“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.'” (Jeremiah 6:16, New Living Translation)
Life is filled with “crossroads” moments. It begins when the alarm goes off in the morning. Will I get up or will I hit snooze a time (or 3)? Food choices, activities choices, conversation choices … all day long, we make choices and each choice takes us down a path that affects the next choice. And if we choose poorly, it makes it much more difficult (not impossible, thanks be to God) to get back on the right path.
So, how can we best handle those crossroads moments? This verse provides some great wisdom from God.
1. Stop at the crossroads and look around – Don’t just blow through the intersection without noticing the signs and checking to see who else is there. Take a moment to reflect, to pray, to prepare for what’s next.
2. Ask for the old, godly way – This is where a lot of individuals, churches, and organizations mess up. They only ask for the old way … what we’ve always done … what has worked in the past … what is comfortable and familiar. They get message confused with methodology. The old, godly way is not about methods, but wisdom gained from those who have walked with God. Many who came before us were starting something new, they were pioneers and trail blazers who learned how to read the signs and get direction from God. Our paths may lead us to new methodologies, but they should be built on the foundation of godly wisdom.
I heard an interview not long ago with Christian hip hop artist, Lecrae. He is a voracious reader and said he spends a lot of time reading his “DOGs” (Dead Old Guys) … Charles Spurgeon, John Calvin, Francis Shaeffer. He said he did that because he wanted to know who influenced those who have influenced him.
3. Walk in it, travel its path – Don’t get stuck at the crossroads. Once you have prayed, looked around, and sought wisdom, don’t be afraid to move forward. Don’t let fear of the unknown paralyze you. You are not alone and God is not trying to trick you (see James 1:5). Walk in godly ways and you will find rest for your soul. (See what Jesus said about that in Matthew 11:29).
Do you want to know what is tragic? You may not, but I’m going to tell you anyway. I deliberately left off the last sentence in Jeremiah 6:16. Here is it: “But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!'”
God offers wisdom, guidance, and rest for our souls. And we choose MY way.
Question: Who influences your thinking when you are seeking godly wisdom? Let’s assume that most Christ followers will say God or Jesus. Who are your other influencers?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to have you as an influencer.
