Today Jeremiah calls out in distress to God. It seems as if the prophetic words he preached on behalf of God will not come true. As a result, he has become the target of insults and persecution, even from his close friends. He wishes it could all end. He wants to stop being a prophet, to stop speaking in the name of the Lord.

In light of this, it seems strange that today Jeremiah also proclaims, "praise to the Lord!"

Jeremiah has known the Lord from his youth. Even in the darkness and embarrassment of his present situation, the prophet has faith that God will deliver him-somehow. Jeremiah has confidence to believe that the salvation for which he is asking will indeed come - even though he cannot see it today.

In the midst of the difficulties I face today, how confident am I in God's presence and God's ability to deliver me?