You’re sick. Your sinuses are inflamed, your throat is raw, your nose is red, drippy, and chafing. You have a fever and ache all over. And you don’t feel like eating.
But you do eat. Nothing sounds good (except maybe the proverbial remedy for a cold, chicken soup). But you eat because your body needs it. And the very food you don’t have an appetite for not only nourishes you, but helps your body fight infection and get well.
The same is true spiritually. When something is wrong in our lives—someone has hurt us, we’ve given way to some sin, we don’t feel we fit in at church, maybe we’re even a little malnourished from lack of time at church or in the Bible—we tend to put God’s Word aside. Our appetite for it has waned.
But we need the Bible now more than ever. We may not be able to keep up with our usual routine or an intense study. But we need to keep sipping and tasting. We might spend more time in the Psalms or the gospels than some of the other books. We might listen instead of read.
And the very Word we don’t have an appetite for not only nourishes us, but helps us heal. It will strengthen us and help us fight spiritual infection.
So when your appetite for the Word of God is off, keep partaking. Your soul needs it. You may not feel instant refreshment. It may seem a little dry. But ask God to open “the eyes of your heart” and minister to you.
Often a subdued appetite can be aroused by tasting food. It didn’t sound good, but once we had a few bites, we wanted more. We may feel like reading the Bible is the last thing we want to do. But it’s been my experience, many times over, that once I start reading it, I want more.
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways (Psalm 119:36-37).
They loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from their destruction.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
(Psalm 107:18-22)
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Stray Thoughts 
This is a solid piece of guidance for taking an active part in shaping our appetites and desires. Exposure to Truth is the best motivator for desiring Truth.
So true. The more we taste it, the more we want.
Thank you, Barbara, for another timely post.
Thank you!
Yes and amen to everything you wrote! Your post reminded me of Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see that the LORD is good! Amen!
That’s a great verse for these thoughts!
So true in the dry times of not studying, reading, and praising
It took a long time, but I finally learned dry times come and go. But as we steadily partake of God’s Word, we don’t lose ground.
I’ve written many times on my blog about needing our daily bread (JESUS!!) and the Word to chew on. I truly cannot imagine NOT having my time in the Word to chew on His words…to guide me, to show me His plans and purposes or to simply comfort me. When I’m feeling especially “dry” that drink of LIving Water is perfect…it might “just” be a Psalm (SO MUCH GOOD THERE SO WHY DO WE SAY “JUST”) but time in the Word is vital to our souls. THanks for a great post!!
So much truth here! “Taste and see that the LORD is good!”
Excellent truths, as always! I have to say that, even when sick, it’s extremely rare that I don’t feel like eating. So, I’ll change the analogy to God’s word being a bit like eating vegetables at times. I agree totally that it’s very beneficial to develop the habit of daily time in the word even if we don’t always feel the appetite for it. I’m currently making my way through a not-so-enticing (to me) part of Scriptures. Over Thanksgiving, I didn’t bring my Bible along since the one I’m using now is big and cumbersome. Somewhat surprisingly to me, I found myself missing the time reading those hard-to-understand passages on the two mornings I was away!
I felt that way in Leviticus this year–not really looking forward to it. But some study aids really brought out some great things.
Oooh, and I loved reading about your family’s Christmas decorating habits over in the comments 🙂
This is such smart thinking! Great reminder.
Thanks, Lauren.
Good analogy, Barbara. It’s kind of like exercise too … I certainly don’t always feel like running, but I do it because it’s good for me. I usually feel better afterwards, but even when I don’t, I’m glad I pushed through. Same with reading the Bible. It’s always good for me, whether or not I feel any different when I’m done.
That’s a great analogy, too.
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Amen! I love your analogy. We need the Bible the way we need food for our bodies. May we all keep Jesus close during this season of hustle and bustle.
Barbara, so much wisdom in this post and a great analogy. We need food to bring strength and healing to our bodies, and more so, His Word to restore our souls. Each and every day.
Truth and wisdom — thank you!
So true, Barbara. We often need God’s word even when we don’t feel like we want some. So often we don’t really know what we are hungry for, but God’s word does satisfy.
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