Jeremiah 20:11

New International Version (NIV)

But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior;
so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
their dishonor will never be forgotten.

For Meditation

Something may be bothering you this morning. Your day may be cloudy, and fear may have paralyzed you already. Jeremiah can speak to your situation so well this morning. He was beaten and put in stocks for speaking the truth the Israelites didn’t want to hear from God (Jer. 20:1-2). When he was set free, he continued to speak the truth, disregarding the consequences he could face (3-6).

For your encouragement this morning, know that the prophets of God were as human as you are. Situations overwhelmed them, their burden got too heavy, and the threats against them struck fear in them, just as you may be terrified now (1 Kings 19:1-5).

Jeremiah certainly had his share of terror, and he took his complains to God (Jer. 20:7-9). He outlined the threats that confronted him (10), confessed his trust in God’s absolute protection (11), cried on Him for deliverance (12), and called for praise to Him who rescues the needy from the wicked (13).

So, may I ask you:

1. What report have you heard lately? What whispers have upset the silence of your day?
2. Are they voices of conspiracy against your welfare and progress? Is it because of your firm stand for righteousness where you are? Do they terrify you?
3. Who are they that seek your downfall? Are they your friends and confidants, colleagues, or family members? Have you almost fallen for their threats and deception?
4. How long have they waited for you to slip? How long have they wished for a debilitating sickness to consume you, so they can delight in their revenge? Or, is it your financial collapse they seek to mock and jeer at you?
5. What is their motive for coming against you with such blazing heat and sharpened teeth? What do they seek to gain by your fall? What pleasure do they have by their hatred and persecution?
6. Can you trust with Jeremiah today that the Lord is with you as a Mighty Warrior, therefore your enemies will stumble and not prevail (Jer. 20:11)?

I pray these verses from Psalm 37 will comfort and encourage your faith in Jesus.

“The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming” – vv.12-13

“The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand” – vv.23-24

“The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
intent on putting them to death;
 but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked
or let them be condemned when brought to trial” – vv.32-33

It is well.

Shalom