Have you ever thought of your heart as a bed of soil for the seed of God’s Word to grow? When better than spring—a time known for new growth—to consider the soil of our hearts? How well does it allow the word of the Lord to grow? Won’t you join me this week as we search for answers? You might be as surprised by what we discover!

Thorny Soil

“Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.” Mark 4:7, NLT

Have you ever choked on a piece of food or something that got stuck in your throat? I’ve seen more than one person with the wide-eyed look of fright on their faces because they were choking. I’ve also experienced it. It’s unpleasant and scary because you feel like you can’t breathe. And how do we come to choke in the first place? Often it’s the result of some distraction from what we’re doing. Inhaling too fast, trying to speak  or laugh, or gagging on something too large to swallow can be the cause.

Sometimes God’s Word doesn’t grow in our hearts because we allow the cares of the world to steal our focus and have priority in our lives. For some this may be a drive to power, fame, or riches. For others it can take the form of unhealthy habits, which can lead to addictions. Yet others get lost in worry and fear. These cares could not ensnare us though, unless we put our trust in them. Just as thorns can’t choke out plants without getting a good hold on them, sin can’t extinguish the growth of God’s Word in the life of a believer without that believer’s assistance. We make the choices that lead to a choking out of the Word in our lives.

Thorny soil robs the seed of much growth by squeezing the life out of it while it’s young and vulnerable. Read todays Dose verse. In Mark 4:18-19 we read, The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

The thorns that choke out growth are examples of sin, which entered the world with Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God. Literally, they are part of the curse of the land. Just as they choke out the growth of young fruits, veggies, and plants, a heart of thorns chokes out the growth of the word in the life of believers. Then they squeeze and squeeze until all growth dies.

Maybe as you read this today, you realize that your heart is overrun with thorns that are choking the life out of your spiritual growth. Be encouraged; our Lord is able and willing to free you from those thorns. Ask Him. You needn’t stay ensnared another minute.

Releasing the chokehold,

Rita