Scripture Reading

Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Insight on the Word

While the wicked may suffer loss during time of famine this is not to be the case with the righteous. “The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” (Proverbs 10:3) Famine is frightening to the wicked but to the child of God who trust His Lord, it is nothing but a laughing matter. “At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh.” (Job 5:22)

The Lord does not give us “just barely get by” in famine but He promises to satisfy us. “The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: …and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” (Psalm 37:18-19) Being taken care of in famine has two prerequisites: trust the Lord and doing good. “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)

In Genesis 26 we are told there was a famine in the land. However when Isaac believed God and was obedient he “sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12) Like Isaac, our trust and faith in the Lord is to be so great that we are to: “take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” (Matthew 6:31) After all our “heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:31) For the truth is as we seek “first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) In famine we have nothing to fear for we have God’s promise, He will “keep them alive in famine.”

Speak the Word — If famine comes, God will keep me alive.! (Psalms 33:19)

Daily Bible Reading — 2 Samuel 1 – 4