Jeremiah 20:11a But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail….
This is a tough chapter for Jeremiah. He is beaten and put in the stocks, yet he continues to prophesy, giving Judah and Jerusalem God’s message so they can hopefully humble themselves, repent, and return to God before it’s too late.
Jeremiah 20:11b …They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.
The bulk of chapter 20 is subtitled Jeremiah’s Complaints, and the verses of praise here fall in the middle of his complaint. Why? I am reminded of 2 Cor 12:8-9: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness….”
Jeremiah 20:12 Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.
Lord, This life is hard. Even when we do the right thing, there is pain and sorrow. We need You. I don’t love the thorn in my flesh, but I do love the reminder that You are with me, even in the tough times, that Your power is perfected in my weakness. Always. Thank You. Amen.
Jeremiah 20:13 Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.
Have a blessed day.