“Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.” (Jeremiah 31:15)
Many a parent has been at their wit’s end with a child who won’t eat. “What is going on with you?” they ask. Food is not only vital to sustain our strength, but it should be enjoyable. Why would anyone refuse something so beneficial and pleasurable?
The same phenomenon occurs when a child of God refuses to receive the benefits of God’s word. The Lord our Shepherd has a table to spread before us filled with all manner of good things. What is it that causes one to spiritually starve themselves to death?
When we are in affliction of any kind we must diligently seek God. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Resenting the circumstances causes us to resent the need to get strength and help from God. Slothfulness is the opposite of diligence. Going on a spiritual “hunger strike” is nothing other than spiritual slothfulness. We refuse to be comforted by a God who we ultimately blame for the unwanted situation we’re in.
A day is coming when there will be no more “bitter weeping.” But until that day we must pass through the wilderness of this world. A world where even the children of God are not exempt from tribulation. “In the world ye shall have tribulation …” (John 16:33) No matter how hard life in our wilderness may be, we can not only survive, but we can thrive. But only if we eat. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4)
The Word of God contains a myriad of possibilities for us of hope, comfort, and direction. Just one word from the Word can make all the difference. C’mon child of God! Don’t refuse to be comforted. Eat!