Recently, while talking with a friend, I suggested the importance of putting up a protective hedge—a heart shield. In life, we often need a barrier between our hearts and the world. This invisible shield protects us from harm.
The funny thing is that a heart shield is real.
A Heart Shield:
- A medical device that protects the right ventricle during surgery. During WWII, small new testaments were fitted with a metal or steel cover that soldiers wore over their hearts. There is a heart shield app that tracks your heart.
I didn’t realize how many things are related to the words “heart shield.”
I would describe the heart shield I was referring to as an invisible layer of protection we build around our hearts through life’s experiences, disappointments, betrayals, and lessons learned.
I’ve done several things to put up my heart shield.
- One way I protect my heart is by limiting my social media use. I share what I want, then step away, which significantly reduces stress and shields my heart. People often hide behind screens to say hurtful things or misinterpret messages through their own perspectives. Endlessly scrolling or engaging in online negativity benefits no one.
- I’ve established boundaries—a hedge of protection—around my life. Not everyone deserves unlimited access to my time, energy, or emotions. Matthew 10:16 describes Jesus sending His disciples out among wolves, and sometimes we find ourselves in similar situations. Following God may lead to spiritual battles, so keep your protective hedge strong and don’t tear it down.
- I’ve learned to examine my thoughts carefully and filter them through Scripture. Our minds can wander to unhelpful places, but if a thought isn’t grounded in God’s Word or contradicts Scripture, I let it go—it’s not the truth.
- Another important step is building a community of trustworthy people—those who support you and won’t harm your heart.
- I’ve also adopted a new philosophy: when others speak poorly, spread falsehoods, or act out, it’s their problem, not mine. I am only responsible for my words and actions. I no longer worry about the “them problems.”
A heart shield doesn’t mean you’ve become cold, bitter, or unloving. It means you’ve learned to protect your peace, guard your emotions, and become more discerning about who you allow close to you.
From a spiritual perspective, a heart shield is allowing God to protect your heart while keeping it soft enough to love, forgive, and show grace.
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
I would put it this way:
“A heart shield isn’t about shutting people out. It’s about protecting what God has placed within you. It’s learning to love without losing yourself, forgive without forgetting the lesson, and remain kind without allowing others to take advantage of your heart.”
The strongest heart isn’t one that has never been hurt. It has been hurt, still chooses love, and now walks with wisdom.
To protect your heart
- Start every day in His word
- Serve as Jesus served
- Fill your cup with Christ so you can fill other cups
As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”
As Tara Leigh says: He’s where the joy is.
Have a great week, Cupcake loves you and so does Jesus!
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