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Ask for the ancient paths

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"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 5:16)


When we spent 2 months in England (two one-month separate trips), I loved hiking in the Lake District. Located in northern England near the Scottish border, the Lake District is an amazing collection of rivers, lakes, hills, valleys, and mountains. It's breathtakingly beautiful. Photographers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists alike flock there.


Sometimes we hiked with locals (like the trek up Scarfell Pike, scene in the photo above). But most of the time we were on our own. Oftentimes a hike would lead through a number of privately owned swatches of land - all with public access. But on occasion, there would be a crossroads with multiple options to choose from. If we had a good map, we could make our way (this was before smartphones and GPS were standard in everyone's pockets). Othertimes, we just had to guess. Or, on the chance some other hikers were nearby, we could ask them for guidance.


In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, God invites his people to "stand at the crossroads, and look" about where they're choosing to go. There are LOTS of options. Should they take the short-cut... the quickest path? Maybe. What about the long-way around a problem? Perhaps. But God gave them a tip: "ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it." The ancient paths. Ask. Don't assume. Don't expect to figure it out yourself. ASK! Look to those who have gone before. Seek out the 'ancient paths.' It might be more exciting to go "off-roading" and attempt to blaze your own trail... but chances are you won't be as satisfied as if you had taken the ancient path, the good way, that others directed you to.


I want to have people in my life who seek wisdom and give me solid counsel. I want to learn from my elders - from those who have gone before. I also know that the Scriptures are filled with the wisdom of the "ancient paths" of God.


OH LORD... help me to be humble enough to seek direction. Make me open to discerning the "good way" you want me to travel. And thank you for all who help lead me down those paths. AMEN.


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