Jeremiah 45

The Explanation

It was quiet in the room. Very quiet. Baruch sat at his little table. In his hand was a pen. On the table lay a big scroll of paper. Scratch, scratch, went the pen. Baruch was writing down the words of Jeremiah, the prophet.

But Baruch was tired. So tired. His shoulders were heavy. His eyes were wet.

"Oh no," said Baruch, softly. "I hurt inside. My heart is sore. I cry, and cry, and cry. I find no rest, not even at night."

He put down his pen. He put his head in his hands.

And then, something happened. God spoke. God spoke to Jeremiah. And Jeremiah had a message. A message just for Baruch.

What Does This Mean?

"Tell Baruch this," said God. "I hear you. I know you are sad."

Then God said something big. "What I built, I will break down. What I planted, I will pull up. In the whole land."

That sounds scary, does it not? Big things, falling down. Big things, pulled out of the ground.

God said more. "Do not look for great things for yourself, Baruch. I will bring hard days on everyone."

But then, God said something warm. Something soft, like a blanket at night.

"But you, Baruch. You I will keep. Wherever you go, I will let you live. I will keep you safe."

Baruch sat very still. His tears slowed down. God had seen him. God had heard him crying. God knew his name.

The Common Thread

God sees the ones who are tired. God hears the ones who cry in the dark. He saw Baruch, long, long ago. And many years later, God sent Jesus.

Jesus also grew tired. Jesus also knew what a sore heart felt like. Jesus said, come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.

God kept Baruch safe on that hard day. God still keeps safe everyone who comes to Him, even now, even today, even you.

For You

Do you ever feel like Baruch? So sad you just want to cry and cry? You can talk to God, just like Baruch did. You do not have to whisper it. You can say it out loud.

God is listening. Right now, even. And God says to you too, just like He said to Baruch, I will keep you safe.

Talk About It

Have you ever felt so sad that you cried and cried, like Baruch did?

What do you think it feels like when God keeps someone safe?

Praying Together

Dear God, thank You for hearing me when I am sad. Thank You for knowing my name, just like You knew Baruch's name. Please keep me safe today, wherever I go. Amen.