Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.” (Jer 6:16)
This is one of my favorite scriptures and one I think of often. Today I spoke with a friend about the season I am in and this scripture came to mind. It’s a season she finds herself in as well.
Let me set the stage for this scripture: God called Jeremiah a prophet. Jeremiah was prophesying that there would be a coming destruction if the people did not turn back to God.
The people were worshipping idols. Beyond that, there was great sin in the nation.
Therefore, God sent Jeremiah to warn the people to turn back to God and His ways.
Jeremiah must have felt very lonely during this time. He was not in agreement with his fellow priests and prophets. While he was crying out warnings, the rest of the priests and prophets were prophesying, “all is well.”
It became so bad that they tried to kill him several times. Even his family members came against him and what he was prophesying. Yet, Jeremiah continued to go God’s way and cry out for those around him to go God’s way as well.
The old paths refer to God’s truth as revealed in His Word. I can think of no better time than now to turn back to God’s word, not only for us as individuals, but as a nation.
Jeremiah was telling them to look back to the ways of Abraham, who hoped against hope and believed God even when it looked impossible. He told them to reflect on Moses and how he served God, even in the most difficult times. He was pointing them to the people who walked with God. Who obeyed His word and kept His ways. He encouraged them to take the same path these great men of God had taken. The path of obedience and holiness.
Jeremiah gave two instructions: ask for the old path where the good way is AND walk in it.
I am concerned for those captivated by the prophetic yet not grounded in the word of God.
The prophetic is of God, and hearing a word from God is exciting. However, more often than not, you will need a solid foundation of the word of God to stand and war until you see the manifestation of that prophetic word. It will take effort, perseverance, and determination. And for that, you must be rooted and grounded in the word of God and in HIS WAYS.
Today, for me, my thoughts went to the old path as I talked to my friend about the season I was in.
Immediately, the scripture in Jeremiah came to mind, and I suddenly felt totally at peace with where I am, and all the things God had been speaking to me about this month. I love when God confirms His word. It’s like a cool drink of water to me.
Some of us have walked through difficult seasons, seasons that have lasted several years. During that time, we often lose our passion or our ONENESS with God, at least with the way it was in the beginning. That child-like faith and trust can become defiled by years of disappointment.
I believe it is in times like these that God says, “Look for the old path, where the good way is and walk in it.”
Are you one of those whose walk with God was much different BEFORE the season of
adversity? If so, today, I encourage you to look for the old path and walk in it and rebuild. I encourage you to regain your passion for God and His word and walk in that passion.
If you are one of those who have gotten off the path of God, it is so easy to get back on. Repent, ask for the old path, and walk in it. Begin to walk in the truth of His word and in the ways of God. It is a way of blessing, just as Jeremiah said…and there, there alone, you will find rest for your soul. The word of God is the tried-and-true path.
May your soul find rest as you walk in His ways and His word today.
