Our bodies require food to live. If we lose our appetite, it usually is sign that something is wrong. It is a symptom of something more. Maybe we are sick?

Often, even though we have no appetite, we know we still must eat. So we eat for nourishment – not because we “want” the food.

Once we make the decision to follow Christ and we begin to live by the spirit, we need more than just physical food. The Word in Deuteronomy 8:3b (and also quoted by Jesus Himself in Luke chapter 4) says, “People do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every Word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

What makes us lose our appetite spiritually?

While there may be many causes, one definite cause (according to Proverbs 13:12) is hope that has been deferred. When we have been waiting on an answer that just doesn’t seem like it will ever come. This causes our heart to feel sick, broken, crushed, fearful, depressed. The Bible goes on to say in the 18^th chapter of Proverbs that, “The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?”

Have you been waiting on something from the Lord? Do you feel like you have lost hope? Have you been afraid and depressed? Have you lost your appetite for the Word?

What to do?

“Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the Name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James5:14-16, NLT)

Interestingly, this above set of scripture goes on later to mention Elijah and his prayers. It says he was human, just as we were. He was. And he also experienced a loss of appetite and crushed spirit. Check out 1 Kings Chapter 19. Elijah, in fear, ran away and hid. He became terribly depressed. He had no appetite. But God sent an angel to him with bread. The angel wakes up Elijah, tells him to get up and eat. So Elijah got up, ate and drank. But it wasn’t enough. He was still discouraged and depressed, and so he laid back down. The angel of the LORD came back again and touched Elijah and told him to “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So Elijah got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength for the journey.

Even when you don’t have an appetite for the Bread of Life – the Word of God – Get up and eat anyway! Eat (read, study, cling to the Word) for strength and nourishment – or the journey of life will be too much. And have the spiritual leaders in your church to pray for you and anoint you. God is faithful. You will regain your strength and you will begin to get your appetite back.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” (Hebrews 10:23, NLT)

Angel is a wife, mother and a servant of God who enjoys drinking coffee and Bible study, writing and teaching. You will find her writing for Jesus at Vision61 Ministries. Learn more about her, the ministry, and how to connect HERE.