I look around me at God’s people and see ruins.

I look at me and see ruins.

Of course, not everything is ruins — I see more than ruins. But right now I’m thinking of the ruins.

Ruined lives. No longer whole. Marred by sin. Scarred by sin and self. Some more than others but everyone ruined.

Individuals. Families. Churches. Ruined.

“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old” (Amos 9:11).

That’s what I need!

I want the Lord to raise up my ruins, building me, closing up my breaches.

Question is, do I want that enough to yield myself fully to Him and His plans and His ways?

Always a catch, huh?

Actually, the title I prefer because of its greater accuracy is this: Even Those Who Should Be Strong and Resilient Shall Faint. Now you see why I didn’t use it!

But that’s what this next verse says to me.

“In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst” (Amos 8:13).

This fainting results from not having the Word of God.

Historically, the Jews went through that. And it needn’t have been.

But never mind them. What about me?

When I deprive myself of God’s Word, I shall faint spiritually.

No matter how strong I am now. No matter how healthy I have been. No matter how seasoned in the faith I am.

That verse reminds me of Isaiah 40:30. I’ll put down 31, though.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”