Complaining About Ridicule

O LORD, you misled me,

and I allowed myself to be misled.

You are stronger than I am,

and you overpowered me.

Now I am mocked every day;

everyone laughs at me.

When I speak, the words burst out.

“Violence and destruction!” I shout.

So these messages from the LORD

have made me a household joke.

But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD

or speak in his name,

his word burns in my heart like a fire.

It’s like a fire in my bones!

I am worn out trying to hold it in!

I can’t do it!

Jeremiah 20:7-9

When the Lord chose Jeremiah as his spokesman, the young man resisted. But God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms” (1:9-10). But in prayer, Jeremiah openly admitted to God that he was tired of being ridiculed. Even so, he couldn’t stop speaking the word of God: “If I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire.”

Speaking the truth for God is difficult and takes its toll. If you’re frustrated with witnessing for God, tell the Lord. Admit that you’re weak, and ask the Lord for strength. He will renew your zeal for the truth.

• Dear heavenly Father, rekindle the fire in my heart to speak the words you’ve put in my mouth . . .