Proverbs 4:23 (KJV): Guarding My Heart in a New Season

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

This scripture was recently brought back into my memory by my cousin. She gifted me a bracelet for Christmas that has Proverbs 4:23 engraved on it. It is very beautiful and something I truly cherish. Seeing that verse daily has stirred something in me because, truthfully, I have been discouraged.

I had not posted a blog since late April of last year. Since then, I have moved and entered a season where I am no longer able to have a location for clients. Over the past few months, I have gone through a lot internally, especially battles within my mind. At times, if I am being honest, I felt like I was putting God on the back burner. Writing this blog is my way of sparking that inspiration again and remembering what I was called to do. I started this, and I want to see it through.

Silence Does Not Mean Stopping

Lately, my blog has been on my mind more often. Small thoughts would come up like, “You could write again,” or “That would be easy to do.” For me, this blog has always been therapeutic. I am an emotional person, but also very guarded. Confrontation is difficult for me, and most of the time, the confrontation is with myself. (Some *cough cough MANY* would say I’ve called me a dramatic and complex person, and they may or may not be right👀😂)

Right now, I would describe myself as optimistic. I am hopeful that this new year will be better than last year and even better in the years to come. I have faced many battles involving relationships, self-worth, and love in all its forms. I truly believe I have won those battles, not because they were easy, but because I learned from them. Winning, for me, looked like setting boundaries and deciding that I would no longer allow others to dictate my mood, my worth, or whether I am someone’s second, third, fourth, or fifth option.

What It Means to Guard My Heart

This blog is not just about a scripture. It is about me putting myself out there again while choosing to guard my heart above all else. Everything I do flows from it.

I never like ending a blog without leaving something encouraging for anyone reading. Guarding your heart is paramount. It protects you from more than you may realize. This does not mean guarding your heart through bitterness, self-sabotage, or seeing everything through a negative lens because of past experiences. It means being wise.

For me, guarding my heart looks like being more logical than emotional. It means allowing things to pass through my mind thoughtfully before they ever touch my heart. Even more than that, it means letting things pass through my spirit first. Pray. Ask God for discernment. Ask Him to help you decipher what deserves your energy and what does not.

I have prayed for discernment many times, and I will say this. Do not ask unless you are ready😳. God will show you exactly what you asked for hunny , and he will blow that wig clean off 👩🏾‍🦲 okayyy😂

Stepping Into a New Year

I want to end by wishing everyone who reads this a happy new year. Thank you so much for continuing to engage with me and for watching me navigate my journey. I appreciate you more than you know.

I pray that 2026 is filled with blessings, clarity, peace, and that every dream and desire placed on your heart comes into fruition.

With love,

Joy 🦋