A Favorite Verse

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.

Jeremiah is warning the children of Israel of impending judgment. He is facing derision, hatred, and scorn. And now, after obedience to the Word of God, he is realizing destruction is imminent -- and he is in the midst of an unGodly people. He cries out to God for protection and God promises him deliverance.

But in the midst of his plea for mercy, he acknowledges his love for God's words. He reminds God that he himself has suffered rebuke, that he did not sit with the mockers and partake of their sin.

I have always loved verse 16. Surely His word has been my source of great rejoicing in all situations. When life would have left me undone, His word was my strength. As sorrows overwhelming swirl around, His word has been an anchor. Darkness floods my pathway, but His word brings light, hope, and peace.

I love His Word.

"Oh, Lord, may I ever cling to the goodness of Your Word of truth. In this sin-darkened world full of brokenness and despair, deception and self-centered ways, hopelessness and foolish living, may Your Word bring light, joy, peace passing understanding, and truth. May I be bold enough to share the goodness of Your Word in a place where Your goodness is not cherished, in a world where the enemy has blinded eyes, in situations flooded with selfish notions of what is true. May I shine Your grace and mercy in all places where You send me. Let me be a faithful and bold servant of Your love, mercy, and truth. Amen."

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.