“Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16a (NIV, 2011)
I can think of no better way to draw close to God than by rising early in the day and spending time with God in prayer. Each day, I rise early, no later than 5:00 AM and have my quiet time and breakfast before leaving for work. Our busy, noisy lives rarely allow us time to be silent, to think, to ponder and to reflect. Consequently, spending a few minutes each morning seeking God and being still before God is one of the best spiritual disciplines for deepening your walk with God. By beginning each morning in the presence of God, you will gain strength for your spiritual journey.
What does the Lord mean by ‘the ancient paths?’ The word ‘ancient’ comes from Hebrew meaning: old, hidden, perpetual, timeless, and from eternity. God’s ways are timeless. Do you know God’s ways? How can you return to them? This is where the good way lies. Good, meaning: pleasant, agreeable, happy, cheerful, merry, resulting in the ancient paths of God.
Do you think that when life is a constant struggle and continual torment on the inside that you are walking in “ancient paths?” When our lives are in line with God, there is agreement with Him. I believe that when we are walking in God’s ‘ancient paths’ we will experience blessings beyond imagination. Yes, we will cross over mountains and rough terrain. We will have to forge over fast moving streams and rocks that are slippery. But, God promised to be with us and never forsake us. Sometimes our arms will be so tired, like Moses’ arms were, so that we cannot hold them up any longer. God will provide those to come along side us, like Aaron and Hur to hold them up for us. Through these difficulties of life, we can make it, down God’s ancient paths.
No musician, no athlete, no dancer, no chef is ever perfect, but through regular, consistent practice each becomes better at their art, skill or craft. It is never easy and requires sacrifice of time and energy, but the rewards are immense. In our case, the reward is a life well lived in relationship with God.
Can you imagine the spiritual power and energy of praying and communing with God each morning? So, let us continue our journey, turning our face, as Jesus did, toward Jerusalem and the cross of Good Friday and the resurrection of Easter Sunday. I pray for you that your life will be refreshed and made new.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 (NIV, 2011)
Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7 (NIV, 2011)
When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries, May Jesus Christ be praised!
As we walk down the Ancient Paths of God together, I remain…
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
