God’s word — the food for our heart

READ: Jeremiah 15,16; Psalms 103; Colossians 2

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 15: 16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

OBSERVATION: Jews respect Jeremiah as one of the Major prophets. Jeremiah is called “a weeping prophet” since he frequently expresses his agony over the impending destruction upon his people. He prophesized for about 40 years during the last five kings of Judah, yet none listened to his warning prophecies. His people refused to hear and obey the word of God. Jer.6:10 gives us a picture of the people of Judah, “The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.” At such a time, Jeremiah received God’s word. Some say it may allude to the book of the Law found during the period of Josiah (2 Kings 22:8). Looking at Jeremiah’s life, Jer.15:16 suggests that he sought God’s word and found or received it. Do we seek the word of God in times of our trouble? When God’s word comes to us, what do we do?

Jeremiah says, “I ate them.” It is the natural response of those who tasted God’s word. God’s word is the essential food for our spiritual man. “Every word that comes from the mouth of God” helps us to live in this world (Deut.8:3; Mt.4:4). They are sweeter than honey (Ps.119:103). Here, eating the word of God refers to meditating it. As digestion helps to get the nourishments from food, meditating the word of God blesses our hearts. God’s words give joy to our hearts as they are “full of the Spirit and life” (Ps.19:8; Jn.6:63). God’s words are Jeremiah’s heart’s delight. God’s word gives us the power to live and overcome our struggles. Psalmist says, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Ps.119:92). Those who meditate on the word of God find their joy and delight in it (Ps.1:1–2). When we seek God’s word for our life, we will find it. When we meditate on the word of God, they are our joy and hearts’ delight. Do we delight in God’s word? How much time do we spend every day meditating on God’s word? We are HIS people.

APPLICATION: I should not refuse to receive God’s words. I must pay my full attention to God’s word. As I meditate on God’s word, I must allow his word to change and transform me. God’s word is my joy and my heart’s delight. I belong to God; I have kept his words in my heart.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your words of eternal life. In the uncertain world, your words are my joy and my heart’s delight. Lord, help me to seek your word with all my heart and meditate on it. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your word. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day — 285

(Tamil version of this devotion is posted here)