DAY22 Heart Food
Today’s Bible Reading
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Your words were found, and I ate them. - Jeremiah 15:16
I love food! I love to see it beautifully presented, and I love to savor the taste. If it were up to me, I would eat more often than I should—although it wouldn’t help my waistline! So, it’s a good thing my wife, Martie, knows when to lovingly remind me to eat healthful foods in the right amount.
Reading Jeremiah’s interesting thought—that when he found the words of God (even the words of God’s judgment) he “ate them” (Jeremiah 15:16)— makes me wonder if I ingest God’s Word as eagerly, as lovingly, and as often.
Clearly, Jeremiah did not actually eat God’s Word. It was his way of saying that he read and savored it in his innermost being. And that’s exactly where God’s Word is intended to go. The Word is heart food! When we ingest it, the Holy Spirit provides the power to help us grow to be more like Jesus. His Word transforms how we think about God, money, enemies, careers, and family. In other words, it’s really good for us.
So, “eat” God’s Word to your heart’s content! No doubt you will find yourself agreeing with the prophet Jeremiah when he said: “Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (15:16).
By Joe Stowell
Questions:
1. What kind of situation was Jeremiah facing, and how was he feeling (Jeremiah 15:15,18)?
2. What had Jeremiah done in the past in order to serve God faithfully and well (Jeremiah 15:16-17)?
3. What did God tell Jeremiah to do, and what did He promise Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:19-21)? Write down two commands and two promises below.
Prayer:
Lord, cultivate in me an appetite for Your Word. Thank You that the Bible is food for my soul. Lead me to read it, to savor it, to ingest it, and to know the strength that Your words can give to my oftenfailing heart.