Many of you know the Old Testament story of the Israelites traveling through the desert for 40 years before they entered the promised land. Along the way God fed them with manna from Heaven. However, they had to go and gather the manna, found on the ground, for themselves. God did not open their mouths and put the food in; it was their choice to gather and eat. It is no different in our spiritual worlds today.
God gives us food to eat; the very Word of God. Job said, “I have not departed from His commands, but have treasured His Words more than daily food” (NLT). We have His Words to guide, instruct, correct, and to show the path to peace and joy, strength and courage, but God will not force us to eat it. We must gather it for ourselves. I have heard many say they get the Word from weekly sermons or books about God’s Word. Those are side plates. The main course is always what we gather ourselves, allowing the Holy Spirit to make alive God’s Words that are applicable to our personal lives.
Many of you know I write books and love teaching God’s Word, but it would sadden me to think that anyone would only eat these side dishes, while ignoring the main course. The main course is an intimate meal with the Holy Spirit serving God’s truths, strengthening all our hurting places, pouring on gravy of peace and joy. There is no meal to compare to these main course dinners with God; you and Him alone, devouring His Word. It is our necessary food.