Reading: Jeremiah 10 – 15

Scripture

Think of how I suffered reproach for your sake. When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:15b-16 (NIV)

Observations

Right at the beginning, God had warned Jeremiah that in serving him, he would have “…to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.” (Jeremiah 1:18). Yes, God promised to be with him and protect him, but what a life he must have lived; what a burden his calling must have been to bear. No doubt he longed to be welcomed and accepted by the people around him, but there was something he cherished far more – “When your words came…” Hearing from God was what Jeremiah lived for. His soul hungered for it. “I ate [your words]; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name…”

Application

I too have opportunity to hear the voice of God speaking to me. The wonder of that possibility is almost breathtaking, yet so easily disregarded or made light of. To hear the voice of God is not only a privilege – it is life-transforming. But it can only happen as I purposefully incline my heart towards him and seek him, like a flower unfolding its petals each morning and following the sun as it moves across the sky. It is intentional, and born out of both hunger and delight.

Prayer

Lord, I also bear your name. Like Jeremiah I have been called and your Spirit is within me. I have been bought for a price and I am yours. I too hunger for your words. As I read your Word, please speak to my heart. May I never be satisfied with just words on a page. Please bring them to life, and sharpen the acuity of my ears so that I might clearly hear your voice speaking to me. May nothing else in this life satisfy the longing of my heart like hearing you speaking to me. May that forever be my joy and my heart's delight.

See also Wake Up and Listen