When God’s Word Burns Inside You – June 22, 2026
Read: Jeremiah 20:7-13
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. But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. Jeremiah 20:7-13 (selected verses)
When God’s Word Burns Inside You
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever had good news that you wanted to tell, but you weren’t allowed to yet? Maybe you knew about a surprise party or that your mom was going to have another baby, but you were told, “Don’t tell anyone yet!” When you have news that’s so exciting like that, it’s hard to keep it in. You just want to burst out!
That’s a little like what happened to the prophet Jeremiah. God gave him a message to share with God’s people. Part of the message warned them about their sins. But it also included the promise of God’s love and forgiveness. Jeremiah said that he tried not to speak God’s Word, it felt like a burning fire inside him. It was hard to keep it in!
But there was a problem. People didn’t always like hearing God’s message. When Jeremiah warned people about their sins, they became angry with him. They even hated him and tried to hurt him. Can you imagine how hard that must have been? It hurt Jeremiah when he didn’t speak God’s Word, but it also hurt him when he did.
You probably can! Because God shared his Word with you. You know that sins separate us from God, and when you see people you love who don’t believe in God or are living in sinful ways, you care about them and want them to know Jesus. And more than that, you love to tell people about God’s grace and forgiveness. Sometimes it feels hard to keep that good news inside!
But maybe you’ve experienced something else too. Maybe you told someone what God says about sin or told them about Jesus—and they didn’t believe you. Maybe they laughed, rolled their eyes, or didn’t want to listen. That hurts too.
Jeremiah didn’t find a way to make it stop hurting. Instead, he remembered that his Savior was with him. That gave him courage to speak—and it gave him comfort when speaking God’s Word brought him pain.
Jesus is with you, too, and has placed his promises in your heart. He promises to help you speak with courage, kindness, and love. So, don’t hold his promises in!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for putting your Word in my heart. Help me also keep your Word on my mouth, so that others can hear what you’ve done. Give me courage to speak your Word truthfully, and grant that other people believe. 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
- What’s a time you had exciting news that was really hard to keep secret?
- People were mad at Jeremiah for sharing God’s Word. Has someone ever been mad at you for telling them about what God says?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Jeremiah said God’s Word felt like a fire burning inside him. Why do you think he described it that way?
- Pick a pastor, teacher, or other church leader who shares God’s Word—even when it’s hard. Pray for them.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Jeremiah felt hurt whether he stayed quiet or spoke up. Why do you think he still kept sharing God’s message?
- What comfort gave Jeremiah courage at the end of the reading? And how does it help you when the truth of God’s Word is hard to hear or to share?
