If someone hands you a key, the first thing you ask is “what does this go to?” You instinctively know that it goes to something. We have keys for our cars, our homes, businesses, etc. These are our personal possessions and not just anybody has access to them. Not everyone has our best interest at heart. If certain keys end up in the wrong hands, trouble is sure to follow. We don’t want a 10 year old driving a car. We certainly don’t need a total stranger walking around with a key to our house. You get the idea. But what about the keys we use every day yet no one can see? Like the keys to our heart? The keys to our soul? These are the very keys that control our actual lives. We need to be extremely careful who has access to these keys. 

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ NLT) We are to guard our hearts. This is implying that someone or something is trying to break in. Since our very hearts determine the course of our lives, we need to be standing on guard at attention all the time. There’s certainly a tug of war going on daily for your heart. Who or what has a key to your heart? This question should be given some diligent thought. If certain people or things are pulling you away from God’s best, maybe they shouldn’t have a key. I’m not implying that we don’t love people. It’s just obvious that some folks pull you down instead of up. You have to limit that heart exposure. You love them, but guard your heart. Certain activities or habits we have may not deserve a key either. We, through prayer, have to determine who or what has a key. 

Jesus absolutely deserves a key! He’s got your very best interest and destiny planned. He wants the absolute best for you. We, however, have an enemy out there that’s trying to get a key through any means possible. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ NLT) Jesus said this. So He pretty much sums up the intentions of His adversary here and follows up with His own wonderful intentions. The enemy can show up in many forms. Jesus reminds us lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (II Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ NKJV) So don’t be taken advantage of by the evil one!  Know his strategies and be ready to lift up your shield of faith. You’re guarding your heart and protecting your territory. 

Fortunately, The Lord is always watching out for us. He has already defeated any enemy we will ever face. Having said that, though, we still live in this broken world. The devil desires nothing more than for us to take our eyes off of the victory. He wants us to be a victim and walk around in defeat. Let this not be!  Jesus is praying for us and cheering us on. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ NLT) Ahh! This is awesome! I can’t imagine that any of our Lord’s prayers are denied. He is the Good Shepherd. He keeps constant watch over His sheep. When the enemy comes with the lies, we know not to listen. He’s a liar! That’s what he is. This is where it gets good. Jesus reminds us My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. (John‬ ‭10‬:‭27-29‬ NLT) All power, glory and honor belongs to Jesus!

Keep in mind that from time to time, we lose our footing. Not every time are we going to do the right thing, say the right thing or believe the right thing. But God, in His mercy, watches over us day and night. Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ NLT) He’s got you! He holds the very key to your eternal destiny and nothing in all the world can change that. To God be the glory!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.