If you have tried this week to stay tuned into God but are still struggling, examine your heart. There are so many things that distance your heart from God. When this happens, you tend to tune Him out. Let’s examine the polluted heart. “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12, NIV). Satan wants nothing more than for you to turn your back on God. He plants any lie he can on your heart—convincing you that you don’t need God or that God has let you down. James 1:21 tells you to get rid of any filth in your life, and this includes lies from the enemy.
You also need to be aware of the distracted heart. “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away” (Luke 8:13, NIV). Have you ever been on fire for God, maybe on a Sunday or at a get-away retreat? You feel so close to God, want to do everything in your power to serve Him, and then cool off once you get home? This happens to so many people. Your heart is easily distracted by your own needs and desires. Don’t make empty promises to God. Start somewhere realistic, like talking to Him every day. In Luke Chapter 10, Martha became distracted, even though Jesus was sitting in her house! She became more concerned with the house and serving and forgot to spend time with Jesus.
What about the immature heart? Has your spiritual growth been stunted? “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). When your heart is distracted, it’s often because it’s immature. You look at the riches and pleasures around you, and in your immaturity, you prioritize those things over God.
You need to focus on having a prepared heart. “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” (Luke 8:15, NIV). There are three things you can do while preparing your heart. You can repent, refocus, and revive your faith. What is God asking you to do today? He may be asking you to repent from turning away from Him, refocus your attention on Him, and revive your faith through prayer and praise! God’s voice is clearest in a prepared environment. You might have to get up earlier, get back into Bible reading and prayer, but it will be so worth it!