Jeremiah 15:11-21

11The Lord said, ‘I will take care of you so that it brings something good for you. I will cause your enemies to ask you for help. They will come to you when they are in trouble.

12Your enemy that comes from the north is like a weapon made from iron and bronze. You will never break it.

13I will give all your valuable things to your enemies. They will take them all away. You will receive nothing in return. That will pay for the sins that you have done everywhere in your land.

14Your enemies will make you their slaves in a land that you do not know. I will punish you as if in a hot fire, because I am very angry with you.’

15‘Lord, you understand my problems. Remember me and take care of me. Please punish those people who hate me. Do not be so patient with them that they kill me. Remember that they have insulted me because I am serving you.

16As your words came to me, I took them into me like sweet food. I belong to you, Lord, God Almighty, so your words made me very happy.

17When people were enjoying wild parties, I did not join with them. I sat alone, because you held me. You caused me to be angry with those people.

18I am in pain which never ends. People have hurt me and nothing makes it better. Why are you not there to help me? You are like a stream that becomes dry and it has no water.’

19So the Lord said this to me: ‘If you turn back to me, I will help you to be strong. Then you can continue to serve me. Speak valuable words instead of useless words. Then you can speak on my behalf. These people must change to be like you have been. You must not change to become like them.

20When these people attack you, I will make you like a strong wall. You will be like a wall that is made of bronze. The people will not be able to knock you down. I will be with you to protect you. I will keep you safe.’ That is what the Lord says.

21‘I will rescue you from the power of those wicked people. I will keep you safe from those cruel people.’