January 17, 2025

Bob Maas
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Jeremiah 6:16

Life throws us curveballs. We face decisions every day, big and small, that shape the trajectory of our lives. It’s easy to get swept up in the current, following the trends and opinions that bombard us from all directions. We can feel lost in a sea of conflicting voices, unsure of which path to take.

In the midst of this confusion, God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, offering us a timeless truth: stop, look, and ask. Imagine yourself at a crossroads, unsure of which way to go. Jeremiah urges us to pause, to take a deep breath and assess our surroundings before blindly rushing forward. He calls us to seek out the “old, reliable paths,” the time-tested truths found in God’s Word and the wisdom passed down through generations of faithful believers.

These ancient paths are not outdated or irrelevant. They are the bedrock of a life well-lived, a life grounded in faith, integrity, and love. They are the paths walked by Jesus himself, the ultimate example of how to navigate the complexities of life with grace and purpose.

But why are we so resistant to following these paths? Jeremiah acknowledges the human tendency to rebel, to forge our own way even when God offers clear direction. We say, “We will not do that!” We prioritize our own desires, our own sense of right and wrong, over God’s loving guidance.

Yet, the promise remains: “If you do, you will find rest for your souls.” True peace and contentment are not found in chasing fleeting pleasures or conforming to the world’s standards. They are found in surrendering to God’s will, in trusting His plan for our lives, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Walking the “old paths” doesn’t mean living a life devoid of joy or adventure. It means embracing a life rooted in something deeper, something more meaningful than the shifting sands of popular opinion. It means finding true freedom in aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Living this way is the greatest adventure you can possibly experience.