Read: Jeremiah 20:7-13
The prophet Jeremiah had a difficult job of proclaiming God’s message to the Israelites. They were a people who were not willing to accept God’s message through him. He had to endure much physical abuse, verbal attacks, imprisonment, and isolation. Although Jeremiah struggled with deep discouragement, he had a Helper God through all his troubles. God promised him, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19). In our passage for today, we see Jeremiah enduring much torment while striving to remain faithful to his calling (Jer. 20:1-6). His suffering made him question that calling (Jer. 20:7-10), but he quickly reaffirmed God’s sovereignty over everything (Jer. 20:11-13).
Just as God was with Jeremiah, He will be with us also. He will not desert us. In the New Testament, we have the wonderful assurance of His continual aid through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives inside every believer (John 14:16-17). The Helper, the Holy Spirit gives us hope (Rom. 15:13). He will guide us toward spiritual truth (John 16:13), and He pours out God’s love in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). We can always trust that God faithfully helps us when we endure hardships for His Name’s sake. We also can say like Jeremiah said, “The Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper” (Jer. 20:11).
