Entering the "teenage years" usually involves the mushy, gushy superficial relationships that take place between a guy and a girl who are "madly in love." ...As blunt as I may have put this, there's a lot of truth in it! Often, youth are so easily drawn to wanting that "security" and looking for it in a relationship.
Growing up, I was taught to guard my heart, and save it to give away to that one special person who will one day become my husband. Until then, I have chosen to wait on the Lord's timing and serve Him faithfully with my time through ministry. However, I have found this very difficult and am constantly being bombarded with the world's idea of 'love' and how to find it. It's very difficult to stand alone and walk the opposite direction that others are going. Before two weeks ago, I tried so hard to find Scripture that would help guard my mind and heart, in order to focus on the things that honor God. But I still couldn't find the key to COMPLETELY guarding it. I always thought that it was my job and I needed to try my best to do so.
About two weeks ago, our church coordinated a Father & Daughter tea that was meant to be a special evening for dads and their daughters. And it was indeed! The focus of the evening was on Proverbs 23:26. There was also a sharing time that took place towards the end, and none of the girls had shared... only dads. It was then that I felt the Lord laying it on my heart to speak...I just didn't know what to say! But I stood up anyway. I began sharing how my dad had given me my promise ring and what that entailed, explaining how he had kept many promises to me as well. Towards the end of my "speech," I got my dad's attention, looked him in the eye, and said, "Daddy, if I haven't told you, you completely have my heart. And when it comes time to give my heart to my husband, I won't be the one to give it away. You will." Short & sweet, huh? lol.
After that night, I realized the key to guarding my heart. - It isn't my job! When I give my heart to my father, I am giving him everything...meaning that if I truly mean it, I am giving him my purity. I am so thankful that God has ordained and given the responsibility to fathers to be Priest, Protector, and Provider of their families here on earth, just as God is. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will GUARD your HEARTS and your MINDS in Christ Jesus." I find that peace of God when I give my heart to my father...a peace in knowing that my father knows what it is best for me and seeks the Lord's council in everything he does. ...A peace that comes only from God!
My prayer is that us, as young women AND young men, will give our hearts to our fathers.
"My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways." - Proverbs 23:26
SDG
