Read: Jeremiah 12-16
As I was reading through these chapters, the question that Jeremiah asked seemed to be answered. Jeremiah cried out to God in chapter 12, wrestling with something that honestly, we’ve probably all felt at some point: why do the wicked seem to prosper (Jeremiah 12:1)?
“You know me, Lord; you see me and test my thoughts about you …” -Jeremiah 12:3
He’s being real with God, but also acknowledging who God is at the same time. God responds, not just with comfort, but with truth. There is judgment coming, and it’s not random. It’s because of continued disobedience.
We see that carried through the next few chapters. In Jeremiah 13, there’s symbolism in a linen belt; something meant to be clean and close, ruined. It represented how far the people drifted. What was once set apart is then soiled. Even in that, there’s still a call to turn back before it’s too late.
Jeremiah 14 continued that tension. There was drought, famine, suffering, and again, it’s not without reason. The people had turned away, and even worse, they were being led astray by false voices telling them everything was fine. Be careful what and who you put your trust in! But God still gave them the opportunity to repent.
In Jeremiah 15 and 16 it feels to me like God said enough is enough. I couldn’t help but think about it in terms of motherhood. When I have to repeat myself over and over to my toddler, it gets old fast. Now obviously, he’s three, and these are most likely grown people that we’re reading about. But still, there comes a point where it’s like, okay, we’re not doing this again. We’ve talked about this. You know better.
“… They forsook me and did not keep my law. But you have behaved more wickedly than your ancestors. See how all of you are following the stubbornness of your evil hearts instead of obeying me.” -Jeremiah 16:11-12
The people kept turning to God only when they needed or wanted something, but not out of genuine relationship. And God, in His holiness, had every right to respond the way He did. It may feel like zero to one hundred real fast, but it actually was a long time coming; at least in my eyes. God still loved them though! He did not just walk away.
““… I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 15:20
It is so important to not just pray and ask God to speak, but to actually listen when He does. Then, to take what you heard and apply it and obey God.
I’m watching another faith-based movie right now called Forged, and there’s a moment where the main character is really trying to grow in his relationship with God. He asks what’s standing in the way, and God points to something very specific in his life. Something he enjoys and definitely doesn’t want to give up. You can see the struggle, like, “God, can you pick something else … please?” But God is clear. And he has a choice to make.
That’s so real. Sometimes the things that are in the way are not bad in themselves, but they’ve taken a place they shouldn’t have. When God points to them, we have to decide if we’re actually willing to listen and obey.
Both of those can be hard. Really hard! But I really believe the more we do it, the more sensitive we become to His voice. The more we listen, the more we recognize when He’s speaking. The more we obey, the more we trust Him. Through all of it, this is still true:
“You are always righteous, Lord …” -Jeremiah 12:1
“Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress …” -Jeremiah 16:19
“I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.” -Jeremiah 16:21
He is still our refuge. Still our strength. Still the One calling us back, even when we’ve wandered.
Discussion Questions
- Is there an area in your life where you feel God has been repeating Himself? How can you respond in obedience?
- Do you find yourself only turning to God when you need something, or are you pursuing relationship with Him daily?
- What is one thing you can set aside this week to grow closer to God?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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