Abstract
Reading God’s Word consistently generates profound spiritual responses in believers - excitement, peace, joy, and strength. Scripture testifies that a converted heart naturally delights in studying God’s Word, finding it as essential as daily food. When Bible reading feels burdensome rather than delightful, it signals a serious spiritual condition requiring examination, as genuine faith invariably produces hunger for Scripture and joy in its study.
Excitement Studying the Word
- And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
The disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced intense spiritual excitement (“hearts burning”) simply from hearing Scripture explained, even before recognizing Jesus. This demonstrates how God’s Word itself, properly understood, creates spiritual fervor.
Peace and Comfort
- Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
- I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
God’s law brings “great peace” to those who love it (Psalm 119:165), showing that Scripture study isn’t meant to produce anxiety but rather tranquility. The Psalmist found comfort in remembering God’s judgments, indicating Scripture as a source of solace.
Joy and Delight
- 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.
- The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
- But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
- And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
- I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
- Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
- Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
- I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
Scripture consistently portrays Bible study as delightful. Jeremiah “ate” God’s words, finding them a joy to his heart. The Psalmist repeatedly expresses delight in God’s law, statutes, and commandments. This delight is so profound that meditation on Scripture becomes a day and night activity.
Spiritual Growth
- As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Scripture functions as spiritual nourishment, compared to milk for newborns (1 Peter 2:2). The Word’s power to penetrate heart and mind (Hebrews 4:12) shows its effectiveness in promoting spiritual maturity.
Hope and Strength
- For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
- My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
Beyond emotional comfort, Scripture provides lasting hope and strength. Romans 15:4 explicitly states that Scripture was written to give us hope. The Psalmist found strength in God’s word during times of heaviness.
Conclusion
For the converted heart, Scripture study isn’t a dutiful burden but a source of authentic joy, peace, and spiritual vitality.