Jeremiah 15:16a, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart;”
I’m sure that you’ve heard the expression, “Watch out what you say, you may have to eat your words!” Of course, this is not what this verse is talking about. It’s plain to see here that Jeremiah was expressing a hunger for and a hankering for God’s Word.
We eat because we are hungry. We eat because we have a need for nourishment and strength to meet the demands of life. Sometimes we eat just because it is pleasurable – some things taste so good we just want more and more. This is the way that Jeremiah is relating to God’s Word. I think all of the above can fit into the category of how we should approach our reading of the Scriptures.
The second statement in this verse also gives us insight into Jeremiah’s heart towards Bible reading, “and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” This is the same attitude that we should have when we read God’s Word. It truly should be a joy to read the Scriptures. It meets all the needs of the human heart: it encourages, it rebukes, it teaches, it helps, it instructs, it directs, it comforts – this list can go on and on.
The best part of everyday should be when you are reading God’s Word. Meditate and think about what God is saying and why He put these words in the Scriptures. You should taste, chew, swallow, and enjoy what you are reading. Every word is there for a reason – it is information He wants us to know. The Holy Spirit will help you to understand the things that God desires for you to understand – just ask Him.
It’s through reading the Bible that God shows us that He loves us and that we belong to Him. This truth should cause joy and rejoicing in our hearts – every day.
Happy eating!
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