Jeremiah 15:16 says: “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.” (NLT)
God’s Word — the Bible — is our joy and delight. It isn’t burdensome to read the Bible; it’s nourishment for us. Reading the Bible every day isn’t for God’s benefit, it’s for ours. When we read the Bible, we read it to find Jesus — even the Old Testament points to Jesus, who came and died for our sins, so we could forever be reconciled to God.
But if you don’t read the Bible every day, there’s no condemnation. It’s just like when a child doesn’t eat breakfast and gets cranky. The parents aren’t mad at the child for not eating (though in our human weakness, we can get frustrated at times). But deep down, every good parent knows that the child is just hungry.
It’s the same with reading the Bible.
When we don’t read the Bible, God knows that we’re hungry — spiritually. Thanks to Jesus, all of our sins (past, present and future) are forgiven. The Bible strengthens us. It gives us much needed nourishment to face the day. And when you don’t do it, don’t feel condemned. God promised He would never be angry again with those, who have accepted Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Just come to your heavenly Father and eat — as much as you want. Fill yourself with spiritual nourishment in the Bible.
Say (!) this to God: God, help me to prioritize reading the Bible every day. Make it my desire to devour your Word. And when I don’t read it, remind me, Holy Spirit, that God is not mad at me. Remind me of my identity in Jesus. And help me come back to your Word. (or, of course, in your own words)
