Devouring God’s Words

I said, “LORD, you know what’s happening to me. Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors! Please give me time; don’t let me die young. It’s for your sake that I am suffering. When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies. I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me. I was filled with indignation at their sins. Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry.”

Jeremiah 15:15-19

Words can be used powerfully in both positive and negative ways. With them we can hurt and humiliate others, or we can encourage and strengthen people to carry on. In today’s prayer, the prophet Jeremiah asked God to punish his persecutors. He then told the Lord, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.” God’s encouraging words helped to sustain him during the persecution he was enduring.

In response to his prayer, God told Jeremiah to do the same—to “speak good words rather than worthless ones.” His words were to influence the people of Israel. How could you use words for good and not evil? Ask God for opportunities to be his spokesperson.

• O Lord, help me to speak good words, not worthless ones . . .