The scripture says, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’.” (Jeremiah 6:16)
Isn’t this just the way our sin nature works? We stop, look, listen, and still go the way that pleases us. This is where Repentance comes in.
One of the most frustrating experiences in life is not failure. It’s feeling stuck. You’re not moving backward, but you’re not moving forward either. And our instinct at times like this is to do more, to try harder, and just to push through.
But Jeremiah gives us a different approach: Stand, look, ask, walk. That’s not a formula for self-improvement. It’s a call to return. Because the deeper truth is this: We don’t just get stuck — we drift, and left to ourselves, we don’t naturally choose the correct path. More effort in the wrong direction doesn’t lead to progress. It leads to exhaustion. And so, God doesn’t leave us guessing.
He speaks through His Word. He shows us the path — not just a better life, but life with Him. And even when we’ve gone the wrong way, Jesus comes to meet us there: To forgive, to redirect, to lead. So, this isn’t about finding your way forward. It’s about being led. And that’s where the promise is: You will find rest for your souls.
Prayer
Pray encouragingly: Dear Jesus, thank You very much for always meeting us where we need You and where we are. Lord, forgive us for those times when we just try to push ahead and go our own way, thinking that we see the path so clearly. Help us listen to Your Word, and truly stop, and take time to consider where we are. (pause to meditate)
To look around us and to see the things that are happening in our lives, the decisions we have made, and the place where we’re now standing. Then draw us to ask You for wisdom and guidance, to seek Your Word, to trust in Your promises, and in the places where we’ve discovered we’re in the wrong spot, forgive us, renew us, strengthen us, and then lead us. (pause to meditate)
Lead us so that we might not only delight in Your will, but walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
