Mark 4:19

”But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

A choking hazard is any object that has the potential of being caught in a person’s throat, and thus blocking the airway and making it difficult and virtually impossible for him or her to breathe. The corona virus, in this vein can be said to be a choking hazard.

This virus is choking many to death, and unfortunately, the wearing of nose masks, prescribed as a preventive measure, is not making breathing any easier.

The Word of God however reveals something more serious that is subtly choking us. In today’s Scripture, the parable of the sower, Jesus refers to this hazard as the thorns that choke the word.

Today, we will consider the first choking hazard:

— ”The worries of this life.”

1. Worrying is probably one of the most common human emotions that sap our energy. It keeps you awake all night and leaves you drained and sick by morning; (Dan 6 :18)

2. God is never impressed with people who worry. In the story in Luke chapter 10, we see that Jesus was never impressed with his host, Martha, who was worried and upset about many things, paying very little attention to what was most important -“the word of God.” Indeed, if we can only focus on God’s word, we will find the answers to all the problems that seem to weigh us down.

3. Worrying is often a useless, unproductive venture. We must distinguish between thinking and worrying. Thinking can be productive (by providing solutions), but worrying is counterproductive. Jesus quizzed,
”Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life”? Matt 6 :27.

Dear friend, I encourage you to cast all your burdens on Him, for he cares about you. (1 Pet 5 :7).

Don’t get choked by the cares of this life, the heavens have got your back. There is a big God on your side and He will come through for you.

Don’t choke!

Further reading Dan 6 :16-28.