I'm Scared

Then I said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6).

The opening verses of the book of Jeremiah speak of God’s call to the youthful Hebrew who shares his name with the writing that tells his story. There are good human reasons for the fear Jeremiah feels for the task ahead of him. The nation of Judah, as a whole, had strayed very far from the God Who had chosen them. As you read the book, reference is often made to the horrific sins they practiced. Jeremiah had likely witnessed much of what was happening. Now God wants to send him to the rebels with a message of rebuke and repentance? Sorry, but no thanks. He hides behind the excuse of youthfulness, but his fear likely runs much deeper. Notice how God deals with his concern.

First, He reminds Jeremiah that this wasn’t a last minute decision on His part. Plans for this effort have been in the works for a long time. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).

Second, God tells him he would be on a divine mission and the only one he has to please is the One Who called him. “But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. (Jeremiah 1:7).

Third, God doesn’t downplay the reality of Jeremiah’s fears but promises to deliver him from the struggles he will face. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:8).

God’s call in our own lives can be scary. But, like Jeremiah, we can also depend on the planning, program, and protection of our Father. The faithfulness of God is the antidote for fear. Learn to lean into it.

God loves you!

Mike