Yesterday I received a text from my dad: Charlie Kirk had been shot at a speaking event. Horrifying. Grief-inducing. (Pastor Jake shared a thoughtful response on Facebook that had me saying, “yes and amen” - worth a look if you haven’t seen it.) I went online to read about it and learned that there had also been a shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado. 

And today is September 11. Twenty-four years since that tragic morning in 2001. Another horrifying, grief-inducing event that changed lives and shaped our memories forever. Those of us who lived through it will never forget—and shouldn’t. 

How do we best navigate the world we now encounter? Because in the days or months ahead, “something truly awful” will happen again. When it does, you may know right away because of the constantly available stream of news and social media. Sometimes, we have too much exposure and like moths to a flame, can get pulled in deeper than we want to or is profitable - to the detriment of our hearts and our peace. 

Maybe you can relate.

 

What can be done about it? 

Proverbs 4:23 gives us the prescription (emphasis added:)

-Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)

-Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)

-Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (ESV)

-Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)

 

How do we guard our hearts? 

One of the clearest ways is by directing our thoughts (and prayers!) down the “Philippians 4” pathway. For me, it’s an essential foundation for taking every thought captive.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  (Philippians 4:4-9)

Rejoice. Pray with thanksgiving and know God’s peace. Dwell on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. Practice all that you’ve learned about following Jesus in your life, heart, and mind. And then - here’s the promise - “the God of peace will be with you.”

In both rejoicing and grieving, in good times and tragic ones, we can guard our hearts and experience God’s peace. We can find ways to focus on and redirect ourselves to what is excellent and life-giving. And we must - no one can guard your heart but you!