Does anyone care? – September 4, 2023

Read: Jeremiah 15:15-21

Why is my pain unending
and my wound grievous and incurable?
You are to me like a deceptive brook,
like a spring that fails.

Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them.
I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,”
declares the Lord.
“I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”
Jeremiah 15:18-21

Does anyone care?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sometimes it feels like nobody cares. This is an awful feeling isn’t it? It is tempting to believe that no one cares when your friends are being mean to you. It feels like no one cares when you get hurt and no one asks if you are okay or asks how you are feeling. It really hurts when you are sad and someone laughs at you like they don’t even care.

The prophet Jeremiah knows how that feels. He was called by God to preach his Word. What sounded like an exciting and enjoyable task turned out to be a life filled with trouble. There were mean people who treated him badly. There were people who didn’t like the message Jeremiah was preaching. They made his life miserable. He prayed and asked God for help. But nothing seemed to change. Jeremiah cried out to God, “Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails” (Jeremiah 15:18).

Jeremiah reached a breaking point. He was so frustrated, he took out some of his frustrations on God. “God, do you even care what’s happening to me?” The Lord heard Jeremiah’s cry. He answered like this:

“[Jeremiah,]

If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman… for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. “I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel” (Jeremiah 15:19-21).

The Lord did care for Jeremiah all along! Even though it didn’t feel like it to Jeremiah, the Lord already had a plan to work through all the struggles in Jeremiah’s life. The Lord was leading him to turn back to the Lord and trust in his love and forgiveness.

The next time you are tempted to believe that no one cares, remember that God always cares. He cared so much to send Jesus to rescue you and pay for all your sins. He cared so much that he made sure you would hear and believe this good news of his love! Remember God’s promise—“‘For I am with you to rescue and save you,’ declares the Lord.”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us for the times we doubt your loving care. When troubles come, strengthen us with your love and move us to trust in you more than ever. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Talk about the last time you felt like no one cared about you.
• Name at least three names of “someone” who will always care for you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does Jesus show he cares for you?
• Read through today’s verses again. Which one was most comforting for you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think God allows us to experience troubles?
• When have you felt most loved by God? Explain the circumstances and the people that contributed to that experience.