When I went to Israel, I visited the Western Wall. It is the closest contemporary Jewish people can get to the Temple Mount, where the holy of holies once stood, and it is considered one of the holiest places in Judaism today.
When I visited the wall, I saw many people praying, reciting Scripture, and weeping. Some say they are lamenting the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD; others that they are desperately asking the Messiah to come.
I realized that the Jewish people were often reciting prayers from Scripture in Hebrew, the original language of most of the Old Testament. The scriptures so many recite each day point to Jesus—the Messiah who has already come. They have the Lord’s Word, but do they hear His voice?
In Amos 8:1–14, the prophet saw the future destruction of Israel. Things would get so bad that the sun would go down at noon, the land would be dark in the daytime, feasts would turn into mourning, and songs would turn into lament (Amos 8:9–10). There would be grief and sadness throughout the land because of Israel’s sin and unwillingness to listen to the voice of the Lord.
Amos prophesied that there would be a famine in the land of Israel. Unlike many of the previous famines, this famine would not limit their access to bread or water. Instead, because of their consistent sin, the Lord would make a famine of His words among them. They would seek the word of the Lord but would not find it.
I wonder if we have effectively done the same today. Although it is very easy to get a copy of the Bible in the West, for some of us, we consume so much information through digital news, social media, and endless texts and emails that the Word of God gets lost in the mix of voices.
As believers in an information-saturated society, do we train ourselves to hear and respond to God’s Word? Or do we defer to competing voices? Even for those of us who read Scripture regularly, how often do we read the words and fail to hear what the Lord is saying through them?
Although this is sobering to think about, we are not without hope. Exodus 34:6–7 reminds us that our God is compassionate and gracious. We are prone to wander, but God wants us to return to Him. If we let them, these sobering words from Amos can be a powerful wakeup call stirring our hearts to seek the Lord and to delight in His words once more.
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55 thoughts on "Seeking the Word of the Lord"
I want to be a hearing doer of the word. So often my daily agenda gets the full spotlight in my mind. I know the Lord understands our fickleness and extends grace and mercy where I don’t even know I need it. But the Matthew verse always scares me. It’s so practical but so many times I drive right past the homeless person. Not a second thought. Jesus please help me in this. Reveal what’s your will and how I can join it
Get the book “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin. It will teach you exactly how to get the information out of what you read. Game changer.
What a sad image, the people staggering from sea to sea seeking the word of the Lord and not finding it. Not only do we have the privilege of having God’s word at our fingertips we also have the Holy Spirit with us! I don’t want to take either of those things for granted.
Very convicting devotion today! I feel like my head is on a swivel with all the information thrown at me everyday. But I’m also scrolling and watching clips. Put the phone down Deirdre and listen to your God!
6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, – Exodus 34:6
The Lord knows how to get to our hearts. We I think on my daily needs I know I would rather have Jesus than bread or water. The source of life is found in Christ. Bread and water are needs that are provided by the Lord. God is with us daily, but if He were to be far from us then life would seem empty. To go without bread and water is better than to go without my Lord!
God help me to be content in all things. I may not have much, but I am rich because I have you!
The Lord knows how to get to our hearts. We I think on my daily needs I know I would rather have Jesus than bread or water. The source of life is found in Christ. Bread and water are needs that are provided by the Lord. God is with us daily, but if He were to be far from us then life would seem empty. To go without bread and water is better than to go without my Lord!
This is so convicting. If I read this literally (which I tend to do) I see the US as it is today….
I
This is so convicting. If I read this literally (which
Woop woop SHARON, JERSEY GIRL !!
So exciting! May your hands and spirit be God’s as you serve these women and babies.
How often do we read the words and fail to hear what the Lord is saying through them? That is me every day haha. If I read the Bible word for word sometimes I go huh? Or I read it but I don’t progress it. Often times I know what the Bible is saying but I struggle to put into action in my own life. Praying I get better at that. @MOLLY R. So happy hear about the house I’m praying it continues to go well. It’s funny how something that has taken up so much of your time can all of a sudden get thrown into overdrive really quickly. I’m praying for parents too and their health. Like @RHONDA J mentioned we are all sharing a lot of our lives and being vulnerable but we are all such a great community. Praying for you all today!
How often do we read the words and fail to hear what the Lord is saying through them? That is me every day haha. If I read the Bible
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@Victoria E: praying for success as you lead the big conference. Congrats sister.
Wow! What a vision the Lord showed Amos. A fruit basket and the interpretation is “the end is coming”. Would you ever interpret such thing if you see that? Truly interpretation belongs to God only. Please don’t google your dream (my own mistakes), but pray and ask God what vision/dreams God gave truly means. I was convicted and corrected of this, and I only prayed for the interpretation, sometimes I haven’t heard Him, and I would come back another time and pray for answers. I am usually shocked at the true message behind a dream or a vision.
@Rhonda: I saw what you wrote yesterday and it touched me. I am also struggling with this, on and off, and I have to pray for the spirit of gentleness and quietness to be poured out to my husband and myself. I had to bind the spirit of temper/anger in him. Usually his temper also got me, and before I knew it, I could get there too. It’s the scheme of the devil to get through one… to get to the other. Something the Lord shows me, as wives, we have authority over our husband’s body (1 Corinthians 7:4), so we can take authority to bind anything trespassing and robbing his peace, his mind/ our peace/my peace, my mind (no longer two but one unit). Praying for yours and I am praying for mine.
@Molly R: “under contract” is amazing, praying for “sold” status. God works fast eh?
@Gramsiesue: praising God that Steve and you are doing well! Continual prayers for you.
@Tricia: praying for your 3 children and your mama’s heart. May the Lord secure them in His loving hands. He is the God of redemption (of any past shortcomings).
@Searching and @Kelly (Neo): hugs :)
Praying for Foster Mama, Lexi B, Taylor and other she’s that have been absent. Miss you guys.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Dear Lord, how many times have I failed to listen, echoing some of you sisters. It’s not a good feeling. I pray my eyes, my ears and my heart be open more. Back from visiting my daughter and family in WY, so hopefully I can improve my attention. Thank you Jesus for “redos”.
I am really enjoying this study. It can be a hard pill to swallow at times and truly be how at with myself about where I fall short. I find myself at times rushing through my readings to mark it off my mental to do list and not taking the time to slow down, truly read and reflect on what God is showing me. Praying I take the time to absorb what God is saying to me and praying for each request and praise!
I pray that I would really love the people I come into contact with. ❤️I want to meet their needs as Jesus would ❤️
Tricia C… Amen and Amen!!!
The Matthew passage stood out to me. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ We need to really see the people we come into contact with. How can we serve them like Christ? Elizabeth Elliot wrote an eye opening prayer once on serving.people. “Lord, break the chains that hold me to myself; free me to be Your happy slave – that is to be the happy foot washer of anyone today who needs his feet washed, his supper cooked, his faults overlooked, his work, commended, his failure, forgiven, his griefs consoled, or his buttons sewed on. Let me not imagine that my love for You is very great if I am unwilling to do for a human being, something very small.
Wow! Where has the time gone? While I’ve been doing the Amos study and listening to the podcasts regularly. I’ve also been reading “The Well Watered Woman”Devotional by Gretchen Saffles. I’m so behind on the daily devotions and comments. Trying to get caught up. Glad to be hearing the thoughtful comments and observations of other She’s. They bless my study time.
RHONDA J – I am not on FB regularly either, but it is a good option for messaging! I will let you know if I find your page.
Good morning, ladies!
I haven’t posted much lately…Steve and I were on a business/medical/pleasure trip during the first part of this study so I’ve been reading and praying for everyone. We are rejoicing that Steve is doing so well and pray it continues.
This study is indeed convicting and seems to be pertinent for today as well.
Rhonda J – Steve has a short fuse as well. I’ve talked to his doctor about it and have him taking a couple of supplements for depression and anxiety. They seem to help most of the time but when he’s driving it’s awful! Praying for you to be patient and gentle in your response to him.
Hugs to all. ❤️
Thank you CeeGee! Hmm..for Facebook I am under Rhonda Johnson, lives in Fort Myers Florida! It is a profile picture of me and my husband close up, him in a hat. How do I look you up?
I would love to connect with anyone else as well! On IG I am FMB_dreamer and tend to be there more. I try not to do too much social media, BUT it does have its good and it is SO nice to connect a face, or be able talk through messenger!!
We really do live in an information-saturated society. You have to TRY to not get information thrown at you from every direction. Reading the comments this morning helped me realize that I’m not alone in accidentally overwhelming myself with information and making my to-do list the ultimate priority. Help us all Jesus, to focus in on you. Even if it takes discipline.
Yes, I agree Danielle! I really feel this study is so pertinent in this time where there is SO much going on and there so many ways that people are trying to change society to go against God’s plan.
Me too. Reading but not savoring.
God’s word is a plumb line of faith which must be upheld. It is not a political doctrine, not a justification for control, or a means to dictate how others should live.
SHANTE GROSSETT – Thank you for your most convicting and timely devo! “We are not without hope.”
VICTORIA E – Congrats and prayers for your new position. ❤
RHONDA J – praying for you as you seek God in your relationship. 20+ years for me. I have leaned into whatever God is trying to teach me and get so discouraged some days. I have been doing what I E mentioned. I pray about if and when I should hold him accountable and when to let it go. Our son has his own way of dealing with it (on my behalf) that works, but that is a very different relationship. He does what he can to refuse when necessary. I have seen an improvement the last few days, but never know if it will last. It usually doesn’t! I have tried to find you on FB, but no luck. ❤
SEARCHING, INDIANA ELAINE – ❤
Sooo much to think about and ponder. Do I/we really, Really, REALLY listen, take in, comprehend and understand God and His Word?
Lord thank You for Your Word. Help me to walk the Christian way. Amen.
Be blessed and listen, read, take in, and appreciate God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
At different times in my life I have been struck by the ever-availability of the Bible in our modern, western society. As I dig deeper in my journey of knowing God through His Word, I am reminded that, just like us today with “God” at our fingertips, the ancient civilization of Israel was called by God Himself “His People,” forever! He even came and dwelled among them. And they still missed it, to the point of receiving the judgement of a famine of God’s Word! I can’t imagine the darkness and loneliness and despair would accompany that sort of judgement. But aren’t we dabbling in that very arrogance and pride, even in our “progressive times” and “information overload?” God, help me to remember, and cherish, the gift of Your Word in my very hands, everyday, and the gift of your presence in the Holy Spirit, every moment. You are so so good, and I cringe at the overwhelming amount of times I not only take it for granted, but don’t share it as much as I can!
For those keeping up with my parents’ situation, their house, and move….The house is UNDER CONTRACT with a CASH OFFER!!! WHOO HOO!!! Supposedly the inspection happened yesterday, and although it is in the past, would you all be praying for favor?? It’s such an old house, built and added on to in a time of no permits, and no oversight. It could potentially make the sale fall through, or become complicated as they request fixes and counteroffers. There is hope that they don’t even care, and just want the land (it is lake front property in an area that doesn’t see that come on the market very often) because they have in their contract a 2 week closing. Seemed to be such a long road getting to this point, and now it has hit “fast forward.” We should know more in the next day or so. Thank you, sweet She’s!
This was a sad time in the Bible. Sadly, I’ve been in this situation as well at times in my life. Distracted, reading the words but not hearing from the Lord. I’m growing and getting better now. Thank God!
This was a sad time in the Bible. Sadly, I’ve been in this situation as well at times in my life. Distracted, reading the words but not hearing from the Lord. I’m
Thank you INDIANA ELAINE, Searching, Theresa, (and others for praying for me!) Something is so comforting knowing other women understand exactly what I am experiencing in marriage and struggling with. “Short fuse” and “mad at the world” are spot on, yet only to me, no one else gets this version. And it’s not to slam on him, it is truly something that breaks my heart little by little. I will continue to take it to the Lord. My spouse would be hard to get to go to counseling, (he sees it as failure I think) but I’m hoping a marriage class through church in the Fall might be fruitful. I love that we can “be real,” and authentic here. We are all trying to get through life the best we can, but with “the life’s manual” which is God’s word to his people, we will reap what we sow, which is God’s goodness and love directing us to prevail and conquer! We will show the fruits of the spirit even when they are not shown to us. Love when not given, patience and kindness when not given.
At jail ministry yesterday we studied how to grow our relationship with the Lord by reading the bible. We went through the basics of what the bible is and how it is laid out, different versions, and so on. We had 6 or 7 girls and 3 rededicated (or maybe accepted Jesus for the first time!) their lives to the Lord. It is soul-rewarding to witness the humble place where they have the need or desire to finally KNOW they need him. It doesn’t happen once, the need to surrender to the Lord comes many times, and we need to be in a space daily to absorb his words and wisdom, to draw us close, to edify us, and give us His manna daily. Lord God, Heavenly Father, Jehovah-Jireh- we need you Lord, I need You. Forgive us for yesterday where we fail and sin, and help us today to have your Spirit to live and say, listen, and know you are in control of all things. Amen.
P.S. There is a new song that’s been playing called “But God!” Not sure who the female singer is, but of course it reminds me of @Tina! Miss her, and churchmouse, Angie, Taylor, Jennifer loves Jesus, and more…
I try to imaging a world where God is silent, where there is a famine of His Word. How awful that would be! But, do I take advantage now of the Word that is ever with us? I too get distracted at times when I am reading the scriptures. Satan wants our minds to be filled with other things so that it crowds out the things of the Lord. That is why it is so important to start our time in the Word with prayer, and as we are reading – continue to ask God to keep our mind focused on the Word and on Him and what He wants to teach us. Praise God we have the Holy Spirit, who will never leave us!
@Tricia Cavanaugh – Don’t be so hard on yourself. You did the best you could with what you knew at the time. God is faithful and just to forgive. And you can’t blame yourself for the choices your adult children make. I’ve been there, done that. If you feel led you can have conversation with them and tell them you are sorry for things you felt you did wrong in their up bringing. I’ve apologized to my adult children on numerous occasions. They continue to tell me they do not hold it against me (or my hubby) and what ever they got (they say) they probably deserved. Would I wish a “do over” absolutely! But that’s not possible, so I thank God for His grace, and move forward. Praying for you, that you too can put it behind and keep walking ahead.
Blessings to all my SRT Sisters!
It spoke to me about truly hearing what Hod is saying to me but also about doing more to help the poor, homeless, in prison. We tend to ignore these people on the corners but we need to see them and help if we can.
To not hear the voice of the Lord, the Word of the Lord is far worse than starving or thirsting physically.. We must hang on and devour His Word, as it is LIFE! With it, we will never hunger or thirst again! We will have rivers of living water flowing from us, as Jesus promised!
TRICIA – So much of what you’re saying speaks to me. I too was in a bad place when my kids were little. But don’t be too hard on yourself. God is still working. Even through our seeming screw ups!
So many times I start my ‘study’ and I’m merely reading words and not digesting them. It’s easy to take for granted the fact that we have God’s words directly in front of us. We hear them, but do I listen? I’m so humbled by today’s study. Praying that the Lord continues to work on me.
Just hit me hard in a couple of aspects today. I do struggle sometimes with focusing in. I have to stop and refocus so that I can be totally in God’s word.
I also struggle because I realize that a lot of the reason my children are the way they are is because of me. Exodus 34:6,7 totally struck me today. I was not in a good place when I had my children and even through their young years and teen years and now that I’m in a better place, I realize how they may be struggling and hard hearted because of me.  please forgive me, Lord. Please soften the hearts of my three children that they might except your gift of salvation in spite of me.
What a convicting message today! Like so many others here, I can find myself reading through the Bible and not really listening to what God is saying to me through his word. Having grown up in the church and coming to know Jesus when I was very young, the familiarity of some of these passages can cause me to gloss over them, waiting to move to the next thing. I am thankful that the word of God is living and active and still speaking today. Help me not to miss it!
VICTORIA E- praying for you as you step into this promotion. Congratulations!
RHONDA – praying for your husband and for you. My husband used to also struggle with a temper, among some other things, and it turned out to be related to undiagnosed depression.
HEIDI- praying for your passports to come through in time!
Ditto to all the comments on the conviction that came- May we read & SEE with our soul the message God is speaking to us each day through His Word. I get so distracted. I literally prayed about this yesterday. I also got a bit convicted about the desperation modern days Jews are praying for the Savior to come. May I pray from His return just as much!
How often do I read the words and fail to hear what the Lord is saying through them? Ouch- guilty for sure. Lord write Your words on my heart, help me to listen and obey!
AMBER SIEMIRNIEC— Same here. I keep reading, but in my head I’m also seeing how so much of that time period reminds me of our current times.
“Even for those of us who read Scripture regularly, how often do we read the words and fail to hear what the Lord is saying through them?” That sentence pierced me this morning. So often I’ll be reading the passages, stop and think what did I just read. I am so easily distracted by my thoughts, to do list at times. Oh Lord help to not just read but to hear you! I would not want experience your 400 years of silence.
As has been commented by others missing the voices of some dear She’s who have been quiet the last couple of plans!
Many times I’m reading the Word of God and as I read, I realize that I am not hearing or understanding what I’m reading— it is like I’m reading it but my mind wanders. These are the moments when I stop and have to pray for clarity and discernment, that I may truly hear what God is telling us through his Word.
I never realized before how Amos speaks in to our own time as well as a particular time for the Israelites. I have found this study to be unexpected and convicting. I love that as we are challenged, there is always a “but we have hope” statement. Thank you, God for your compassion on us and your spirit to help us discern your Word!
Really spoke to me❤️
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A famine of God’s word – my heart hurt when I read that. A life without the comfort, strength and wisdom of the words of the Lord would be devastating to me – and yet how many years did I live without Him, thinking I had it all? Thank you, Almighty God, that my eyes were opened to see that what I had was no more than sin and despair – praise Him for His saving grace! I pray that the lost would see the truth of their lives and turn to Jesus.
KELLY (NEO) – joining you in missing some of our sisters here. Thank you for your faithful reminder to them and us
RHONDA J & INDIANA ELAINE – I have one too, for over 30 years now. :( short fuse and seems to live in a state of perpetual anger at the world. I don’t understand it and continue to pray that he will experience a change of heart and attitude with the Lord’s help. Praying for both of you and your husbands. ❤️
TRACI GENDRON ❤️
VICTORIA E – congrats on promotion, joining you in prayer for strength and wisdom
MERCY – good to see you
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – congrats!
HEIDI & THERESA – praying for guidance and passport renewals
KATIE L & MICHELLE PATIRE – praying for each of you
AZ WALKER – praying for daughter’s travel safety
Amen
I think of Jeremiah 15:16 regarding God’s Words: Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.”
I pray this is always true.
“How often do we read the words and fail to hear” was spot on. Praying for a clear mind to hear Your word.
The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.
In God’s mercy, the famine of His presence ended with the coming of Christ.
May I feed on Him and His Words of Life, instead of the words of death that the world has to offer.
VICTORIA E – congratulations on the promotion. Will be praying for you to have peace and a clear vision for you and your team.
MERCY – glad to hear your time away was resorting.
THERESA and HEIDI – praying for the passports. I have heard that you can call your Congressperson and ask for his/her help to get it moving.
KATIE L – praying for your situation
DOROTHY – praying for Jake to cooperate
LYNNE FROM AL – praying for you and Jack
GRAMSISUE – praying for you and Steve
RHONDA J – praying the Lord will give you wisdom in responding to your husband’s outbursts.
Missing TINA, CHURCHMOUSE, ERB, FOSTER MAMA, ANGIE, JENNIFER LOVES JESUS, SKY HILTON, and others