Getting to Know the Prophetsنموونە

Jeremiah

It’s estimated that one in three adolescents, ages 13–18, struggle with diagnosable anxiety. Anxiety has been on the rise for years now, reminding us that it’s tough to be a teenager. The prophet Jeremiah could relate. Jeremiah was a 17-year-old priest in Judah when God called him to prophesy (be a mouthpiece) to Israel. Jeremiah's hesitancy and intimidation were met with a familiar admonishment, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 1:8).

God’s promise to be with Jeremiah and deliver him was a needed comfort to this (major) prophet who spent decades between 640–580 BC declaring a message of impending judgment to the people of Judah. And, guess what? This was not a super-popular message. In fact, Jeremiah was scorned and despised because of it. Often referred to as the “weeping prophet," it's clear Jeremiah mourned the sin of Judah and believed their exile was at hand – which he ultimately experienced in his lifetime.

Jeremiah challenges any notion that God rewards obedience materially. Jeremiah describes his loneliness, and he laments the sin of his people. Still, God was with Jeremiah, giving him the strength to be faithful and obedient amidst overwhelming times of struggle.

1. Have negative circumstances or difficulties ever tempted you to think God has forgotten you?

Prayer: God, deliver me from fear and the temptation to think I’ve been forsaken. Be near to me right now.