By[19] “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.” — Matthew 13:19 NKJV
We live in a busy world where many things demand our attention. From television to social media, advertising banners on roads, and demands from work and other people. Because of that, many people find it uneasy to concentrate whenever they go to places like church for fellowship. Why? Because even though their bodies are present, their minds are far away.
Ask yourself when was the last time you remembered that you had to do something at home while you were listening to God’s Word. If it hasn’t happened to you before, as for me, it has. But later on, I realised what my pastor told me years ago. That is, “You’ll never be any less busy.” When I heard it first as a young man at 20, I thought it was a joke. But growing further, I realised it is so true.
This world will never be any less busy place. So work will never stop being compounded on you. Therefore, the earlier you psych your mind on God, the better. I mean, don’t substitute your time with Jesus for anything that will not pass from earth to heaven.
For example, when you go to church, lay aside the pressure from your boss at work by putting your phone on flight mode or not opening the workers’ chat platform to be reminded of what you’ve got to do. In that way, you’ll create enough space in your mind to hear God’s Word without distractions. Furthermore, you’ll also understand the Word you’re hearing, making your heart established with grace.
Because of how important this is, Jesus said in Matthew 13:19 that the devil steals God’s Word stored in the heart of every believer who hears it without understanding. I thought God’s Word is as fire and sharper than any double-edged sword (see Jeremiah 23:29, Hebrews 4:12). So how can the devil steal it? This enemy is so cunning. He knows that he can’t touch the Word. So, he prevents you from getting its entire understanding.
No matter how busy you are in life, never allow the devil to steal God’s Word in your heart. How can you do that? It’s simple. Listen to it with rapt attention every time you’re in church or studying it personally.
May God be with you.
Prayer:
Father, help me to develop a focused mindset whenever I come before You to listen to Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 077
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