Overgrown gate

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4:19


Another gate that is around our heart is a gate that is hidden behind overgrown foliage. Sometimes the weeds are so high or dense that you can barely see the gate. Is the gate of your heart hidden with overgrown things? Are the cares of the world crowding out the blessings of God?

Even the wisest man in the world, Solomon, let the cares and lusts of this world crowd out the Lord of his life. In the beginning of Solomon’s reign he asked God for wisdom to rule the people and make the right decisions. (I Kings 3:9-12) By the end of his life (I Kings 11:4-6) Solomon had allowed the weeds of the world to cover the gate of his heart. He no longer put God first in his life. The more I read about Solomon I wonder if God had any place in his later life. I am very doubtful that He did.

Sampson, a judge in the early days of Israel, was more concerned with how he could satisfy himself in the pleasures of the world. God blessed him with “superpowers” but he sought after what the world had to offer. Sampson lived for the “moment” never giving a thought to God. Sampson lived his life for himself, he was number one. As a result of his lifestyle he lost his eyesight and eventually his life.

In my own life, I know it does not take much for the weeds to cover my heart gate. I need to be constantly taking account of how I spend my time. I get busy with one thing or another and before I know it I have not spent a minute with the Lord.

What about you? Do you let the cares and worries of this life overtake your heart? Take a few minutes to clean the heart gate of excessive foliage and weeds.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter 5:7
Have a blessed day,
Donna