Your Words Became for Me a Joy

This meditation is based on a passage for April 19, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Jeremiah 15:10-21

Reflection and Question: This is the second of five passages in Jeremiah known as Jeremiah’s laments. They express a complaint about what God is doing, a justification of what Jeremiah is doing and God’s response to the prophet. I find it very heartening to hear Jeremiah say that God’s words became a joy and a delight even as he faced a lot of trouble for his faith. Through this lament, Jeremiah becomes a model for tenacious faith in God, without regard to circumstances or temporary feelings. How does your experience parallel Jeremiah?

Prayer: Almighty God, Jeremiah asks, “Why is my pain unceasing?” Your answer is to assure him that You will save him. Indeed, his words — not those of his adversaries — give us wisdom today. If this is how You saved him — thanks! Amen.