“And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mar 4:19).
The first of three word-chokers our Lord mentions in our text is anxiety. It can manifest in the form of plain worry, abnormal apprehension or fearful concern over one’s needs, situation or future. Although anxiety may have genuine reasons, it still blocks the flourishing of God’s truth in your heart and life. Once the word is choked, your faith is also muffled, because faith comes by hearing the word (Ro 10:17). Once your faith is hampered, you cannot please God (He 11:6). In turn that interrupts the flow of divine rewards into your life. It’s such a deadly chain reaction, beloved! For that reason we must not tolerate anxiety in our lives in spite of how justified it may seem. In short, we can’t worry and still walk by faith at the same time! We must develop the spiritual habit of casting ALL our burdens upon Jesus who cares for us (1 Pet 5:7). Refuse to carry worry, stress or anxiety in any shape or form in your heart. Will you do that today?
Pastor Josh