“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.’” (Jeremiah 6:16)
Three commands confront us right away: “Stand,” “look,” and “ask.” “Stand” means position yourself intentionally. Do it “by the roads,” where one might travel when one finds direction to the sought-out place. “Look” means search, heighten your senses, seek, and be intentional about what it is you seek after. “Ask” means don’t be passive; actively search, inquire, poke about, be willing to learn from another.
And what is it for which you search? Seek “the ancient paths.” The tried-and-true ways. The ways where those godly ones who have gone before us walked. The proven paths. Those “paths” that Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Joshua, and all their kind have shown to us. Avoid the trendy and faddish, the passing and unproven. Get basic. Get utilitarian. Not “what’s cool,” but what works.
Works for what? Where you “find rest for your souls.” “Where the good way is.” There! There! “Walk” in that “way”! This, then, is a fourth command. This is not optional if it is “rest” of soul that you truly seek.
Lord Jesus, lead me in the ancient paths, in the good way, where my soul will find rest. Simplify things. Give me one desire. Give me the tried-and-true, the proven and faithful, the enduring ways. Yes, give me yourself. For you, Lord, are “the way.” You are my true desire and rest. Give me yourself, and I shall be full. Amen.
