Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Ezekiel 25-30 | Titus 3

About a month ago, a former headspace tenant (i.e., that someone who tries to take up space in your head and dominate your thoughts) had resurfaced with their usual internet behavior, trying to evoke a reaction. I had a choice: engage or not. I chose the latter. I tend to “rent out space” and give my time only to those who are genuinely trying and want more for themselves. I actively avoid the “disruptive tenants.” You must hold your head and guard your heart. 

Proverbs 4:23 
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Guarding our hearts should be the priority, not wasting our time arguing or going to battle with the boundary breakers.  

How you apply this verse to your life may change over the years. You prioritize differently today than you did in the past. And if you’re younger, you’ll probably prioritize differently moving forward. But ultimately, ensure that you are actively guarding your heart, because whatever captures your attention in this season will ultimately shape the person you become and impact how you respond to boundary breakers..  

Teenagers, your heart is shaped by everything you consume. It’s your friendships, influencers, apps, labels, and the comments people make about you. Who or what gets to define you? Don’t let someone’s edited reels cause you to feel dissatisfied with your ever-growing life.

Young adults, be intentional about what influences your future. You’re in a season of becoming, and opportunities and decisions matter more than ever. Choices are less about what happens next and more about who you will become. Don’t allow your compromises to become habits.

Middle-aged adults, you are the master managers of life. You have experienced wisdom, but neglecting your heart brings bitterness, cynicism, and exhaustion. You cut off those who’ve hurt you, but they still have access to your heart. Start forgiving instead of pretending you’re okay.

Seasoned adults, your experience is beautiful, but it comes at a cost if you’ve stopped guarding your heart. People disappoint you, but it’s not all people. Use your knowledge to become more gracious, generous, and grateful for what remains.

For every generation, the world sees your reputation, but God knows your heart. Guarding your heart isn’t about saying no. It’s about saying yes to what’s better: God’s presence, truth, love, ordered steps, and forgiveness. These things will be powerful guides as you respond to boundary breakers.

Questions: 
What has changed the way you guard your heart through the years? What do you need to change for Proverbs 4:23 to become a daily practice? Can you identify who needs more boundaries concerning access to your heart?

Next Steps: 
Audit your access by asking who consistently leaves you feeling more peaceful and encouraged and brings you closer to God. Ask who leaves you feeling more stressed, angry, and exhausted.

Replace what you’re removing. People are relational, so don’t end a negative relationship without intending to establish a positive one. Fill your space with prayer, scripture, worship music, service, and time with God.

Prayer: 
Lord, help guard my heart by guiding my thoughts, providing a path for my ordered steps, and shaping my desires so that what pours out of my heart reflects your love. Teach me to pursue peace without losing my passion. Give me the design for building boundaries without becoming bitter toward this world. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.