“This is what the LORD says: The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me – that I am the LORD, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the LORD’s declaration.” Jeremiah 9:23-24 CSB

These verses are from Jeremiah. He was called by God to speak to Judah and Israel when he was young. Most experts agree that he was between 17 and 20 years old. He protested, saying he was just a “youth.” But God still called him to speak to the people. God said that He knew Jeremiah from before he was born. And God chose Jeremiah even then to speak to His people.

The first thing I want you to know is that God can use anyone, no matter how old or how young. God can call you to do something for someone else! You can show kindness, be encouraging, help out, do a chore, or just be a friend. You are important in God’s eyes!

The second is that God tells us what not to boast about and what we should boast about. Boast means “talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities.” Boasting is when we are so proud of something we have done that we want to tell everyone.

Through Jeremiah, God tells us not to boast about how smart we are, or how strong we are, or all the toys and things that we have. These things are not important to God. He wants us to tell everyone how awesome and wonderful our Lord God is. God loves us faithfully. He is just and deals fairly with us. He is the only one on earth who does right because He is God. This is what delights the Lord.

This week you can “delight the Lord.” Be friendly, be kind, be encouraging, be helpful. No matter how young you are, you can boast about the Lord. Tell someone what he has done for you and your family. Share His love. Share your story of all God means to you. Boast about the Lord! You may even convince someone else how amazing God is.

Blessings as you boast about the Lord your God!