Joy from the Word
By Harold Vaughan
Scripture Reading --Jeremiah 15:16b
"Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart."
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, grieved over the sins of his people. Often God called upon him to bear the news of judgment to his sinning countrymen, but Jeremiah wasn't weeping all the time. He had bright spots along the way. One joy of his life was the Word of God.
The Bible serves many functions. It is a sword to cut, a fire to burn, a rod to chasten, bread to feed, water to quench, a lamp to lighten, and a source of great joy.
Jeremiah said, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts" (Jer. 15:16). This prophet feasted on God's words. He took in the Word, and it became part of him. God's Word was his source of joy.
The Old Testament reveals God's character. The Psalms show the heart of God. In Proverbs, we find God's wisdom; and the New Testament gives us an understanding of Christ and the Christian life. Everything that pertains to life and godliness can be found in the pages of this book.
But sadly, the worst dust storm in history would probably take place if Christians opened their Bibles! The reason many come away cold from Bible reading is because they don't warm by the fires of meditation. We need to dwell on God's words until they make an impression.
George Mueller, who experienced many answers to prayer, read through the Bible twice every year. A closed Bible is not a good luck charm. But an open Bible can be the source of great joy to an open heart. Perhaps you've have heard this little chorus:
The B-I-B-L-E.
Yes, that's the book for me.
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E. Bible!
©1994 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
Chorus: If you know this little song, sing it!
Be the first to react on this!
