Stand, look, and ask
Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16
This was the Scripture that I opened to today as I continued a personal study in the book of Jeremiah. It seemed to me that God was downloading some important counsel for me at the beginning of the New Year, and I believe it’s worth sharing.
Jeremiah was originally called during the reign of Josiah, a good king who enacted major reforms in Judah. The problem with those reforms was this: Although the people of the land went along with them externally, they had allowed the imported ways of the nations surrounding them to capture their hearts and lure them into behaviors which dishonored God. Frankly, they resented being told to let go of those enticing trappings; they felt that God would understand as they continued to experiment with all of it. If He doesn’t get it, they figured, that’s His loss—they wanted what they wanted.
Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet”. He spoke to the people of God about their need to turn from the folly of idolatry and adultery and to embrace once again the God of Israel. He warned them again and again concerning the destruction they could avoid if they would but admit their sins and turn to God from their hearts; they, on the other hand, counted Jeremiah to be a false prophet, an egotist, a pessimist, and a nuisance. No matter how he would plead with them, they ignored or rejected what God was saying to them through him. No wonder he wept so much!
It was still during the reign of Josiah that Jeremiah prophesied, “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
Unfortunately, when times are comfy, cozy, and carefree, people tend to think that everything will always go smoothly. They fall under the illusion that their cushy lifestyle is the norm and they have no need for a “check up from the neck up.” And as Jeremiah warned them again and again, this thinking would become a deadly—but very avoidable—snare for them.
Stand by the roads, and look…
Are you at a crossroad in your life? The New Year provides a natural crossroad for all of us. Jeremiah prophesied, Stand. Look. Take your time. Reflect on the paths before you. Don’t rush down one because it’s the easiest, the most traveled, the most glamorous-looking, or even the most adrenaline-packed route. Take your time. Paths are important—they can hold either destiny or destruction—or slow decline.
… ask for the ancient paths…
The ancient paths are the paths prepared for you by the Ancient of Days Himself. He has an interest in you and a plan for your well-being. He knows you intimately and loves you with an everlasting love. Although the paths are ancient—as revealed in the Word of God—they are ever new, ever fresh, ever life-giving. As you stand and look, ask.
… where the good way is…
God’s way is always good. It may not tantalize the flesh or desires, but it is very good, healthy, and life-affirming.
… and walk in it…
After reflection, observation, and asking, you will see that good way. Now walk in it. It may not be popular, edgy, or well-received, but if you take a step, and then another step, and then another, you will be walking on the path God has prepared for you—and He will walk with you there.
… and [you will] find rest for your souls…
There’s something about letting go of our own ways and entering the path God reveals that brings peace and rest to our souls. Chaos may surround, agitating words or thoughts may pile up, disappointments may abound, but with every step of obedience, all of that loses its power to bind or to break you. Stepping down the ancient way, the good way, will bring rest to your soul.
But they said, “We will not walk in it.”
As much as God values the obedience of His people, He also guards their right to choose for themselves. Although He refuses to violate our will, He clearly pleads His case to each one of us again and again, replete with counsel, instruction, and promise of reward. And He plainly explains the consequences that can happen when we repeatedly refuse to listen.
You are at a crossroad now in your life at the start of this New Year. Stand, look, and ask. Don’t rush headlong down the best-looking path and then ask questions later. Let the ancient wisdom of the Lord and His Word speak to your heart, and as He reveals that best course for you, walk in it. You will find rest for your soul.
Happy New Year!
Dorothy