The Only Sure Place to Anchor Your Heart

Too many of us tether our heart to the wrong thing.

 Unhealthy Attachments

I’ve always been deeply attached to the farm I grew up on in northeast Iowa. I loved the peaceful countryside checkered with timber, cropland, and pastures. I love the memories of sledding the steep hill behind the house, wandering under the shadow of majestic oaks, and skipping rocks in the bubbling creek.

But we all grow up, and most of us leave our childhood stomping grounds. I did. Yet, it seemed a piece of me remained anchored in those rolling hills (even though much of the ground had been sold over the years). 

Recently, I visited my parents and obtained permission from the landowners to once again roam my beloved childhood playground. Although interesting to see how each property owner made their particular acres home, I returned to my parents’ house a bit empty. 

It was all so different. Special landmarks had all but disappeared. I no longer felt a sense of connection. I left bewildered and a bit sad. 

As I processed my feelings that evening, I realized that for years, I’ve harbored an unhealthy attachment to a piece of ground. A place only superficially different from anywhere else in the world. 

Yes, I should remember and appreciate the blessing of the sweet childhood I experienced: one where I was safe and loved. It was a childhood where I could dream impossible dreams and grow unhindered. Many never have that.

Only Place To Anchor Our Hearts

Yet the land occupied a place in my heart it never should have. I looked to it to deliver something it was never meant to provide …   

… security. But the only real security is found in the Lord.

… peace. But the only lasting peace is found in Jesus Christ. 

I have to guard my heart in this area. I have a tendency to deeply attach to people, places, and things that I’ve invested a great deal of time and heart into. The land on which I lived, played, worked, and grew up on. The children I birthed and raised. Even the prairie garden I planned, planted, and nurtured in honor of my daughter. 

If not checked, that attachment can become unhealthy. When we seek fulfillment in our surroundings (past, present, or future), we seek to be satisfied by something that will ultimately fail us.

When we seek fulfillment in our surroundings, we seek to be satisfied by something that will ultimately fail us. Click To Tweet

Land changes. Children we raise, grow up and leave (and sometimes disappoint). Nothing on this earth will ultimately satisfy. 

The Lord is the only source of lasting peace and security. I’ll always appreciate and be grateful for my childhood years, but Jesus Christ is the only sure place to anchor my heart … and yours too. 

The Lord is the only source of lasting peace & security....Jesus Christ is the only sure place to anchor our hearts. Click To Tweet

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 

Reflections: Is there something or someone other than the Lord you’ve anchored your heart to? Is there something or someone other than Jesus where you look to find your security and peace? Revisit it and ask the Lord sever those unhealthy ties. 

It’s been more than 5 years of counting and I’ve well passed 5,000 gifts in Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare! What a blessing! Here are numbers #5304–5345. Read my entire list by clicking here.