Blood: a liquid that makes up only 7% of a human’s body weight, yet without it, there is no life. Before the study of anatomy ever began, the Bible stated the importance of blood to life.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood.”- Leviticus 17:11
God is so magnificent in the way He orchestrates and designs with details. You and I are so intricately woven. The blood contains something called deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. DNA contains genetic information that is specific to each and every person. DNA contains the information that defines us. However, without the blood, DNA is useless.
In Pastor Jeff Jaco’s message, “God’s Bridge to Humanity,” he profoundly stated: “DNA will define you, but the blood is what keeps you alive.” Yes, without blood there is no life, and it’s the heart that keeps the life-giving blood flowing.
The Heart
The heart: a complex unit that contains a pulmonary and systemic circuit that keeps fresh blood flowing throughout the entire body.
When we hear someone talking about the heart, they’re usually referring to it in a metaphorical manner. How many times have you heard the phrases “I love you with all my heart” or “that breaks my heart”? I’m sure as you’re reading this, you can think of a hundred other phrases that involve the heart.
When we speak of the heart metaphorically, more times than not, we are describing our feelings or emotions. Symbolically speaking, the heart is directly correlated with our feelings and emotions. I do not find it a coincidence that the Bible states that life is in the blood and the blood cannot flow without the heart. Life is more than just the anatomical definition of existence. It is having feelings and emotions. Life is nothing without the heart.
The Bible doesn’t just speak of the importance of the blood; it also references the importance of the heart. Isn’t God so cool? From the beginning, He knew how faulty we humans are and how our emotions can be our biggest stumblingblocks.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
I don’t know about you, but as a woman, I experience all kinds of emotions in just one day. It’s as if I am constantly on an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry . . . and both within seconds of each other! Considering the Bible says that Solomon had many wives, it makes sense that he would mention in Proverbs about keeping your heart with all diligence!
Spiritual Attack
As children of God, we constantly have targets on our backs. Jesus stated in the New Testament several times that we will be hated by others, but to remember that He was hated first. When Jesus took on our sins, His back was covered with stripes from a gruesome whip. But it’s the moment when we turn to face our enemy and the target moves to our heart that makes the difference! You see, the heart is what pumps life, so when we have a target or are wounded there, the entire system has a difficult time functioning. We cannot let offenses or words from others be used by the enemy to destroy us! The attacks are going to come, that’s inevitable, but it’s our choice whether we let them affect our heart!
Words
If anyone knew the importance of not letting offense control actions, it was David. David had literal spears thrown at him over jealousy! Yet he did not retaliate even when he had the chance to. Nowadays, if someone is trying to throw a literal spear at you, I encourage you to immediately call the police! I don’t know about you, but I’ve had several spears thrown at me — however, the ones thrown at me were made of words.
Words can be the most painful dagger a person can throw. I would be lying to you if I said others’ words did not affect my emotions or actions! I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself at the feet of Jesus weeping from offenses of others that I did not deserve. My self-esteem has been affected and my family has been affected in the way I have reacted. But Jesus has always been so tender in the way He gently sits and listens to my complaints. He’s taught me that I cannot let those words affect my heart! It’s in the heart that our emotions lie, and our actions often come from our emotions.
Keeping Our Eyes Focused
When you’re focused on Calvary, you don’t have to turn around: Jesus is facing your enemy for you! Keep your eyes on Him. Yes, there will be attacks that are nowhere near your fault, but it doesn’t matter. You weren’t called to defend yourself; you were called to be a worshipper. And when defending yourself distracts you, you cannot worship Him.
God’s Word promises us that all things work together for our good! So don’t be discouraged when the enemy attacks. God not only has your back, He also has your heart! Don’t give it to the enemy. When people throw their spears, keep your head, feet, and heart focused forward.