Life can be so overwhelming at times. Family, jobs, relationships, sickness, and so many other things can add stress to our already stressful lives.

Do you ever just want to throw in the towel? Call it quits? Give up? I’ve been there and I’d venture to say many of you have too.

There is a passage of scripture I learned years ago while studying Jeremiah, under the leadership of Dr. James Smith. He brought the Old Testament to life in a way I had never experienced. I have the best memories of our study and it was even a 7:00 a.m. class! I came to love the character of Jeremiah and I cannot wait to talk to him in heaven and thank him for all he taught me through his life.

Jeremiah was called by God as a teenager to preach to the people of Jerusalem, telling them that unless they turned back to God, they would be destroyed (Jeremiah 1). It’s important to understand he thought God was calling the wrong person. In Jeremiah 1:6, Jeremiah says, “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” Despite his reluctance, Jeremiah said yes to the Lord’s calling. He preached. Those hearing his words laughed at him. He was thrown into a pit. He chose God over family and friends. He was bold, passionate, and committed.

And then comes the 20^th chapter in the book of Jeremiah. In the NIV Study Bible it is called, “Jeremiah’s Complaint.” (Jeremiah 20:7-13)

“You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. –Jeremiah 20:7-9

Jeremiah was tired, worn out, and confused. He felt deceived by God and wanted to quit. I’ve been there, have you? In the midst of my exhaustion and discouragement, verse 9 has given me strength. Jeremiah wanted to quit….but he couldn’t. Why?

But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

He had God’s Word in his heart. It was like a fire in his bones. He could not quit.

Wow! I desire God’s Word to be in my heart, not just my head. His Word empowers us, equips us, strengthens us. His Word convicts us.

I want fire in my bones! I want to keep going when every part of my being wants to give up. I want fire in my bones to enable me to face tomorrow, whatever that may bring. I want fire in my bones to do what God has called me to do, go where He has called me to go, and share His Word.

My head and my heart have been in conflict at times over how to handle life. I sometimes play tug-of war with God as I struggle with choosing what He wants over what I want. God pushes, I pull. I NEED God’s Word in my heart to stop myself from playing this back and forth game with God.

There is great joy knowing we do not walk through life alone. When we feel exhausted and discouraged, God is there. When His Word is in our hearts like a fire shut up in our bones, it encourages and strengthens us to keep going…to not give up. God is always there, showing us the way. May we trust His word and know it not just in our heads, but also in our hearts.

1. Can you think of a time you wanted to give up, but God sent someone to encourage you and pray for you? Thank that person!

2. Put God’s Word in our heart and mind through memorizing the Word. It becomes alive and real!

3. Think of a character in the Bible who has been an inspiration to you and share it with your friends, family or study group.

Together, let’s get “Fire in our bones!”