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.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ — Jeremiah 6:16

There must be an explorer side of me because I have always enjoyed, when I had a few extra minutes to waste, taking new roads I’ve never gone down. I am talking about literal roads here. In doing so I’ve found different routes to get home or to a certain part of town, and found places I would not have found, like a park or golf course, etc., if I had not taken that road.

Well, that is all good when you’re in a vehicle but another story when on foot. I love to walk, enjoying God’s creation and I have had some wonderful talks with my Savior, Jesus Christ, on these walks. Yesterday my walking self met with my exploring self.

For the past eight months, minus the dead of winter months, I have walked the same path several times a week. It is a good four mile walk with hills and flat land and some beautiful scenery. Yesterday, being absolutely beautiful and with an expectant 85 degree high, I thought it to be a good day to walk. Now know that I hadn’t done four miles in about 3-4 months.

So, as I am walking the — let’s call them the ancient paths — of familiarity I get to a crossroad. I’ve been there before. We all have experienced crossroads in our lives. Those times when a decision has to be made that will affect your whole life. My decision was to take the road that I had often wondered where it went. That choice affected the next hour and forty-five minutes of my life. When I finally realized where I was, I was still two miles from home (give or take a few inches. At this point every inch was a challenge).

Did I say that the decision to take that path, the one that veered from the ancient path, affected the next hour and forty-five minutes of my life? Well that’s not actually the whole truth. I was exhausted. Today I’m a little sore. Decisions in our life affect more than just the moment we make them.

Want to make the right decisions? Stand by, watch, examine that way. See, search, ask of the Lord and godly people for wisdom to know what path to take. The ancient paths are good. Find them in Jesus, the Word, our Bibles. If you walk in the knowledge of the Lord, seeking His wisdom and walk in Him you will find rest for your soul.

The choice is yours. Will you choose to walk the ancient path with Jesus or say, “We will not walk in it“?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Thank you, Jesus, for the experience and your Word that brings You to life. And thank you Jana for encouraging me to write a devotion on the subject of my exploration.