Darling, Guard your heart

Today, while attending my national conference, I stepped out to the bathroom, during the break, leaving my backpack at my seat. I’ve done this hundreds of times. If you’re anything like me you don’t want to run the risk of losing your coveted seat during the transition between sessions. I never thought twice about this decision. I returned to the room, put my bag on the back of my chair and began looking at the notes on my iPad. You see, I left my iPad and iPhone at my seat as well. I never thought to check my backpack or that my wallet would be missing-I just trusted it would be there. I sat there and listened to the speaker through the next session and once it was over I thought I’d walk down to Starbucks and grab a coffee. That’s when I knew something was wrong. I dumped everything out on the table, but it wasn’t there. I kept begging God to let it be there thinking in my panic I was overlooking it. I asked the gentleman helping with the session if anyone had turned a wallet in-no. He sent me to registration-no. I called the hotel thinking maybe I left it on the counter of the coffee shop when I knew I hadn’t-no. Then, my dear husband calls asking if I was using the card at a gas station. My stomach sank. I’m 32 years old and I’ve never had my wallet stolen. I’ve never lost my wallet. I’m usually extremely paranoid and have an eye on it at all times, but I thought it was in a “safe” place surrounded by hundreds of other women learning about stuttering just like me. Yes, it’s just a wallet but my security has been shaken. I feel violated and disappointed that someone would go into my bag and take what isn’t there’s.

But, then I stopped and thought. If I feel this way about a wallet-then how does our Savior feel about us? Isn’t this what happens every day? Isn’t He violated every day? Each time the devil whispers in our ear to ignore Him. That our lives are more important, our stuff is more important, that He’s not needed, that we can make it on our own. We’re letting the evil one steal from the One who provides all we need. Credit cards can be canceled, a drivers license replaced, pictures always imprinted on your mind and remembered in your heart, but ultimately what matters most is that we find peace in the One who will never leave or forsake us. He will return what is stolen. He will heal the hurt. He will overcome with greatness that which was meant to harm. He is greater than any thief.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10:10

So, darling yes, it’s just a wallet. But, so many times it’s much more than that. What are you letting the devil steal from you?

Your relationship with the Savior, your time with your family, your joy, your love, your passion? Are you losing yourself in Facebook, posting pictures to Instagram instead of making memories, staring at Pin after Pin after Pin? Or, are you just too tired, too busy, too overwhelmed?

“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” -2 Corinthians 11:3

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -James 4:7

Whatever it is, Darling, it’s not worth it. It’s not worth the most important relationship you need. Don’t let the devil steal from you. Don’t let the thief in sheep’s clothing steal one more precious minute of your life. Guard your heart for you are precious.

“She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” -Proverbs 3:15

Blessings,

P.S. If you’re a fellow infertility sister, I’d love to hear your story and add you to my prayer list. Infertility is lonely in a world full of babies so, it’s nice knowing you’re not alone.

P.P.S. If you have let your guard down, I’d love to hear from you and add you to my prayer list, too.