God’s Word burns in my heart.
His word is in my heart like a fire. (Jeremiah 20:9)
There may be times when news is so great that you cannot keep it quiet. Your family may be expecting the first grandchild, and you want to tell the world. Perhaps your son just passed his driver’s license test, and he cannot hold the excitement in. Your favorite baseball team wins the World Series, and the celebration goes on for a long time. You want to share the great news.
The prophet Jeremiah was given a tough assignment. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, and God called him to be a prophet. Jeremiah thought he was too young for the job. The Lord responded, “You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” (Jer. 1: 7, 8)
What was his tough assignment? He was called to tell the people of Israel that they had forsaken the Lord. God said, “My people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols.” (Jer. 2: 11) The Lord said, “Do not be afraid of the people.” And Jeremiah said, “The Lord is with me like a mighty warrior.”
Now in Chapter 20:9, Jeremiah says, “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” The preaching of the Word brought Jeremiah beatings and imprisonment. However, he continued to speak. He could not hold the Word in. God was with him and rescued him.
God’s Word burns in my heart. I pray that your heart burns within you when God gives you an opportunity to share his Word. You may have been afraid to speak God’s words, but you could not hold them in.
It is a gift of God’s grace that he calls people to share his Word. The Lord tells you not to be afraid, not to run away. By the power of the Spirit, you will be given words to share, words of concern, words of love, and words of eternal life.
Remember what Jeremiah said: “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.” God’s Word will burn in your heart, too.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, your Word is burning in my heart. You place before me many opportunities to share. Move me to trust you. May I find the strength to speak your holy Word. I am blessed that you call me to share love and forgiveness. In your name. Amen.