“Behold, the days come saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11).
Each year millions die from hunger and malnutrition. While most of us are not personally affected by it, we have seen photos and heard stories of extreme conditions in many parts of the world. There are numerous causes including poverty, war, natural disasters, and political instability. It’s difficult for those of us who have ample food to comprehend these extreme conditions. The statistics are heartbreaking.
Available but Ignored
But what is described in Amos 8 is not a shortage of food. It’s a famine of hearing the Word of God. How do we comprehend that, especially those of us who are blessed with religious freedom and who often own numerous Bibles? (Have you counted those in your home—four, eight, a dozen or more?) God’s Word is also found on numerous Bible apps and can be read in many languages. Yet most of those Bibles remain unread.
A famine of the Word really does exist today, but this famine is not caused by scarcity. It is self-inflicted. The food, God’s Word, is readily available, but we just do not eat. A person who does not partake of God’s Word is spiritually anorexic. They destroy themselves because of their lack of nutrition.
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29, NKJV)
The Benefits of God’s Word
God’s Word blesses us in many ways. Here are just a few of the benefits of His Word provides in our lives.
|
GOD’S WORD . . . |
| teaches us truth |
| provides understanding and revelation |
| keeps us from sinning |
| guides us |
| brings joy |
| offers hope |
| gives life. |
| makes us clean |
| brings comfort |
| protects us from false doctrine |
| teaches us how to please God |
Many believe in eating “three square meals” each day. Others are nibblers with some snack item never far from their reach. How much better it would be if we were as consistent in eating spiritual “square meals” each day, not just occasional little bites. Surveys show that in recent years daily Bible reading has become more the exception rather than the rule. We are not feeding on the Word.
Symptoms of Malnutrition
With physical malnutrition we observe things such as weight loss, loss of appetite and interest in food, fatigue, low energy, poor concentration, and various bodily ailments. With spiritual famine we see a lack of spiritual growth. We become more vulnerable to temptation and sin. We lack interest in things of the Spirit and lose our hope and joy. Our walk with God becomes lethargic, without purpose.
The famine is here. People are spiritually starving and don’t even realize how malnourished they have become. We must never allow ourselves to become a victim of famine. We must eat! The food — God’s Word — is available. Reach for it.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV).
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
