I Will Live With Passion

Jeremiah feels deceived and overpowered by God, because the prophetic calling has brought him nothing but ridicule and reproach. Whenever he speaks, the message of judgment makes him a laughingstock. He admits that at times he tries to hold back from speaking, but God’s word burns within him like fire—he cannot remain silent. Meanwhile, those around him mock and plot against him, waiting for him to fail.Despite his anguish, Jeremiah expresses trust in the Lord. He calls God a “dread warrior” who will defend him and bring justice against his persecutors. This leads him into a moment of praise: “Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.”In a jarring shift, Jeremiah sinks back into deep despair, cursing the day he was born. He laments that his life has been filled with sorrow, shame, and unending pain. He even wishes that he had died in the womb, never to see the troubles of life.