Daily Devotionals for Women - Today's Encouraging Word from Scripture

Your Nightly Prayer

The Spiritual Practice of Weeding
By Sophia Bricker

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

"The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful." - Matthew 13:22

SOMETHING TO PONDER

My mother planted two sedum plants in our garden when I was a child. Every year, the pink and rosy blooms would appear in late summer, giving a burst of vibrant color. Those two plants stood at the back of the garden as reliable areas of growth, plants that I saw as foundational parts of the garden. Yet, I was saddened to see, many years later, one of the plants choked out by weeds. The struggling sedum had fought to survive, but it was overpowered by encircling vines and thick grass. Eventually, it died.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus presents a story of seeds that fell on different types of ground (Matthew 13:3-9). Though some fell on good soil and grew to produce a harvest, others did not fall in the best places. Some seeds fell on rocky ground, grew quickly, but withered away. Others ended up on the path and were taken by birds. And still others grew among thorns, which started off strong but were later overpowered by the thorny weeds.

Jesus warns that the weeds of worry about life, especially the desire for wealth, can hinder individuals from placing faith in Him, and from growing as a disciple. The seed, and plant, does not reach its potential because it is choked out before it can bear fruit.

Other verses also warn us against chasing after wealth and obsessively worrying about the basic needs of life (Matthew 6:31-32; 1 Timothy 6:6-10). Believers benefit from these warnings because they remind us of the need to complete the spiritual practice of weeding – to yank out thoughts, attitudes, habits that are detrimental to our faith and walk with Christ (also see 2 Corinthians 10:5). For if these weeds are left unchecked, they can overcrowd and eventually entangle to the point of stunting or even killing our growth.

We want our hearts to be like the good soil in the parable, to be free of weeds and rocky ground, a well-tended garden ready to receive God’s Word. To do so, we must practice contentment and trust, seeking first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33-34). Then, we will be ready as disciples to bear fruit for the glory of our Lord.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Lord of the harvest, produce in my life a willing heart that is ready to receive Your Word. I want to be like the seed that fell on good soil, which produces a great harvest. May You help me by Your power to take captive every thought and attitude that stands in opposition to my growth as Your follower. I want to become adept at spiritual weeding, as I look to You and Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. A favorite plant. Why is it your favorite, and how might it serve as a symbol for the type of spiritual growth you hope to see in your life?

2. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34. What stands out to you from this passage?

3. A patch of land crowded with weeds. Imagine these are overwhelming worries or habits from your life. How might you deal with these weeds so the land can be cleared and made ready to receive the Word of God?

Sophia Bricker Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.