There is general medical agreement that the average healthy adult could survive without eating for about one to two months, as long as water is provided. However, if no food or water is provided, this same adult could only survive about three days. But food and water are not the only things we need for survival. What would happen if, instead of food and water, if everyone we cared about informed us that they would no longer speak to us? While we may not immediately die, the quality of our life would certainly diminish. In fact, such deprivation could definitely shorten our lifespan.
What if God’s Word was withheld from us? For some people, life would go on with no interruption or distress. However, if we are in a true relationship with God, would we be so indifferent? Wouldn’t we experience the same separation anxiety as we would in any other relationship? Thousands of years ago, God informed the Jewish people, through the prophet Amos, of such an impending tragedy.
Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the LORD. “People will stagger from sea to sea and from the north even to the east; They will go to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, But they will not find it.”
Amos 8:11-12 (NASB)
The Jews were rejecting God’s laws and commandments. They refused to repent and return to God. God is patient with all of us but God is also holy and He must act because it is His character to preserve the sanctity of His relationship with us. Withholding communication with someone we love will lead to devastating consequences. If God were to withhold communication with us, it would be catastrophic. We would wander aimlessly as lost souls. No joy. No encouragement. No hope.
Unlike the Jews, we can be in a new relationship with God through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ. God promises to never leave nor forsake us. There will never be a famine for God’s Word unless we willingly choose to disobey Him. God’s Word will always be our rock and foundation. His grace and mercy will always allow us to find Him if we repent of our sins and search for Him with all of our heart.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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