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Your words were found by me, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy, and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16

Have you ever felt lonely?  I’m sure each of us has felt lonely a times.  In my own experience, I’ve found that you don’t have to be alone to feel lonely.  Even in the crowd of people, the sense of invisibility or little value can overshadow you.  You begin to ask, “Does anyone notice me?  Does anyone care?”

The prophet Jeremiah experienced a great sense of loneliness.  In Jeremiah 15:16-21, he writes a beautiful poem reflecting his loneliness.  God had called Jeremiah to preach His word of truth to the nation of Israel, calling them to repentance.  Israel had turned away from the Lord to worship idols and live the way they pleased.  The people ignored God’s repeated warnings of judgment.  They didn’t want to hear it.  They often rejected God’s prophets, like Jeremiah, and mistreated them. 

Jeremiah was alone.  He even felt that God was distant from him at times (18). 

Jeremiah was only doing what God had called him to and he found it was really hard.  Sometimes followers of Jesus will walk alone as the world rejects our Lord and Savior. 

So, how do we get through it?  By trusting the Word of God. 

Notice Jeremiah’s statement in verse 16, “Your words were found by me and I ate them.”  The Word of God was satisfying to Jeremiah, a comfort.  The Word of God communicated joy to Jeremiah, a delight and hope for his heart.  Jeremiah had a relationship with God, and this relationship secured his hope. 

Jeremiah believed God’s Word and loved it. 

And so, God responded to Jeremiah’s lament in verse 20, “And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you, to save you and deliver you.”  What a promise!  If Jeremiah obeys the Word of God, God will provide for and protect him from his enemies.  God promises Jeremiah he is not alone.  We have the same promise.  We are not alone.  No matter how hard things may seem, as we live in faithful obedience to God’s Word, He is with us. 

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Are you looking for a place to start reading the Bible, God’s Word?  I encourage you to look up our Bible Reading Plan at Bethel Church. Visit this link https://lovingbethel.com/resources/ and you can start anywhere.  I hope you will find satisfaction, joy, and delight in God’s Word.