Please excuse my skipping around in these prayer examples. When one catches my eye I like to explore the prayer in its context and see what comes.
In my last example I focused on poor Jeremiah. He protested to God through all of his suffering. Now if you read this prayer he is complaining that God has “enticed” him to speak to a rebellious people who really aren’t listening to him. He isn’t one bit happy.
O Lord, You induced me, and I was persuaded;
You are stronger than I, and have prevailed.
I am in derision daily;
Everyone mocks me.
He isn’t going to submit to God easily. You must read these verses to understand that poor Jeremiah isn’t pleased that God has chosen him. “You, (God) have overpowered me……I have become a laughingstock.” His mission is causing him problems…..like being thrown in a dungeon and left to die!!(Jer. 38:6) Who would like to carry out a mission that requires one to cry out “violence and destruction” all the time? No wonder this will cause him to suffer mockery and opposition from his countrymen.
Yet if Jeremiah speaks his heart to God, it is because he still trusts that God is the only one who can bring healing and comfort. The good news is that Jeremiah, despite ongoing suffering and inner turmoil, doesn’t give up. He will indeed keep on delivering God’s oracles and will show great courage to keep hope alive among the people (Jer.27-33).
Are we willing to be ridiculed for our beliefs? As long as we are proclaiming the truth of the Bible then we should expect being labeled as bigots and judgmental.
Just remember.
We didn’t write the Book! We only try to live by its standards.
AbideLines 