Days of Famine

"But in the seventh year the land is to have a sabbath of rest ... to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or ... reap what grows of itself ... You may ask, 'What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?' I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years."
~ Leviticus 25:4-5,20-21 (NIV)

The upright ... shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied....
I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
~ Psalms 37:18-19,25 (NKJV)

The Lord showed exceptional zeal for His Sabbaths—the seventh day of the week and the seventh year. When the Jews were taken captive to Babylon, the time of their captivity was seventy years, according to the number of Sabbaths the land was due (2 Chronicles 36:21).

Farmers know the benefit of rotating crops to prevent excessive depletion of the soil. Setting aside time from work to devote to the Lord imparts peace of mind and body that makes a person more productive six other days. Observing this important sign shows faith in the Lord's ability to accomplish more for us in six days (or years) than we ourselves attain in seven.

The present economy is not yet days of famine. But it can undermine faith in the Lord's provision, and tempt disregard for principles of tithing and Sabbath rests. If we would yet have "all things added," we need only seek first His kingdom.

Loving Father, You didn't say we would not go hungry, but that You would satisfy our hunger. Please let whatever we lack in health or wealth be the means by which You increase our faith in You and make us more dependent upon You. Give us hunger for You above all else.

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