We all face times of decision in life—crossroads of one type or another. Occasionally choices are obvious, but mostly we pass through a series of small decisions leading us down paths we failed to anticipate.

Jeremiah wrote to his people who had chosen a road away from the Lord’s direction. Mired in greed and detestable conduct, they faced an impending disaster. The Lord’s patience wore thin, but still He left a route of return.

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.

Tragically, the people of Jerusalem refused paths carved by the Lord, and veered instead down a highway to hell on earth. They chose poorly.

Ask where the good way is, and walk in it. The crossroads remain in place. Take up the Good Book, discover the ways found within, and put them into practice. The Lord walks along the ancient paths, and there we will find that most elusive of wonders—rest for our souls.

Jeremiah 6 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Oliver Roos