“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything that you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

As humans, we like to compartmentalize. We like to be productive, and in turn, don’t appreciate the things that hold us back or that stand in our way, even if the very things that interrupt our schedules, lives or personal relationships are us.

There are times I feel betrayed by my own heart. “Why are you making this such a big deal?” or “C’mon, shake it off!” are the thoughts that rush chaotically through my mind, all while my heart is sinking lower and lower in my chest. Being vulnerable and admitting when we’re hurt is so much easier said than done. We pride ourselves of our calm, cool and collected facade, when in reality, we feel trapped in our own heartbreak.

We often get frustrated with ourselves and our hearts for being too sensitive, too needy, too much. Whether it’s embarrassing or difficult to talk about it, it’s extremely important to always be concerned with what’s going on in our lives – at the heart level. Learning how to embrace a curiosity toward what you’re feeling and why you might be feeling that way is one of the best things you can do for yourself!

It’s also extremely important for God to always be the first place we go to when we are hurting or are overwhelmed. When we turn to others for full support and love, we can be let down. The truth is that even the best people in our lives are still human and are not designed to be responsible for our heart. That’s God’s job, and when we go to Him first we can be taken better care of. This will nurture our relationship with Him, heal our own hearts and protect our relationships with others from being strained. When we are fully satisfied in God, we can more confidently talk to our friends and family about how we’re feeling because we know that they are not the sole source of support, love and understanding in our lives.

If you feel anxious, chaotic or panicked, pray about it. If you feel sad, lonely or insecure, talk to God. If you feel joyful, loved and appreciated, give thanks! No matter the emotion or state of your heart, be aware of it and respond to it. You are worth the time it takes to investigate your heart and you are worth the work that it takes to restore it.

Philippians 4: 6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It’s so sad to realize the shame that so many experience for their hearts and the way it aches. Our hearts are designed by God and that includes the way it rejoices and the way it aches. The holes that exist in our hearts may lead you to believe that something is wrong with us, but that’s not true at all. In fact, our hearts are fragile and sensitive and are intentionally so. They reflect the dependency we were created to have toward God and for the very way God aches for our affection and love.

Though you’ve probably guessed it, if not experienced it first-hand, the Lord is the remedy for all things heart related. Whether he leads you to share your feelings with a trusted mentor or friend or gives you the peace and love you’re craving, God wants you to lean on Him for everything. He designed your heart and He knows how to care for it. Not only that, but He is eager to care for it! For every time you feel hesitant toward being vulnerable, remember that God is begging you to break through and allow Him, and others, to care for you.

Grand Canyon University is a private, Christian school in the heart of Phoenix that strives to put God first in everything. To learn more, visit our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.