At the Crossroads
It’s easy to get caught up in the pace of life. We move from one day to the next, hoping to enjoy life along the way, accomplish what needs to be done, and maybe save enough money to make the future a little better than the past.
But surely there is more to life than that.
God once gave the people of Jerusalem this counsel:
“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
Life is full of choices. Most of them are pretty ordinary: Which product should I buy? What should I watch tonight? What should I have for dinner?
But every now and then, we come to a crossroads where the choice is much more significant. These are the decisions that shape who we are becoming and what our lives will ultimately accomplish.
Those are the choices that require God’s wisdom.
Have you learned to ask God for His “ancient paths”—wisdom that existed long before we did? Have you learned to look for His ways, His purposes, and His truth about life?
And perhaps most importantly, have you settled this question in your heart: If God shows me His way, will I walk in it?
When we seek God’s counsel through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel—and then choose to follow what He shows us—something begins to happen inside us.
His peace settles into our souls.
That doesn’t necessarily mean life will become easier. In fact, sometimes choosing God’s way makes life harder. But there is a deep sense of rest that comes from knowing we are walking in the right direction.
The people of Jerusalem faced their own crossroads. They chose to go their own way instead of God’s way, and they eventually suffered the consequences.
We would do well not to make the same mistake.
So how do we become people who recognize the crossroads and choose God’s way?
1. Don’t wait for the crossroads to learn God’s Word.
Build a growing understanding of Scripture now. Continually refresh yourself with God’s truth by reading and studying the Bible.
What are you reading in the Bible these days?
2. When you come to a crossroads, seek God’s direction—and be willing to follow it.
It helps to make the decision to obey God before the difficult decision arrives. When we have already settled in our hearts that we will follow Him, we are much more prepared to say yes when He shows us the way.
Have you made that decision in your own heart—to obey God, whatever He asks?
3. Develop a lifestyle of prayer and obedience.
The more we talk with God, listen for His direction, and practice doing what He says, the more familiar His ways become.
We will all come to crossroads in life. The question is not whether we will face them, but which way we will choose when we do.
There is a good way. There is an ancient path. And God is willing to show us where it is.
The invitation is simple:
Ask. Listen. Walk. And find rest for your soul.
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