Three Reasons We Cannot Quit

Jeremiah 20:7-13

The Confessions of Jeremiah, part 4

I can imagine someone in Jeremiah’s day thinking, “Jeremiah has lost his emotional stability and sanity. He needs crisis counseling, so let’s have a talk with him and tell him it is time for him to quit and pack it in.”

They could have said things like this to Jeremiah:

…these persecutions of jail, of beatings and your body being twisted and distorted in those prison stocks is going to get worse. (Jer 20:2-3)

…no one wants to hear what you have to say. (Jer 20:4-6; 8)

…your emotional mood swings are very abnormal – the constant pressure is definitely getting to you! (Jer 20:14-18)

…the Lord over-promised and sweet-talked you into being a prophet, but let’s face it: it’s not all it’s cracked up to be! (Jer 20:7)

…you told God that you could not speak at the very beginning. Maybe you were right! (Jer 1:6)

…you have said everything you need to say and you are only a walking joke. (Jer 20:7)

Jeremiah effectively answers, “I cannot quit!” Consider these three overpowering reasons Jeremiah could not quit (and, by the way, why we can’t quit either).

1. He had a FIRE (in his heart), v. 10

Jeremiah 20:10b; But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

An MRI of Jeremiah’s heart would reveal a fire burning. The reason for this fire was God’s Word acted upon his entire being, even to the marrow of his bones. The power of God’s Word is a real, and if you have felt that burning in your heart upon reading, meditating, memorizing and proclaiming God’s Word, you are not crazy.

God’s Word burned in those slow of heart on the Emmaus Road, as they said, “Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us … and while He opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

God’s Word burned within the heart of the Apostle Paul so that he said, “Woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

When Jeremiah tried to shut his mouth from speaking God’s name, he was ready to quit. He was exhausted. Yet, because of what he saw, he had to speak God’s Word. God’s Word burning in our hearts will prevent us from ever quitting the work of God. Does God’s Word burn in your heart?

2. He had an AWESOME GOD (with him), v. 11-12

Jeremiah 20:11a; But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one:

Jeremiah deeply felt and knew, “the LORD is with me, as a mighty, awesome, Warrior!” This is what God promised him when He called Jeremiah into the ministry (Jeremiah 1:8, 18-19). Jeremiah knew that God would protects him continually, (v. 11), that God knew him intimately, v. 12a, and that God understood him completely.

Do you personally experience the presence of God with you? You also can know that He is with you and will never forsake you. This truth will ever keep you journeying onward in his service.

3. He had a SONG (in his soul), v. 13

Jeremiah 20:13; Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for He hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

When God gives a song you will find hope. God gives songs in the night! Songs during night seasons speaks of Him giving us songs during dark times of criticism and suffering, when there is anxiety and uncertainty.

Many of us have nights of sorrow, nights of persecution, and nights of tears. Are you in a season where trials are pressing in on your spirit, and your soul is in terror? Are in a night season where everything seems dark? Now is the time to sing. Singing and listening to godly music in your home, in your car, or in your bed, is a remedy for sorrow and gives strength to endure adversity.

Dear friend, never quit! Do not quit on God, do not quit praying, and do not quit abiding in His Word! Do not quit living the Spirit-filled life, being faithful to His Church, and witnessing His Gospel love. Do not quit on your marriage, being diligent on your job, and being loyal to your friends. With His Word in your heart, His presence in your life, and His song in your soul, God will keep you in His care so that you will say like Jeremiah, “I cannot quit.”

Matt Recker is the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in New York City.

Note: These are the last of eight “confessions” of Jeremiah and also reveal the personal counsel of the Lord to Jeremiah. (Jer. 11:18-23; 12:1-6; 15:10-12, 15-21; 17:14-18; 18:18-23; 20:7-13; 14-18).

Click here for Part One, Part Two and Part Three of this series.