Jeremiah 6:16

16 Thus says the Lord,
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.

Contemplation:

Ancient paths are those which have been traveled by our ancestors and elders.  They have seen the fruit of walking in the good way.  They have known God's pleasure in this journey and have learned to compare the experience to lesser paths they have traveled.  They have known soul rest.  The kind of rest that lightens your burdens and clears your head.  It is a simple path, hidden among the myriad of other novel choices.  It can be difficult to find on your own because it is not marked by arrows and signs.  The ancient paths cannot be chosen.  They must be discovered.  The trailhead must be revealed by those who have walked its bends and twists and know it by heart.  In our youth saturated culture who will remind us where these paths begin and where they will lead us?  Who will listen to those who call us to them?  When will we know the deeper rest that only comes from walking in the good way?  The rest that God intended for us from the beginning.

Question:

Who are the elders in my life that know the ancient paths and can lead me to them?

Prayer:

Lord, I confess my attraction to novelty.  I am addicted to the new and different.  It brings me short-lived pleasure but never satisfies.  I yearn for a contented heart.  One that has found its deepest longings fulfilled in you.  Help me to slow down and listen.  Bring elders into my life who can show me the way ahead.  Those who have spent many years walking in the good way.  Grow in me the humility to heed their words and walk the road less traveled as they point me to you.