“The thorny ground represents the hearts of people who listen to the Good News and receive it, but all too quickly the attractions of this world and the delights of wealth, and the search for success and lure of nice things come in and crowd out God’s message from their hearts, so that no crop is produced.” Mark 4:18–19 (TLB)
Satan tempts us with many things to distract us from meditating on God’s Word. He can’t afford to have believers knowing who they are in Christ and growing in their relationship with God. So, he constantly tries to keep you out of the Word through distractions, troubles or temptations.
If you’re single, his temptations might come in the form of a new person you are interested in at church. But that person doesn’t raise their hands in worship or take notes during the service, and you don’t want to look overly committed to God, so you stop doing those things. The enemy is using your attraction to this individual to tempt you away from your relationship with God. Or maybe you’ve started working overtime every day to get promoted at work, which cuts into your evening devotions. The enemy’s constant goal is to get you to compromise on spending any time meditating on God’s Word.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying outings, new relationships or moving up in our careers. But don’t let the enemy tempt you into prioritizing them over your time with God. Otherwise, your heart risks becoming like “thorny ground,” and other things will crowd out God’s message and keep it from taking root. Seek God first and prioritize getting into the Word. He will help you with all the rest!