I love Lay’s Potato Chips. The salty taste, the crunching sound they make, and the thin texture of the chip make them one of my favorite snacks. However, they are not on my list of healthy foods. I try not to buy them often because when I do have a bag in the house, my favorite time to eat these unhealthy snacks is when I am sitting on the couch watching TV around 10 pm. So, not only am I eating a bad snack, but I am also eating it right before bed.

This indulgence reminds me of our spiritual cravings and habits. Just as I crave those chips, our souls crave nourishment. The question is, what are we feeding our souls? Are we indulging in things that satisfy temporarily but ultimately harm us, or are we seeking sustenance that truly nourishes and strengthens us?

As a child, I remember hearing the story of the prophet Jeremiah and being captivated by his profound love for God’s Word. Jeremiah 15:16 says, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” The imagery of Jeremiah consuming God’s words, finding joy and delight in them, paints a vivid picture of the kind of desire we should all have for Scripture.

Jeremiah’s passion for God’s Word is a beautiful example of how deeply we should long to engage with Scripture. Just as we crave physical nourishment, we should crave spiritual nourishment from the Bible. Unfortunately, many Christians struggle to maintain this level of desire. There are numerous reasons why some of us may not feel committed to reading the Word of God daily.

One reason is the distractions and busyness of life. We live in a fast-paced world filled with responsibilities, entertainment, and endless distractions. It can be easy to prioritize other activities over spending time in God’s Word. Another reason is a lack of understanding or feeling intimidated by the Bible. Some Christians may find it difficult to comprehend certain passages and may feel discouraged from delving deeper into Scripture. Lastly, some may not fully grasp the importance of daily communion with God through His Word. They may not realize the profound impact it can have on their lives.

So, how can we increase our appetite for God’s Word? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Pray for Desire: Ask God to give you a hunger for His Word. Pray that He would open your heart and mind to the beauty and truth of Scripture. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”

2. Set a Routine: Just as we schedule meals throughout the day, set a specific time each day to read the Bible. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, make it a priority. Psalm 1:2 reminds us, “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

3. Use Study Aids: Invest in a good study Bible, commentaries, or devotional books that can help you understand the context and meaning of Scripture. This can make reading the Bible more engaging and less intimidating.

4. Join a Bible Study Group: Surround yourself with fellow believers who are passionate about God’s Word. Studying the Bible together can provide encouragement, accountability, and deeper insights.

5. Reflect and Apply: After reading, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it applies to your life. James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Scripture is filled with examples of individuals who valued and delighted in God’s Word. David, the psalmist, often expressed his love for God’s law. In Psalm 119:103, he says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” And Jesus Himself, when tempted by the devil, emphasized the importance of Scripture by saying, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Our desire for God’s Word should be like Jeremiah’s—a hunger so intense that we want to consume it, allowing it to nourish our souls and guide our lives. As we grow in our love for Scripture, we’ll find ourselves more in tune with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We’ll discover the joy and peace that comes from daily communion with our Creator.

In conclusion, let us pray for a renewed desire for God’s Word. Let us commit to reading and meditating on Scripture daily, seeking to grow closer to God and understand His will for our lives. May we echo the words of Jeremiah and find joy and delight in the words of our Lord. Amen.