Light to Live By

"The unfolding of your words gives light ..." (Psalm 119:130a)

The Way of Rest

“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.

Proverbs: A Mentor Commentary — Arabic

I recently received word that my Proverbs: A Mentor Commentary was just published in the Arabic language. I’m told that three thousand copies were printed. Currently, 70 Arabic-speaking students are using it as their textbook in their seminary course on  Proverbs. Pray with me that God will be glorified in each student and reader of the commentary–that a new fear of the Lord and knowledge of God will lay the foundation for a lifetime of walking in wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

« Older posts

© 2025 Light to Live By

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑