Jeremiah's sentence has a second half that people often miss.

"Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV)

There are two parts in that verse. First, Jeremiah eats God's words. Then he says those words became the joy and rejoicing of his heart.

Jeremiah uses two Hebrew words side by side: (sason) שָׂשׂוֹן — "joy, gladness, exultation" and (simchah) שִׂמְחָה — "gladness, rejoicing." Together, they describe his response to God's word.

Many of us finish the chapter, close the book, and check it off. Reading is not complete when you close the book. Continue until God's word gives you joy.

Slow down. Stay on the verse that stopped you. If that verse has not brought joy, keep reading it.

Joy has a purpose.

"Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'" Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)

The setting matters here. Ezra had just read the Law aloud to the whole nation from morning until midday. Nehemiah told them to eat physical food and be glad, because the joy of the LORD is their (maoz) מָעוֹז — "strength, stronghold, refuge." That word does not describe a feeling. It describes a fortified position.

The joy of the LORD gives you strength as you read Scripture.

Joy also affects your body.

"A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)

Solomon connects a merry heart with the body. The proverb compares its effect to medicine.

When God's word gives you joy, you have received it.