Jeffrey C. Long

Lord of Hosts, righteous Judge, who tests hearts and minds;

I have committed my way to you.

Jeremiah 11:20

Jeremiah had a hard time. He had to preach, and no one listened to him. He was supposed to warn the people by God’s counsel and direction about their imminent destruction if they did not repent; no one paid attention. So then he gave voice to many a prayer and among these prayers we find the words of our verse for today. How lovely it is to see that Jeremiah does not simply offer complaints about his opponents and persecutors; he also puts himself to the test and inquires if the fault does not also partially lie in him that they are stubborn and refuse to listen. Jeremiah took his place in God’s presence without becoming discouraged, frustrated or unfaithful, even though his heart was heavy. He carries on and considers, “God will make things turn out right.” We must face the same thing in our lives. Let us also learn from Jeremiah to put ourselves to the test, to see if we are doing everything right, because we can certainly have faults that are the cause why things do not go as they should. Anyone who does this and after testing himself undertakes to change this or that in his approach and his whole behavior, can really do what is right and carry on with boldness and confidence.

Translation by Monty Ledford

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