Amos 8:11,12
‘“Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of 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 roam about to seek the word of the LORD, But they will not find it.”‘
As described here, this is worse than a drought of water. It’s a drought of God’s Word. Being a believer, I understand this. I so love God and His Word. I wouldn’t say it’s the same as His presence, but similar. I would make the connection that if He is hiding His Word, He is also withdrawing His presence.
For the past few years I have been have treasured the verses that speak to His presence and the fulness it brings. Romans 8:15,16 says, ‘For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.’ Our spirits cry out “Abba! Father!” and The Spirit testifies with our spirits. I can feel it. Even now as I write this, I can feel Him. Such a comfort.
When David was confronted with His sin with Bathsheba, he wrote Psalm 51:10-12, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.” He was concerned about losing God’s presence. He begs, “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me”. Along with His presence is the Joy of his salvation. That represents a huge void.
This is what the Israelites in today’s verse would be without. “They will stagger from sea to sea”. They will seek His Word (Him), but not find Him. That void, that ache is frightening.
God gives His general blessing to all. In that is a joy. Many of the Israelites were living an existence in rebellion to God. He had warned them through His prophets to turn back to Him. He was reaching out in love as the prodigal’s Father, but they ignored Him. So He withdrew from them.
Another blessing of His presence is His peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Similar to His presence is His peace. Our hearts have His tranquility. It’s far more than the absence of anxiety. We have this even in trouble. We should have anxiety, but we don’t. Sure there’s concern, but it’s ok. It surpasses our understanding. We should be worried, but we know our God. He’s got us. What a blessing this is. David had lost this peace and joy. He lost the sense of His presence. He was worried. “God please restore this!”
I’m not sure how long this famine of God’s Word lasted, but it was tragic. In one sense it’s His mercy. Before they died and went to hell, this was a warning. It would bring the attention of the nation. It reminds me of I Corinthians 5:5 says, “hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.” This is something similar. The shock of this would get one’s attention and they would repent.
Lord, thank You for Your Word, Your peace and Your presence. Walking with You has been amazing. Thank You!