Jeremiah and Words From God

As I write this (Feb. 28), my daily Bible reading took me to Jeremiah 15.

Wow, if any prophet ever had hard, it was Jeremiah! He is known as the “weeping prophet,” and yes, like us all he got discouraged at times. Chapter 15 is one such point.

A little backstory: Israel and Judah had turned their backs on God so many times that God himself says “You have abandoned me and turned your back on me…I am tired of always giving you another chance” (vs. 6 NLT). Jeremiah constantly warned them that God’s destruction bore down on them.

I imagine that can weigh a person down. And it did.

Jeremiah’s Despair

Jeremiah says in verse 10 (NLT), “Oh, that I had died at birth!…they all curse me.”
But God reassured him. “If you return [and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair], then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile [cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God’s faithfulness], you shall be My mouthpiece. [But do not yield to them.] Let them return to you—not you to [the people]” (verse 19 AMPC).

That verse that jumped out at me. I read the NLT. “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words [God’s truth] rather than worthless ones [what the world says], you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!”

What does God’s encouragement to Jeremiah have to do with us writers?

We’re “word” people. God has given us words to write (and speak) that will influence the lives of others in positive ways. We must stay connected to Him—not the world—and write the truths of His Word to the world. Yes, to the world, because our books are available to all!

Be encouraged. Seek the Holy Spirit and His wisdom as you write, and He will lead the way.