Sweeter Than Honey: How to Desire God’s Word

“How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Psalm 119:103 ESV

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter found in the Bible and is famous for its teaching on God’s law.

But it’s not simply about what to do and not do—it’s about how God’s law deepens our relationship with him.

In today’s verse, the words of God are described as “sweeter than honey.”

Honey is a natural sweetener. And God’s words (or laws) bring a sweetness to the life we live.

Just as like we crave sweet treats, our lives should crave the sweetness of God’s words if we are followers of Jesus (1 Peter 2:1-3).

Sweeter Than Honey in Our Lives

This desire does not come from good works or going to church, but from the one and only giver of sweet things, God (Psalm 119:18).

While we can learn much from God’s word as we listen to a pastor preach or musician sing, we shouldn’t rely on just these as our honey. We need to learn to enjoy God’s Word by ourselves also. But without the desire to read God’s Word, even the most self-disciplined of efforts will fail.

As C.S. Lewis said:

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

To fall in love with God’s Word requires that we fall in love with the Author himself. His words are sweeter than honey because everything that comes from him is good. So if you’re struggling with a lack of desire to spend time in the Bible, don’t start by trying to manufacture that desire.

Instead, begin by asking yourself these two questions:

1. Do I love God?
2. Do I desire to spend time in his presence?

If the answer to question two isn’t a true, “Yes,” then reconsider your answer to question one. Don’t receive this as a harsh chastisement. Instead, consider it a fresh chance to understand where you’re at.

Remember, loving God’s Word means more than loving Scripture—it means loving the Word, Jesus Christ himself.

No matter where you’re at today, join me in praying this prayer today:

God, I want to love your Word. I want to love you more than I do right now… More than I ever have before. Move on my heart and my affections. Give me a deep, burning desire to be near you. To hear your voice. To love your presence. Overshadow all things by your majesty and become the single longing of my soul. 

Today’s devotion by Jordan Loftis, author of two bestselling books, Today We Win and The Men With Bare Feet, host of The Bible Better Podcast, and editor of Short Daily Devotions.