We all have hobbies or things that we particularly enjoy doing. I enjoy time outside going for walks or runs, but mostly because I enjoy eating. Most would not be able to tell by looking at me, but those who know me well know that I can put away large quantities of food! Food is a necessity of life. We all need food on a daily basis, and usually multiple times per day, in order for our bodies to receive the proper nourishment. On occasion, I find myself perusing the pantry or the refrigerator at different times of the day in search of something to satisfy my cravings. Sometimes I long for something sweet; or perhaps, I am in need of something to recharge me. Whatever the case, many times just a small bite is all I need to carry me over until the next meal.
Although I do not think anyone would argue with the fact that food is necessary to us, there are some who might not see the importance of the Word of God in our lives. Some only run to it when they face tragedy or uncertainty, but the Word of God is a necessity even when everything in life seems to be falling into place. Certainly, we should run to it when we are hurting and in need of comfort. However, just as we sometimes crave a sweet snack in the middle of the day, we also should visit the Word of God for a time of sweet fellowship or simply to stop and give God praise. Maybe in the midst of our day we need something from Scripture to recharge our weary souls, to give us a stronger drive, or to remind us of our purpose.
Job 23:10-12 says, But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job obviously faced much tragedy in his life. He suffered more than any of us could ever imagine. He said that even in his trials, he did not stray from God’s will nor from following His commandments because of the importance that he put on the Word of God. Many people have memorized verse 10 and turned to it in a time of hurt. The part of this passage that stands out to me is the end of verse 12: …I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. When Job had nothing, he still had the words of God to sustain him. The same is true for us.
The end of Psalm 138:2 says, …for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. We can come to the conclusion that God puts immense importance on His Word if He magnifies it above His Own name. How much of a difference would it make in our lives if we were to see the Bible as being more than our necessary food? This is a convicting thought to me. Too often, I have treated the Word of God as a textbook and have read it in order to check off another box on my list of Christian duties. When going through a trial, I have spent hour upon hour thumbing through its pages while searching for answers or comfort and yearning for the presence of God. I was spiritually “starving” and needed food. However, we often let the Bible sit on the shelf, so to speak, when God answers our prayers and begins to bless us. It is as if we are too “full” of God’s blessings to realize our continued need of Him.
God has given us everything we need in His Word; He also longs for His children to spend time in sweet fellowship with Him. When we put the importance on the Word of God as we should, our daily needs are met. Sometimes as we read, we may not be hungry for anything in particular at that time but will find something to meet our future needs. We will find that our reading in times when we do not feel it is necessary will help us in times of necessity. Let it be the goal of all of us to spend more time in the Word of God. May we read it, cherish it, and meditate more on its promises. After we have finished our reading, may we long for the next time we are able to delve back in for more. We do not need to settle for one meal on the Word of God each day. We can help ourselves to more, and it can be a joy!
By Alyssa King
