Stuck at the Elevator

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This morning began like any ordinary day. I left early because it was the first day of my morning class at the university. I wanted to arrive on time, settle in, and prepare. What I did not expect was that God had a gentle reminder for me before the day even started.

As I stepped into the elevator, everything felt normal. I pressed the floor button, waited a few seconds, and suddenly the entire lift went dark. There was no light at all. I could not see my own hands. I could not see my phone. I could not even see the elevator doors. It was complete darkness. 

Proverbs 4:23

For a moment, I stood still. It would have been easy to panic. It was my first time ever being stuck inside an elevator, and I was alone. I knew no one could hear me. I could not call for help because I could not find my phone. And of course, the first thought that crossed my mind was that I would be late for class. I even laughed quietly at myself, thinking, Of all days, why today?

But praise God. Instead of fear, God gave me peace. Instead of letting my heart rush into worry, I felt calm. I told myself that help would come. I told myself that God was with me. And for that short moment in the dark, inside a small box where I could not see anything, I chose to wait. I knew I was not alone.

After what felt like a minute, the lights turned back on. The elevator moved again and opened exactly at my floor. When I stepped out, I felt like God had whispered a reminder to my heart. I smiled the whole way to my classroom and taught as usual, as though nothing happened.

Later during the break, I shared the story with a colleague. She looked at me with surprise. She said, So you were the one trapped this morning? I said yes. She asked if I was fine and if she needed to help me slow down. She was worried I might have panicked or felt shaken inside. But I told her the truth. I was completely fine. I knew I was not alone, and I felt the peace of God throughout that moment.

When I went home, I kept thinking about that simple experience. It was just a short moment in an elevator, yet the message was clear.

God reminds us to guard our hearts, not only during peaceful times but especially during unexpected ones. Times when we could easily fall into fear, worry, anger, or hopelessness. Times when darkness surrounds us. Times when we feel alone. Times when no one else sees or hears us.

That little moment became a picture of Proverbs 4:23 in real life:

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

This verse is short but powerful. It teaches us how much our inner life matters. And today, I want to share this reflection with you, whether you are strong in your faith, new in your faith, or someone who has drifted away and is slowly finding your way back.

This is a reminder for all of us. A reminder of God’s amazing grace. A reminder that He continues to work through both the simple and difficult moments of our lives.

Why the Heart Matters So Much

In the Old Testament, people believed that the heart was the center of everything. It was not just an emotion. It was the place where thoughts, decisions, desires, actions, and beliefs came from. When the Bible talks about the heart, it talks about the deepest part of who we are.

This means that guarding the heart is not only about protecting ourselves from bad thoughts. It is about allowing God to shape everything inside us so that everything that flows out of us is good.

The Bible teaches that what fills the heart eventually shows in the words we speak and the decisions we make. Even if we do not notice it right away, what we allow inside will guide the direction of our lives.

That moment in the dark elevator showed me what was already inside my heart. If my heart was filled with fear, I would have panicked. If it was filled with frustration, I would have become angry about being stuck. If it was filled with worry, I would have allowed anxiety to take over.

But praise God. What filled my heart was His peace. Not because I am strong, but because God has been faithful through the years. Because He has taught me over and over again to trust Him. Because I have seen Him show up in many moments of my life. And because I have learned to keep His Word and His truth close to my heart.

This is why Proverbs says to guard our hearts above all else. It means giving attention to what we allow inside, because what is inside will show during unexpected moments.

How Do We Guard Our Hearts Today

Guarding our hearts does not mean building walls. It does not mean avoiding people. It does not even mean forcing ourselves to feel strong.

Guarding our hearts means staying close to God.

Our hearts were created by Him. He knows what we need. He knows what we fear. He knows our weaknesses and our strengths. And He knows the exact areas in our hearts that need healing, peace, restoration, and direction.

Guarding the heart means choosing God every day. Not only when we feel inspired. Not only on Sundays. Not only during special seasons.

It means letting Him fill us every day through prayer, Scripture, worship, quiet moments, and simple conversations with Him.

It also means watching what we allow our hearts to hold.

What do we listen to every day
What conversations fill our thoughts
What worries do we hold on to
What bitterness or anger stays inside
What fear stands in the way of our trust in God

Everything we allow inside our hearts shapes us.

So guarding the heart requires intention. It means being honest with ourselves. It means being open to the Holy Spirit. It means allowing God to remove things we do not need and fill us with everything we truly need.

Loving Others By Guarding Our Hearts

One of the greatest results of guarding our hearts is the ability to love others well.

When my heart is filled with fear, I cannot love well.
When my heart is filled with anger, I cannot love well.
When my heart is filled with jealousy, pride, or bitterness, I cannot love well.
When my heart is filled with worry or insecurity, I cannot love well.

But when the heart is filled with God, love flows naturally.
When the heart is filled with peace, patience grows.
When the heart is filled with joy, kindness appears.
When the heart is filled with God’s presence, forgiveness becomes possible.

God wants us not only to love Him but to love others. And loving others requires a heart that is guarded, healed, and guided by God.

The world today is full of people who are hurting. There are many who are lost. Many who have left the faith. Many who are searching for truth, comfort, or direction. Many who want to return but are unsure if God will still accept them.

When we guard our hearts, we become a channel of God’s grace to these people. Our lives become a testimony. Our attitudes become a message. Our peace becomes a light. Our stories become invitations for others to know God.

Even a simple moment like being stuck in an elevator can become a story that opens hearts.

God works in ordinary moments so that our lives can point others to Him.

Reconnecting With God Again

If you are someone who has been in the faith for many years, let this be a fresh reminder to guard your heart each day.

If you are new in the faith, let this be an encouragement that God will guide your growth.

If you feel far from God, this is a moment to reconnect. You can always come back to Him. His love has never changed. His grace is still available. His arms are still open.

Sometimes we drift away slowly. Not because we want to leave God, but because life becomes busy. Responsibilities become heavy. Our hearts get tired. Our peace gets shaken. Our minds become full. And we forget to make space for God.

But God always invites us back. He knows us. He understands us. He cares for us. And He is always ready to restore our hearts.

Today is a good day to return. Today is a good day to reconnect. Today is a good day to guard your heart again.

Five Practical Applications To Guard Your Heart

Here are simple steps you can try today:

  1. Start your morning with a short prayer.
    Even a few words like “Lord, be with me today” can change your entire day.

  2. Read one verse and keep it in your heart.
    Let God’s truth become your guide throughout the day.

  3. Pay attention to your thoughts.
    When worry comes, give it to God. When anger rises, ask for peace.

  4. Choose words that build others up.
    Your words show the condition of your heart. Speak life, even in small ways.

  5. End your day with gratitude.
    Thank God for at least one thing. It helps your heart stay soft and joyful.

You can also reflect using these questions:

  1. What fills my heart the most right now

  2. What has been influencing my thoughts or decisions

  3. What areas of my heart do I need to give back to God

A Simple Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me to guard my heart.
I give my inner life to You today.
Fill me with Your truth.
Fill me with peace.
Remove anything that does not belong in my heart.
Heal what is hurting.
Strengthen what is weak.
Guide my thoughts and actions.
Help me love others the way You love me.
Thank You for being with me in both light and darkness.
Thank You for Your grace that never changes.
I give my whole heart to You.
Amen.

If this reflection spoke to you, I would love to hear from you.

Type or share your similar experience.
Tell me a moment when you felt God was with you.
Tell me how God reminded you to guard your heart.

Your story may encourage someone today. 

Guarding my heart,
 Tess 💗🙏
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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