Internalizing God’s Word

The words of Jeremiah the prophet can be encouraging for us today. Even though it is an Old Testament, the picture of New Testament truth shines through. Despite facing severe hardship and yes, even persecution, Jeremiah found a deep sustaining joy by consuming and embracing God Word. Understand since this was Old Testament timeframe, he did not have the revealed word through Jesus, nor did he personally know the person of Jesus, the One yet promised.

Yet, even in the midst of Old Testament troubles, Jeremiah knew to go to the Word of God that he had. He embraced the Word.

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight
of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV) 

Notice several things.  He spent time to find God’s Word and embraced it. He found God’s Word. Then, he ate the words he found. He read and meditated on the words. He let the words of God revitalize him, encourage him, and strengthen him. What was the result? God’s words were a joy to him, a delight of his heart. As he took in of God’s words, he was strengthened and encouraged which produced joy in his heart. He believed God’s Word and received nourishment to keep going. The Word also verified to him that he was called by His name.

Jeremiah provides an example on how to internalize God’s Word. You won’t know what God says if you don’t read His Word. When you begin to find the promises of Jesus in the New Testament, and let those truths settle in your heart, they become established. Then it won’t be hard to believe what the Lord has done for you. That’s when you are able to make the Word personal to your individual life. That’s when the word of the finished work of Jesus becomes a joy because you know that you know that you know.

Follow Jeremiah’s example on how to internalize God’s Word. Let His promises become the joy and delight of your heart, strengthening your daily walk. The best is yet to come!