Jeremiah’s six lamentations from chapters 11 – 20 represent his personal struggles with the messages he had to deliver. Amidst his complaints however, we see him turning them over to God. Jer. 20 is his Gethsemane. It is the heart felt cry of a human being who simply doesn’t like the situation he is in and is crying out about it. Being a believer in Jesus does not guarantee an easy passage through life. Jer.20:8 is negative ” the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.” V:9 he would like to give up but, “if I say I will not mention Him, or speak any more in His name, there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. ” v:12 “for to thee have I committed my cause. ” 17:7 “blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord, he is like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Amidst Jeremiah’s undulating emotions he could say, “Am I a God at hand says the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can a person hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? Says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? Says the Lord…let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? Says the Lord. Is not my word like fire says the Lord and like a hammer which breaks the rock in pieces? Jer 23 : 23 -29. He is talking about trusting in God and not men when the situation looks dire. 30:17 ” for I will restore health to you and your wounds I will heal,” says the Lord. Historically spoken to Israel at the time of their captivity but through the Holy Spirit to us also in like situations. 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” 31:13 “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow…v17 there is a hope for your future, says the Lord.