In Totality with Megan Ashley: EP 75 – The Danger of a Guardless Heart

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 75 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley," titled "The Danger of a Guardless Heart," host Megan Ashley delves deep into the crucial topic of safeguarding one's heart to foster a genuine, intimate relationship with God. Drawing from personal experiences and scriptural insights, Megan emphasizes the importance of heart posture over mere outward religiosity.

God’s Discipline and Personal Reflection

Megan begins the episode by sharing a profound moment of discipline she received from the Lord. Reflecting on Proverbs 4:23, she underscores the necessity of guarding one's heart, highlighting that it's the wellspring of life:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life." (Proverbs 4:23, 05:30)

This divine correction served as a wake-up call for Megan, prompting her to introspect about her heart's condition amidst life's various challenges.

The Catalyst: A Letter from Home

Approximately a month prior, Megan encountered a significant turning point during a routine dental appointment for her son, Caleb. Caleb, who battles autism and Fragile X syndrome, requires anesthesia for dental procedures due to sensory sensitivities. While waiting in the car, Megan received a heartfelt letter from her mother, acting under divine instruction. This letter was a stern rebuke targeting Megan's heart rather than her actions, revealing areas of pride and frustration that needed addressing.

"The Lord was exposing some error and some pride in my heart that I had." (Megan Ashley, 10:15)

Initially, Megan felt defensive and frustrated, questioning why she was being disciplined despite her outward displays of faithfulness. However, after a heartfelt conversation with her mother, she recognized the underlying pride that had seeped into her relationship with God.

Identifying the Root: Pride and Heart Posture

Megan acknowledges that external obedience doesn't always equate to a pure heart. She recounts periods of personal hardships, including car accidents and housing challenges, which bred frustration. Instead of turning to God, Megan succumbed to pride, expecting God to alleviate her struggles because of her perceived faithfulness.

"I was in pride. I was in arrogance. And so because the things weren't happening the way that I wanted them to be, I had an attitude with the Lord." (Megan Ashley, 18:45)

This realization led her to a deeper understanding that God seeks pure intimacy over mere performance.

Scriptural Insights on Guarding the Heart

Megan anchors her discussion in several scriptures, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the heart:

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

   • Emphasizes vigilance and diligence in protecting one's heart (06:20).

2. Jeremiah 17:9
   "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure."

   • Highlights the inherent deceitfulness of the heart without God's guidance (07:15).

3. Matthew 15:18
   "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."

   • Connects spoken words to the condition of the heart (09:50).

4. Proverbs 27:19
   "As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart."

   • Illustrates how actions mirror the heart's state (11:30).

5. 1 Samuel 16:7
   "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

   • Reinforces that God prioritizes the heart over outward deeds (12:10).

Practical Steps to Guard the Heart

Megan provides actionable strategies to maintain a guarded heart:

1. Daily Inventory Checks
   Regularly assess the heart's condition, akin to a store’s inventory, ensuring alignment with God's will (20:05).

2. Scripture-Focused Prayer
   Utilize specific scriptures in prayer to align the heart with God's desires:

   • Psalm 19:14: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O Lord." (14:35)
   • Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart..." (16:10)
   • Philippians 4:6-8: "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..." (23:50)

3. Mindful Media Consumption
   Be selective about what one engages with on social media, ensuring it fosters edification rather than division or negativity (28:00).

4. Embracing God's Attributes
   Fixing attention on God's purity, love, and faithfulness helps in maintaining a heart that pleases Him (30:45).

Transformation Through Guarding the Heart

Implementing these practices led Megan to significant personal growth. She learned to:

• Resist the Urge to Defend
  Instead of automatically defending herself against criticism, Megan chose to trust in God's justice and refrain from engaging negatively (25:15).

• Prioritize Intimacy Over Performance
  Understanding that God desires a heartfelt relationship over flawless actions, Megan focused on cultivating a deep, personal connection with Him (34:20).

"From that place of intimacy, you live a sanctified holy life. And you do the works and the things that God has called you to do." (Megan Ashley, 36:10)

Encouragement and Call to Action

Concluding the episode, Megan encourages listeners to undertake a personal heart inventory, challenging them to commit to a 30-day period of heart-focused devotion and introspection. She provides journal prompts to facilitate this journey:

1. Sin Space Inventory
   "What has been taking up sin space in your heart lately?" (40:00)

2. Thought and Speech Alignment
   "What thoughts have been shaping your words lately?" (42:30)

3. Guarding vs. Hiding the Heart
   "Have I been hiding my heart or guarding my heart?" (45:10)

Megan emphasizes that guarding the heart is not about concealment from God but about protection from influences that lead away from Him.

"Lord, show me the ways that I've been hiding my heart. Show me the ways in which I need to guard my heart." (Megan Ashley, 47:25)

Conclusion

EP 75 of "In Totality with Megan Ashley" serves as a poignant reminder that true devotion to God begins within the heart. By diligently guarding our hearts, focusing on intimate relationships with God, and aligning our thoughts and actions with His word, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life." (Proverbs 4:23, 05:30)
• "I was in pride. I was in arrogance. And so because the things weren't happening the way that I wanted them to be, I had an attitude with the Lord." (Megan Ashley, 18:45)
• "From that place of intimacy, you live a sanctified holy life." (Megan Ashley, 36:10)
• "Lord, show me the ways that I've been hiding my heart. Show me the ways in which I need to guard my heart." (Megan Ashley, 47:25)

Final Note

Megan's heartfelt transparency and scriptural grounding provide listeners with both encouragement and practical tools to ensure their hearts remain steadfastly aligned with God. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking deeper spiritual growth and a more authentic relationship with the Lord.