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, when we’re in some kind of dark valley—we tend to put God’s Word aside. Our appetite for it has waned.
But we need the Bible then 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 favorite passages than other passages. 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 our appetite for the Word of God is off, we need to keep partaking. Our souls need it. We may not feel instant refreshment. It may seem a little dry. But we can ask God to open “the eyes of our heart” and minister to us.
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)
(Revised from the archives)
(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)
Stray Thoughts 
We need daily food for body, mind & soul.
I normally get fed from the Word before I ever get out of bed in the morning, but on the rare occasion when that doesn’t happen, I can’t bear to get in bed at night without spending some time in my Bible. We need that nourishment daily…whether we think we do or not. Thank you, Barbara, for the reminder.
I’ve been this way – the last thing I wanted to do was read my Bible or even to pray. Making myself do it – God always meets me where I need.
It’s kind of like not being hungry til you take a bite–then realizing how hungry you are.
Yes, I’ve found this to be true in my life, and it’s caused me to love the Word even more.
I’ve found this to be true as well! Yesterday I was at the hospital with my dad, who was delivered a great-looking dinner. He had no interest in eating it. I wanted to tell him many of the things you started this out with!
I’m sorry your dad is in the hospital! Praying . . .
I love this, Barbara. What a good analogy of what reading the Bible is like. I, too, find that “sipping” the Bible makes me want more.
Barbara, this is so true. I have also found that even when I didn’t realize my great need in the moment, when I read the Scriptures were just what I needed. It’s amazing how God’s Word springs to life and imparts life to us. May we partake every day!
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