Delightful Words

Ever since I first learned how, I have loved to read. My room is filled with books – biographies, theological works, ethics textbooks – ear-marked, tear-stained copies of my favorite literature. Emma flips open to Mr. Knightley’s proposal of its own accord -Jane Eyre does the same for Mr. Rochester’s first declaration -I am in desperate need of a new copy of Wuthering Heights. Just this morning, I was scouring the internet for the source of two lines of Keats that have been singing in my head for two weeks -when I found it, I read it no less than five times, cherishing every lyrical phrase.

I love words. I love the power that they have to communicate ideas. In fact, one of the reasons I love to write is because I grew up appreciating the words of others -from William Shakespeare to John Steinbeck to Harper Lee to hundreds of other authors in between. The other day, though, I ran across a Bible verse that reminded me of the most important words for a woman of virtue to cherish:

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” ~Jeremiah 15:16

What sweet words to mediate on! Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart. To read God’s Word, to cherish his commandments (1 John 5:4), to impart them to others through word (1 Peter 3:15) and deed (Philippians 1:27-28), to apply them to our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17) should be the height of our joy, the peak of delight.

I’m reminded today – even in the midst of my love for a good poem or a fantastic work of literature – that no words can compare to the power, beauty, and truth encompassed in God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12). Oh, that the pages of my Bible should be tear-stained, highlighted, ear-marked, and cherished far more than any other book I own. And may I only cherish those other works to the degree that they glorify my King. May the same be said for my sisters in Christ – may we delight in the words of the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, who died as a ransom for our sins (John 1:1-5), and may our words reflect our understanding of his truths (Proverbs 31:26).

Jasmine is the only daughter, and oldest of Voddie and Bridget Baucham's six children. She is a homeschool graduate who enjoys studying and writing about areas as varied as theology, philosophy, political science, art, film and culture. She has served as her father's research assistant since she was sixteen years old, and launched and managed VBM online store that same year, outsourcing it in 2009, when it outgrew the ministry. Jasmine is also an aspiring author who currently lives at home where she continues to assist her father in his research, is completing a degree in English literature, writing a book based on her blog Joyfully at Home and is blessed to assist her mother with the care of her younger siblings.

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