12/12/2024

Read: Jeremiah 15:16 - “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”

Reflect: This passage may sound strange to us at first. Jeremiah found God’s word and he ate it? But this imagery is actually used a few times throughout the Bible. Moses said we live not on bread alone, but on God’s word. Ezekiel told the people to eat the words he gave them. John in the Revelation vision ate the scroll given to him by the angel. And it helps us correctly think about our relationship with God’s word. Scripture is meant to be consumed by us, and after it is consumed, it must be digested. As we slowly meditate on the word of God, it works in us to transform our hearts and minds. Read what Jeremiah says next. “And your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” As we consume the word of God, it becomes an inner source of joy for us! When we truly digest (meditate) upon His word, we can recall all the promises and faithfulness of God at a moment’s notice, bringing us joy even in the darkest places. This joy is able to then fill our minds, replacing worthless thoughts that only seek to draw us away from our Lord. We must satisfy our hunger for God’s truth and let the joy of His word overflow from us!

Respond: Examine your heart: would you say God’s word is a source of joy for you? Especially during this season? Thank God for His word to us and ask Him to help you find joy in it!