We are all given choices in life, “free will”. We may fall on the path of rocks or run to the path of peace. Many obstacles are thrown our way throughout life where we are brought to making a decision; are we going to follow God’s path or the destructive path that we may currently be standing on? 

In today’s verse, there are three key notes: ‘ancient paths’, ‘roadways’, and ‘rest for yourselves’. In chapter 6 of the book of Jeremiah, God is speaking to the people of Judah through the prophet Jeremiah and urging the people to follow His commands and not stray from His laws. God earnestly wants the people of Judah to follow the ancient paths so that they may find rest within their souls. However, the people of Judah rejected God’s wish for them. “But they protested, ‘We won’t listen!’” (Jeremiah 6:17b). God then told them that He was going to bring disaster upon them because of their disobedience (Jeremiah 6:19). 

So, what is God saying when He says ‘ancient paths’, ‘roadways’, and ‘rest for yourselves’? The ancient paths in life refer to living according to God’s laws and following His guidance as He instructs us. The roadways that we come upon throughout life are the points in which we have to make decisions. Yes decisions! They are so hard sometimes, especially if you are an indecisive person. But, these roadways are for us to choose between following God’s path that He places down for us or staying glued to the path that is causing destruction over our lives. Lastly, when God tells us in Jeremiah 6:16 to “find rest for yourselves”, it is the ultimate promise of peace over our lives when we follow God’s ways and not our own. 

True peace and contentment is placed over our hearts when we give everything to God. God tells us in Psalms 32:8, “I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give you counsel.” Find peace in knowing that when you fully let go of the path of your life and give it all to God, He will not lead you astray but will instead guide you into a life of peace and promise. Give it all to our loving Father, Prince of Peace, and Lord above all!

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for giving us free will and the ability to let go of our own ways to turn towards Yours. Lord, help us to take our feet off of the rocky path and place them on Your path that brings us light. Help us to give everything to You Lord because we have nothing and You have everything. We love you God. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Actively seek God’s counsel through prayer, Scripture, and the wisdom of spiritually mature people. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding.