If our nation and people have ever been at a crossroads, we are there now. Never has there been a more important time to evaluate where we are — and to determine to walk on the right path: God’s path.

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Recently, during a prolonged personal battle, I began to ask the Lord how I got there and what I needed to do to reach the victory that I knew was already purchased for me at the cross. For several days after that prayer, the Holy Spirit repeatedly brought a familiar scripture to mind.

This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” … (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV).

A Crossroads

A crossroads is defined as a point at which a crucial decision must be made that will have far-reaching consequences.

In the days of Jeremiah, God was directing His people to stop and think about where they were and what they were doing — but they would not listen. I believe He is saying the same thing to His people today.

What path are you on? Are you on the right path? Are you daily pursuing the life God has for you? Are you walking in faith, or are you walking in fear? Are you obeying the Word of God, or have you allowed compromise in your life? Are you listening to the voice of the good shepherd, or are you consumed with other voices?

Only one path leads to life; this truth is woven throughout the entire Bible. It’s up to us to find that path and walk in it. Today is the day to stand at that crossroads, look, listen, and get on the right path.

Ask for the Old Path — the Tried Way

God told His people to ask for the old path, the ancient path. What is the ancient path?

It is the tried-and-true ways of God. In the Old Testament, this was the commandments God had given His people to follow. In the New Testament, we are told that Jesus is the Way, which means the Word of God is the way — the only way. If we are not asking ourselves: What would Jesus do? How would Jesus respond? How would Jesus love? — then we may not be on the right path.

What are the defining characteristics of the Ancient Path?

Faith, wisdom, life and abundance. The ways of God are on this path, but it’s up to us to inquire of the Lord and to ask Him to keep us on that road.

How to Get There

1. Ask the Lord if you need to redirect your steps, or if you are simply treading on a familiar but old path.
2. Ask Him if there is a better path for you and your family and if you need to make any adjustments to the path you are currently on.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14 NKJV.) It is the narrow path that leads to life.

Walk in It

It’s not enough to simply find the right path, we must make a firm decision to daily walk in it.

James 1:22 admonishes us to not only hear the Word of God, but also to obey it and walk in it. The New Living Translation says it this way: But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

Today, many Christians are indeed fooling themselves. It’s sad but true. They may daily read the Word and pray, but their actions tell a different story. They are hearers only and not doers of the Word.

I do not want to be one of those, do you? May we be those who hear the Word, obey what it says and walk daily in it.

Are You Experiencing Rest for Your Soul?

This ancient path has many benefits. One of the greatest is soul rest. Yet few are experiencing this true rest of God.

We know how important it is for our bodies to have a proper night’s sleep. If we fail to get that, there are often negative consequences. Spiritual rest is just as important. Perhaps even more so. If we fail to pursue spiritual rest, negative consequences will occur, such as doubt, unbelief, fear, and hopelessness.

This rest God speaks of is something deep inside and is a reward when we walk in agreement with His Word for our life and our family. It is in that place where we can rest free from fear and in faith of what God has promised.

Remember that the promise of Jeremiah 6:16 is that “you will find rest for your souls.” Are you at rest in your thoughts, feelings, and emotions? Is your heart at rest?

The rest of God is an abode, a place where one dwells. When we are not experiencing that soul rest, it affects our ability to hear His voice. It is difficult to hear God when our soul is restless. However, when we are in His rest, we hear God more clearly and easily. His rest is also a great spiritual weapon against fear, oppression, anxiety, and stress.

Our level of rest coincides with what we allow our mind to meditate on. It directly influences our level of rest. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

I believe that if we take time in this season to stand and look, to ask and listen, we will find the right path. Then as we walk the good path, peace and rest will increase in our lives. Furthermore, the effects of the Enemy in our lives will greatly diminish. Who doesn’t want that?

My friend, stand at the crossroads today, ask for the ancient, tried, and true path, and walk in it. Then, declare with me:

God, I thank You for showing me the right path, and for setting my feet on that path today. Thank You, God that this day I enter the rest of God. My soul, my heart, and my thoughts are all at rest as I walk daily on the path that leads only to life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What is this article stirring in your spirit? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

Kim Potter is a writer and the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, to impart hope. Her daily inspirational writings are available at ANewThingMinistries.com. Photo Credit: Einar Storsul on Unsplash.