Can you imagine having such a conversation with God? How wonderful for us that Jeremiah’s scribe has memorialized this for us. There is a wealth of wisdom packed into these verses. What spoke to your heart most?
God is clearly speaking to Jeremiah about the inevitable doom that is about to befall God’s children. Jeremiah’s honesty about what he’s feeling is refreshing. He’s worried about his own future, and he lays it out there before God.
Jeremiah is already enduring hardship because of his choice to be faithful to God. He wants to know how he fits into this whole picture of doom God is painting. After all, he isn’t one of those who God is calling “wicked.” What is going to happen to him? It’s a fair question he asks with boldness.
Have you ever cried out to God wanting answers like this? Were you bold, expecting God to answer? Maybe you’re going through something in your life right now that is draining you and causing you to question your faith. You might be wondering, “where is God?”
The good news for us is he has not abandoned us. So long as we believe and accept God’s grace through Jesus, we know God is by our side. That’s a great assurance to have. We sometimes need a reminder when things start going poorly in our lives, like facing an unforeseen financial hardship.
God protects his faithful servants. “I will take care of you, Jeremiah.” Yet Jeremiah still presses on claiming his innocence. Jeremiah’s fear is taking hold of him, and quite frankly I don’t blame him one bit. I’d be scared, too! “Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors! Please give me time; don’t let me die young. It’s for your sake that I am suffering.” Thankfully, my mission for God hasn’t caused extreme suffering. What doubts and fears would you like God to respond to?
Jeremiah is smack dab in the middle of this mess. His thinking may not be entirely clear because he wants answers. God doesn’t lose patience with him and says, “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me.” God gives Jeremiah some great consolation as this chapter ends. Jeremiah will not be conquered because the LORD will protect him. Now it’s up to Jeremiah to not give up on trusting God.
Let these words resonate with you from Psalm 62:5-6. “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.”
If you were to have a 2-way conversation with God today, what lament on your heart would you share with him? Are you feeling desperate or fatigued by what life is throwing at you? Or perhaps you would be full of praise and thanksgiving. Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine sitting with God having that conversation. Now it’s time to pray.
Let’s pray … Lord, it’s so great to be able to talk to you about anything. Nothing surprises you. Forgive me for those times when I have stepped outside your will for my life. Shine your light on my path so that I can clearly see the direction I should follow. You know I love you, Lord. May my actions show you and others my devotion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
