Heart HealthSample

In the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20; Matthew 13: 3-23; Luke 8:4-15), Jesus is using different types of ground to describe different types of hearts. There is "wayside" ground, "stony" ground, "thorny ground" and "good ground." 

The first type of ground He mentions to His disciples is "wayside ground." In Matthew 13:19 NKJV, He says, "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." 

You can clearly see the imagery that Jesus is sharing in this passage. The “wayside” is a foot path or a walk way. When seed falls by the “wayside,” it is not an intentional investment from the sower. It just happens by mistake. A “wayside” heart does not set out to hear the word of God purposefully. When this sort of heart hears the word, Satan comes immediately and takes it away. 

Why is Satan allowed to take it away?

Because your heart cannot sustain its health as a well-beaten path. It must be guarded with diligence. Too many people, too many words, too many circumstances affecting your heart on a daily basis causes your heart to be worn out and unable to grasp what is necessary for living. An unguarded heart is an unintentional heart. It cannot purposefully embrace what God has to say. You may hear God’s word on TV or on a podcast but because of the many distractions in your heart, Satan will come immediately and snatch that word away right along with your attention.

When it comes to your heart health, you must quiet the extra voices and the chaos around you. Find quiet time in the car, the shower or on a simple walk. Allow your heart to focus on what God is whispering to it. When you quiet the chaos, your heart will become more intentional about what God has to say.