, active, and diligent guarding.

The Heart and the Choice of Life

The call to choose life in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 is not just about choosing physical life over death. It is a call to choose spiritual life, a life in covenant relationship with God. This choice is to be made with all our heart, as Deuteronomy 30:2 states, “And you shall return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul.”

The Heart and Love for God

The command to love God, found in Deuteronomy 30:20, is a call to a heart relationship with Him. The Hebrew word for love used here is “אהב” (aheb), which refers to a deep, abiding love that affects the whole person. It’s a love that is chosen, acted upon, and demonstrated, and it begins in the heart.

The Heart and Obedience to God’s Voice

The heart’s role in obedience to God’s voice is crucial. The Hebrew word for obey used in Deuteronomy 30:20 is “שמע” (shama), which means to hear and to obey. This implies that obedience is not merely a matter of following rules but is a heart response to the voice of God.

The Heart and Holding Fast to God

The phrase “holding fast to Him” translates the Hebrew word “דבק” (dabaq), which means to cling or adhere. It connotes a closeness, a sticking with, or being joined together. It is a heart commitment that reflects a deep, personal, and enduring relationship with God.

Guarding the Heart: A Christian Imperative

The principles found in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 are relevant to Christians today. As believers, we are called to guard our hearts by choosing life through faith in Christ, loving God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him. These are heart responses that require vigilance, diligence, and active engagement.

In conclusion, the call to guard our hearts is a call to maintain the integrity of our inner life. It is a call to nurture our relationship with God, to choose life, to love, obey, and hold fast to Him. It is a call that requires our whole heart, our whole being. These are the choices that lead to life, blessing, and a fulfilling relationship with God.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).