John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Jesus reminded us to keep His commandments (John 14:15). The word ‘keep’ was derived from the Greek word “tereo” which means to guard. We are instructed to guard God’s word in our hearts, as it (the heart) is the source of life’s issues (Proverbs 4:23). Out of a heart well kept will flow all the actions of life, to the glory of God and edification of others. Therefore, the gates of our heart need careful scrutiny. When we are careless, thoughts creep in with malign intent and pollute our frame of mind. It can then affect the decisions and choices we make in life related to relationships, health, education, finances, and careers.
So then, how do we guard our hearts?
First, as commanded, we have to love God with all our heart (Mark 12:30). He is the one true God, our creator, provider and protector. We ought to love Him, set our affections on Him, let our desire toward Him and take delight in Him! He sacrificed His only beloved Son for you and me! How great Thou art!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
We must have a continual regard for God’s word and promises, which go along with His precepts, and are to be received, retained and written on our hearts (Pro 3:3). For Jesus also mentioned that those who love Him and keep His words, shall also be loved by God. In turn, God and Christ will then reside in our hearts!
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Next, we have to pray to God constantly for protection and providence. Praying is the way we communicate with God to thank Him and also seek His support in both good or times of weakness and troubles (Psalm 46:1). This avenue and communion with God through Christ, creates a deep sense of closeness and comfort with God. We can trust God, pour out our heart (Psalm 62:8) and bring our concerns to Him as He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Knowing that God will truly be near to listen, strengthen and provide calmness, hope and godly peace, we thereby allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts entirely without any fear (Colossians 3:15).
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, It is also important to reflect and meditate on God’s word; seek His guidance to improve our service for Him. We should desire and pray to be searched and proved by His word (Psalm 139:23-24). If there be any wicked way or weakness in us, we must root it out. Peter, while walking on water, got scared of the storm, started sinking, and cried saying, “Lord save me!” Our Lord immediately stretched forth his hand and caught Him. We can repent and make it right before Him. The way of godliness is pleasing to God, and profitable to us; and will end in everlasting life. Christ is the only way. All the saints desire to be kept and led in this way, that we may not miss it, turn out of it, or tire in it.
Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Questions:
What does ‘keep’ His commandments mean?
What did Jesus mention for those who love and keep His words?
What should we do when we are anxious?
Answers:
‘Keep’ means to guard. We are instructed to guard God’s word in our hearts, as it (the heart) is the source of life’s issues.
God will also love them and provide for them.
We are not to worry or be anxious about anything, instead we have to pray and seek God’s guidance to resolve the issues we are facing.