Luke 8:14 (NIV)
“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.”
” I’m not going to let the thorns of life choke me out”
From the very beginning, thorns became a symbol of struggle. In the garden, when Adam and Eve chose their own way instead of God’s, the ground was cursed, producing thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18). Those thorns became a constant reminder of the cost of sin and self-rule.
Fast forward to the cross: Jesus wore a crown of thorns on His head—a picture of Him taking on the curse for us. And even Paul, a mighty man of faith, spoke of his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–9)—a reminder that life’s difficulties keep us humble and dependent on God’s strength.
But Jesus also warned us about another kind of thorn: the thorns that choke out the Word of God. In Matthew 13:22, He said the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth can strangle our faith, making it unfruitful. Money, houses, cars, status—good things can become distractions when they take our eyes off Christ.
The truth is, life will always have its thorns—stress, fear, uncertainty, pride, and greed—but worship cuts through them. Praise breaks the cycle. Surrender crushes the thorns underfoot, and joy blossoms where weeds once grew.
I’ve decided not to let the thorns of life choke me out. How about you?