“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Keep Your Heart

Years ago I worked across the street from a convalescent hospital. This facility housed mostly the aged and infirm who were basically living out their last days.

One day I decided I would start spending part of my lunch hour visiting there. Since I didn’t know any residents and was unsure where to go, I walked slowly down the hall and looked into each room. Some were in bed, some in a chair or wheelchair. As I went by one particular room a gentleman turned his face toward me. I was drawn to him by the light and sparkle in his eyes so I went in.

After a few visits of mostly small talk, I asked him what he thought about all day since he couldn’t do anything except lie in his bed all day. He told me he thought about his wife and family and how happy they were, and that he listened to Christian radio most of the day.

I don’t remember his name or much about him. What I do remember was how he was able to remain joyful in his present state. Since he was a Christian, not only was he thankful for the ways God had blessed him in his past, but he was content with the hope of going to heaven before long. I was reminded of what 2 Corinthians 4:7 and 16 says about us: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

Contrast this godly gentleman with an elderly member of our family who did not know the Lord. No matter how much we tried to encourage and witness to him, he remained very selfish and stubborn. His last days were spent in a sad and bitter state. Instead of being thankful for the many blessings he may have enjoyed in his past, he mourned and grieved the loss of them, plus he had no hope for the future. Many old songs and memories only made him cry and feel sorry for himself. Such a sad thing to behold. We continually loved him and prayed for his salvation, hoping he would receive Christ before he died.

Like all of us, this gentleman had his share of heartache and grief in life, but he did not let those things steal his joy in the Lord. Like Paul, he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in (Philippians 4:11). He must have been a blessing and a witness to those around him. He sure was to me!

Lord, we have no idea how You will use us up till our dying day. In these trying times help us to keep our heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Amen.