“And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”- Mark 4:18-19
I have read the parable of the sower for as long as I can remember. And to be honest, most of the time I like to think that I am the seed sown on good soil. I hear the word and I accept it. But am I bearing fruit? In some seasons, yes! But in other seasons, if I am being completely honest with myself, I am the seed sown among thorns.
As I was having my quiet time this morning, I saw a note that I had written in the margin of my bible (I have this journaling bible and I love it!) – who knows how long ago- that simply said “Don’t let the cares of this world choke your faith!” Wow! How powerful is that thought? I realize now that I spend a lot of time like those seeds. I fill my cup with sermons and quiet times and try my best to take in the word of God, but by lunchtime I have allowed those cares to creep in and steal my joy. Sometimes through the desire for things that are not for me, but all too often just life getting in the way. And I feel like by the posts that I see on social media day in and day out, so many of you can relate!
So how do we fix this? How do we stop letting the cares of the world choke our faith and steal our trust in God? This is a journey that I, myself, am on…starting today! I think recognition is the first step. I want to be fruitful for Christ. I want my life to spill joy. But sometimes life is just HARD and the cares of this world are demanding. I am learning to remind myself that this world is not my home, and that my God is greater than any of my circumstances. I am also surrounding myself with accountability in other Godly friendships, to refocus my eyes when they are looking out the small window instead of seeing the big picture.
I hope that you will join me on this road, friend!
