Luke 8:14 (NIV)

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they

go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and

pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14 (NIV)

You can’t hear God if your mind is crowded with other thoughts or

concerns—particularly worries, finances, and activities. And if you’re

always listening to music or watching tv, the circuits are going to be

busy when God calls. That’s why it’s important to eliminate distractions.

Jesus says in Luke 8:7, “Some other seeds fell where thornbushes grew

up and choked the plants” (CEV).

Jesus paints a mental picture here of seeds being planted in soil

that’s already filled with weeds. So as the crop grows, weeds also

grow up around it. And they begin to choke out the life of the crop,

so it never bears fruit.

Here’s what Jesus says is the meaning of Luke 8:7: “The seed that fell

among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way

they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do

not mature” (Luke 8:14 NIV).

Three things choke out hearing God:

Worry. Worries are weeds. When you’re so busy with the problems and

pressures of daily living, it makes it harder to hear God.

Riches. You can be so busy trying to pay your bills, so busy trying to

get out of debt, so busy trying to make a little more, and so busy

making a living that you don’t ever make a life.

Pleasure. There’s nothing wrong with pleasure. Just be careful that you

don’t become so busy pursuing fun that you miss what God wants to say

to you and the plans he has for your life.

Have you ever noticed how weeds don’t need cultivating? They grow

automatically. In fact, weeds are a sign of neglect. If you see weeds

in your yard or garden, it means it’s time to tend to it. The weeds in

your spiritual life reveal that you might be neglecting time with

God—who loves you deeply and wants to spend time with you.

When all the circuits are busy and the weeds of worry, riches, and

pleasure are choking your relationship with God, it’s the perfect time

to pause and get quiet. Take time to clear away the noise so you can

hear God’s voice more clearly.

Talk It Over

What distractions in your life keep you from spiritual growth?

What’s a practical way you can eliminate—or begin to minimize—each of

those distractions?

How much of your day is spent in silence? What might change about your

life if you made more time for silence and quiet moments?