This Month’s Reading Plan at a Glance: August

How to Have a Joyful Heart

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.” Jeremiah 15:16

What a great way to start the month of August - by literally filling our hearts with JOY and REJOICING. I love this verse! In fact, whenever I have the opportunity to sign a book, I include Jeremiah 15:16. We often think that having a joyful heart is simply a matter of attitude - but here Jeremiah gives us a very practical step to put joy into our heart - READ GOD’S WORD.

In Jeremiah 15:16 we see the prophet likening God’s Word to a sumptuous serving of joy and rejoicing. God often likens His Word to food or drink. Why? Because as we’ve seen through the entire Bible, God is painting us a picture that we more easily comprehend. Think with me: our bodies need food and drink to be nourished, sustained, and satisfied. God is simply saying: “Your soul needs nourishment too – so take it in like you do your food.” Let it be both what sustains your days and gives joy to your feasts. So, let’s look and see what else He say about our food today:

“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
“…Give me the little book. And he [the angel] said unto me, Take it, and eat it up…” Revelation 10:9

But remember, all Scripture points to Jesus. Every one of these Scriptures culminates in Jesus Christ when we hear Him say:

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51

So as you begin the month of August - feed your hungry soul my friend. Take in His Word, the nourishment you need and you will find it filling your heart with JOY.

Download August's Reading Plan