“Oh LORD, you induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I , and have prevailed. I am in derision daily…” Jeremiah 20:7
Who knows what derision means? I just knew it sounded bad when I read Jeremiah’s words, “…I am in derision daily…” I thought, Oh God, I don’t want to be in daily derision. I wasn’t sure if it was a physical sickness or an emotional state. After I read the rest of verse seven and following the Jeremiah 20 passage; I knew for certain; it’s only by the grace of God, that one can endure derision.
Webster’s defines derision as ” a state of being laughed at or ridiculed.” Have you found yourself in the place of derision? It is not a pleasant place. It’s definitely not somewhere you would choose to visit or stay.
Who wants to be mocked? NO ONE! Jeremiah the prophet found himself in derision because of preaching the Word of the LORD. Jeremiah decided he would no longer make mention of God, nor speak His Name ever again.
How many of us are “shut up” by the policies at our job or our family members who don’t want to hear the truth of the gospel of our Jesus? For Jeremiah it became a fire in his bones and he “became weary” of holding it back. He could not do it!
In verse 11 of Jeremiah 20; Jeremiah states: “But the LORD is with me as a mighty awesome One…” That same LORD is with you my friend. He is still the Mighty Awesome One!
If you are experiencing derision; I would suggest that you write down one or two of the following scriptures and post them in a prominent place. As you read and mediate upon them; they will become the fire in your bones; instead of the derision you are hearing.
You need not fear the battle. 2 Chronicles 20:17
No weapon formed against you will prosper. Isaiah 54:17
For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:17
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28
He has enclosed you before and behind. Psalm 139:5
Don’t hold back in giving out God’s Word to those whom He’s placed in your life. Speak the truth in love. Even if you receive a daily dose of derision; I pray God will open your mouth and fill it with His sweet precious Word. You cannot “NOT” make mention of Him. After having done all, stand on the Words of life.
Prayer in Motion:
Lord Jesus, I will no longer listen to the daily derision spoken to me. I will speak Your wonderful Words over my life, and those You have given me; until they become a fire in my bones. Thank You Lord for not leaving me comfortless. You long to speak to my heart that my soul may hear. Calm every doubt and fear. I trust what you say over what man says. I love You Jesus. In Your Name I pray. Amen
Libby, this is just what I needed this morning. I have found that not only is it people that speak derision, but the enemy whispers it in our ears….sometimes all day long. Thank you for reminding me to not listen to it! Love you sweet Libby!